A dog is said to be the most loyal animal and a man’s best friend. As a pet we love them as if they are our own children and when they aren’t well we feel the pain. It is natural for dogs to contract skin allergies and for owners it can be a very frustrating ordeal. They can also be very difficult to treat.

In order to treat an allergy, a correct diagnosis has to be made. Many times, allergies can cause the same symptoms. Treatment will not be effective unless the diagnosis is correct. Dry itch skin and rashes can literally develop over night for no apparent reason. However, they should not be left alone.

There are many signs which can help you understand if your dog has a skin allergy. For starters, your dog will start itching and licking his skin more than usual. His skin may appear abnormally red and will have moist patches and there may be instances of dried puss and skin as well.

More often than none, the discomfort or irritability that a dog faces can be because of some allergic reaction. The dog may have come in contact with an irritant like shampoo or a flea spray. Other times, it is possible that the dog may have come in contact with plants, household products, or food that didn’t suit him. In this case, insects and parasites could cause the reaction. At times, the allergies and the reactions they cause can be more serious. Fungal infections and thyroid diseases are some of the most common ones.

Sometimes, the allergies can be seasonal. Dust mites, pollen and molds can cause your dog irritation, same as they would to humans. To understand the pattern of your dog’s allergies, make note of when and how often the allergies occur.

Treatment for dog skin allergies are the following:

Temporary immediate relief: To give your dog immediate yet temporary relief, opt for medicated shampoos and cool baths with Epsom salts. However, even medicated shampoos can contain harmful substances. This is effective at times when the dog has come into contact with a chemical or plant that leaves residue on the dog’s skin of fur.

Use anti-histamine: Anti-histamine can help stop the dog’s body from reacting to the allergy. It can be found over the counter in most pet stores and your super markets section for pets. They are harmless and virtually have no side effects.

Oral medications and injections: More serious allergies will require oral medications and injections. Medications like Benadryl are highly potent and will need a veterinarian’s prescription.

Monitor exposure and behavior: More of a preventive measure, it is important to monitor your dogs behavior and activities. This will allow you to determine which plants, foods or chemicals will cause your dog allergies.

Ultimately, your dog’s health depends a lot on the efforts you make as an owner to take care of it. Feed your pet the right things, keep him away from unusual substances and ensure he gets regular check up with the veterinarian.