What causes allergies in dogs? - About medications

This may be a bit sudden, but do you have allergies? There are a variety of allergies in the world, including food, cosmetics, house dust, and pollen. And just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies.

Just like humans with allergies, dogs also need allergy prevention. So, in this article, we'll explain dog allergies and medications.

Please read to the end.

1. Why Dogs Cause Allergies

First, the following are some of the causes of allergies in dogs.

・Pollen

Dogs can also suffer from hay fever. Be careful if you notice any of these symptoms.

• Repeated sneezing
• Rash or redness on fingers, ears, eyes, or around the mouth
• Runny nose
• Seasonal symptoms, such as symptoms subsiding in winter
• Scratching or rubbing the body against the floor or wall
• Scratching the face
• Scratching the ears
• Ear odor
• Redness around the eyes, and more watering and discharge than usual

House dust

This is classified as an environmental allergy.

In particular, canine atopic dermatitis is primarily caused by house dust.

In addition, canine atopic dermatitis can also be caused by pollen and mold.

Dog Food

Allergies can also be caused by eating allergens.

Grains are said to be particularly allergenic for dogs.

They are often included in dog food.

Parasites (fleas, mites, etc.)

Fleas cause flea allergy dermatitis, while mites usually cause mange and canine atopic dermatitis.

*Scabies is a skin disease caused by infection with the dog mite, Sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious mite that develops through contact with an infected dog.

  Normal scabies is a disease caused by an allergic reaction to metabolites such as the cuticles and feces of Sarcoptic mange mites, and can develop even with a small number of parasites.

2. Symptoms of an Allergy

So, what happens if a dog actually experiences the allergic reaction described above?

The following are some examples:

・Pollen

Sneezing and runny nose (allergic rhinitis), watery and itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis), redness and itching of the skin and ears (allergic dermatitis)

・Canine atopic dermatitis

When chronic, the skin becomes dark and thick.

Scratching, licking, hair loss, redness of the skin, scratches, dandruff

Commonly seen in the ears, around the eyes and mouth, on the toes, between the paws, and in intertriginous areas

Grain allergy

Itching around the mouth, ears, and skin, rash, fever, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, tear stains, dandruff, hair loss, thinning hair, rough coat, etc.

・Ordinary Scabies

Very severe itching, redness, dandruff, and scratches

・Flea allergy dermatitis

Very severe itching, redness, hair loss, and bumps

The condition often develops from the base of the tail to the back.

3. What if an allergy (allergic dermatitis) develops? Relying on medication is also important.

So, what should you do if your dog develops allergies?

First, have your pet examined immediately by a veterinarian to identify and address the underlying allergy-causing factors.

Medication may also be necessary. In the early stages, several antihistamines and low-dose steroids are effective.

However, for chronic, severe atopic dermatitis, long-term use of a multi-drug regimen containing around 10 ingredients, including steroids, antihistamines, antiallergic drugs, immunomodulators, thyroid preparations, and vitamin/mineral supplements, is effective.

By mixing multiple medications in powder form, the dosage of each can be reduced, allowing for long-term medication without worrying about side effects.

At the beginning of treatment, you may feel that the amount of oral medication you are taking is high.

However, as symptoms improve, you can reduce the dosage and maintain it at less than one-third of the starting dose.

In chronic atopic dermatitis, taking two or three types of steroids and antihistamine tablets twice a day, as prescribed by a doctor, only provides temporary relief, leading to repeated relapses and worsening symptoms.

Oral medications require dosage adjustment in 0.1 mg increments based on symptoms and body weight, making it difficult to split tablets.

Also, to maximize the effectiveness of oral medications, they must be taken three times a day.

Most medications are broken down and excreted in the body within 6 to 8 hours, so they must be taken at least three times a day to maintain their effectiveness.

4. About Oral Medications

We've discussed medication administration above, and many drug names have been mentioned.

Let's briefly explain what they are.

Steroids

They have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are extremely effective against itching.

However, long-term use can cause side effects such as hormonal abnormalities, diabetes, and increased susceptibility to infections, but these risks can be largely minimized with combination drug therapy.

There is a risk of gastrointestinal disorders in the short term, so careful monitoring is required.

・Antihistamines・Antiallergy Medications

These medications work by blocking histamine, the substance that causes itching.

They are very easy to use because they act gently and have almost no side effects, but satisfactory results cannot be expected when used alone.

However, taking multiple antihistamines in combination with other medications three times a day can be effective and allow for reduced steroid use.

Antibiotics and Antifungals

Skin with a weakened barrier function can develop bacterial or fungal infections. Infected skin can become even more itchy, and if the condition becomes chronic, it can become difficult to treat.

It is important to carefully observe your skin and use medications at the appropriate time.

Thyroid Preparations

This is used in elderly dogs with hypothyroidism and in refractory atopic dermatitis with oily, sticky skin.

Healthy dogs secrete sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, but many dogs with atopic dermatitis have a thyroid deficiency.

Thyroid hormones are involved in many physiological functions, including maintaining heart rate, body temperature, and skin metabolism.

Vitamins/Minerals

Deficiencies of these nutrients impair all physiological functions.

Taking them as a combination increases the effectiveness of treatment.

Topical Medications

Topical medications are rarely used on fur-bearing animals. However, it is often used when symptoms are localized or on areas with thin fur, such as the abdomen, outer ear, or between the toes.

Steroids are also rarely used topically, with little risk of side effects. They come in a range of strengths, medium strengths, and mild strengths, so you can choose the right one based on your pet's symptoms.

5.Summary

What do you think?

Like humans, dogs have a variety of allergies. There are various ways to use medications, so be sure to ask in detail when you get a prescription and make sure you understand how to use them at home.