| Environmental allergens (such as ragweed, pollens, grasses, trees, molds, etc) have long been suspected as being a major factor in flare-ups of canine seasonal allergic dermatitis (known as atopy). Multiple routes of exposure include ingestion and inhalation but most recently contact and skin exposure has been considered a major role in intensity of allergic symptoms. |  |
This highlights the important need for frequent application of topical therapy to remove the allergens and decrease penetration of the skin and subsequent itching and inflammation from these allergens. Therefore, I recommend frequent bathing with low allergy products on a routine basis to help relieve clinical symptoms and also help cut down on drug doses needed to control allergies.
In some affected patients bathing up to 2-3 times weekly is often quite helpful. Some of my favorite shampoos for this include 1-800-PetMeds Oatmeal and Aloe Vera Shampoo and Conditioner or Epi Soothe Shampoo and Epi Soothe Oatmeal Cream Rinse to name a few.
Read Related Posts on PetMeds Blog:
2 Comments
Don’t forget fish oil! One of my dogs developed an awful allergic reaction. I put him on a daily fish oil supplement and was able to avoid riskier treatments such as cortisone shots entirely! He hasn’t had an issue with allergies since. Omega-3 fatty acids offer so many health benefits other than the treatment of allergies as well.
[Reply]
dog allergies fall into four categories:
* Those caused by fleas and other biting insects (flea allergy dermatitis)
* Those caused by inhaled allergens such as dust mites, grasses, molds, and tree and weed pollens (canine atopy)
* Those caused and by foods and drugs (food allergies)
* Those caused by irritants that have direct contact with the skin (contact allergies)
[Reply]
Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
These are a nice summary of allergens in pets. thans for sharing
[Reply]