There have been a dramatic increase

There have been a dramatic increase in the number of pet dogs that exhibit allergic reactions in recent years. Skin allergies are the most common reason for doggy visits to the vet. Some breeds seem to be more susceptible to developing allergies but overall it is now estimated that particular one in seven dogs suffers from some type of allergy.

The discomfort is trigger by the reaction orthopedic dog beds to the allergen. Your canine may be allergic to certain foods, to inhaling some pollens or molds or be allergic to turf in your yard. The immune reply produced by the dog's system generates the symptoms we call allergic reactions.

Following your first exposure to a product or allergen the dog's immune system manufactures antibodies. A second and later exposure to that allergen triggers an antibody response liberating histamine into the canine system which is responsible for the physical reaction.

The most common human response to an allergen will be respiratory in nature. We may sneezing and nasal cavities may get congested. Our eyes may normal water and our nose runs.

Throughout dogs, an allergic reaction is most often displayed as a skin problem. Itching could be the result and dogs may damage constantly at their skin seeking to relieve that itch. Living with epidermis that itches uncontrollably can make your canine friend miserable and unpleasant to be close to.

The scratching he does inside trying to relieve the itch could cause bare spots on your dog's fur and raw, red patches on his skin. Open wounds may build which leave the dog open to second bacterial and fungal infections that just worsen his skin condition.

There are several categories of canine allergies:


 * Flea allergy dermatitis caused by fleas along with other biting insects


 * Inhaled compounds such as grass pollen, molds, filter pollen and dust mites


 * As well as drug allergies


 * Contact Allergic reactions caused by irritants or materials your canine is allergic to

The first step in questioning a canine skin problem is to address the most common source - fleas. Over a light colored dog you can easily watch flea dirt which is excrement lodged by the fleas and looking inside the rear legs and on the dog's tummy will often see fleas crawling above your dog.

On dogs with dim fur, fleas may not be as obvious. Combing with a fine toothed flea comb, however, will often reveal arsenic intoxication the parasites. If you place a piece of light paper under your dog, the flea detritus removed by the comb or even brush will be easy to see.

Controlling dog allergies is a process of elimination. If perhaps fleas are present, it's a problem which might be solved rather quickly.

Capstar is a allnight flea killer. Your dog is given one particular pill only and Capstar gets rid of all adult fleas on your puppy within 24 hours. The next day you can employ a topical spot on treatment that can keep your dog flea free by simply interrupting the life cycle of fleas and killing new fleas because they hatch from eggs laid in your dogs skin.

It is equally important to reduce fleas in your dog's living quarters by simply washing his bedding and the treatment of furniture and carpets with flea killing spray or powder. Cleaning frequently will remove dead fleas and flea eggs from floor covering and flooring. It is the combination of managing the dog and his environment that leads to successfully eliminating flea allergy dermatitis causing skin problems for your pet.

Treating inhaled substances such as pollens can be needs only seasonally. This type of allergies in dogs is often treated with antihistamines and in severe cases with steroidal drugs during the time when the dog is most infected.

Food, drug and contact contaminants in the air can be difficult to identify. A veterinarian devoted to dermatology can test your dog by utilizing a carefully designed pattern of tiny injections where a reaction at an injection site may indicate a source of the allergy. It is possible to design therapy plan that over weeks or even months will desensitize the animal and reduce or eliminate future allergic responses.

Dogs will scratch on occasion but if your dog is frantically scratching throughout the day there is a good chance he is suffering a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction. A trip to the vet is indicated. Your veterinarian may recommend a great allergy medication for your dog of which relieves the itch or could advise further testing to identify the situation. Controlling an allergic reaction provides comfort for your dog and prevents damaged skin that can result in more serious problems in the future.