Doggie Day Care Benefits You and Your Pet

Does Your Dog Suffer From Skin Allergies? What You Can Do To Help

When you have a dogs with allergies that cause contact dermatitis (allergic reactions on the skin or skin allergies), you may wonder what you can do to help them to feel better. Dogs who suffer from skin allergies tend to feel itchy which leads to scratching behaviors, fur loss, and the biting of paws and other areas of the body, sometimes until they develop sores or bleeding. If your dog has contact allergies and has been suffering from such symptoms, get to know some of the steps that you can take to help relieve their discomfort and keep them as healthy as possible.

Consider a Daily Allergy Medication 

Many veterinarians will actually prescribe daily allergy medications to dogs suffering from contact allergies. These medications are often the same ones given to humans (although sometimes in different doses) and can help to reduce symptoms and negative biting and scratching behaviors.

Before you jump right in and start medicating your dog, be sure to ask your veterinarian first. Only certain allergy medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are appropriate for dogs. The dosage will also depend on your dog's size, weight, and the severity of their symptoms as well. So, your veterinarian needs to be involved o help ensure that you administer the right medication in the right dosage.

Take Your Dog In For Regular Grooming

Regular pet grooming appointments for your dog can also help to reduce their skin irritation and discomfort due to allergies. When your dog goes outside for walks, to play in the yard, or just to relieve themselves, their bodies come into contact with allergens, namely pollen.

This can cause the allergens to not only come into contact with your dog's skin, but also become trapped in their fur and remain in contact with their skin for several hours or even days after initial contact. And because your dog needs to go out several times a day, their skin may get progressively more irritated.

Taking them to get groomed (at facilities like Keshlyn Kennels) once a month or a few times a month can help to relieve their discomfort and irritation. Bathing them will get the allergens out of their fur and away from their skin. Soothing shampoos and conditioners that contain oatmeal, lavender, or other known skin soothers can also help to make your dog feel better overall and keep their contact dermatitis under control.

Now that you know a few of the ways that you can help your dog deal with contact skin allergies, you can be sure that you are doing everything you can to help your dog to feel as healthy as possible even with allergies.


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