How To Care For Dogs With Hypoallergenic Conditions

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to allergies than others. This may be due to a small nasal passage, allergic reactions to flea bites, a sensitive stomach that makes digesting food difficult, or they may be allergic to their own hair and dander. Some dogs commonly suffer from allergies include terriers, retrievers, beagles, setters, and boxers. While these breeds are the most susceptible, all dogs have the potential to be allergic to something.

Allergy Symptoms

The most common signs of allergies include raw skin where the dog has scratched, patches of missing hair, red skin, hives, coughing, sneezing, excessive chewing and licking of paws, watery eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea. While these symptoms may go away after a few days, you should monitor your dog's behavior to see if the symptoms return. If they do, you should take your dog to see a vet. Sometimes changing the type of dog food or buying a flea collar or spray is enough to help eliminate your dog's allergy problems.

Allergies can cause your dog's mood to change. They may become irritable, lethargic, clingy, or angry. Discipline will not work when the dog is suffering from an allergy. The best way to combat this problem is to learn how to care for your dog once you have isolated the cause of the allergies. The easiest way to do this is by keeping a journal of your dog's activities, diet, and symptoms. This information will be handy when you visit a veterinarian, who will be able to recommend treatment.

What Works

If you notice fleas on your dog you should bathe them with a mild shampoo that kills fleas and their eggs. You may need to rid your home of fleas as well so that re-infestation does not occur. Buying carpet spray can get rid of the infestation, but if the problem is too big, you should call a professional exterminator. Once the fleas are gone, you should spray your dog whenever he (or she) goes outside. This will prevent new attacks from occurring. If the dog has open bites or wounds from scratching, you will have to wait for them to heal before using a spray or shampoo on your dog.

Many small breeds have breathing issues as they age. When this occurs it is important to keep their sleeping area clean. You will nee to vacuum often, and you may consider buying a hepa filter to trap dust, particles, and other air pollutants in the air. When it is cold outside, keep small breeds indoors, this will keep them from getting head colds, which could make breathing even worse.

Dogs that are allergic to their own hair and dander have the worst allergies of all because there is little that can be done. You should make sure your dog is groomed regularly. Brush them everyday to remove excess hair and dander, and bathe your dog at least once a month. Your vet may prescribe an anti-histamine if the allergies persist.