Allergic Dermatitis Caused By Pets
It’s been known that allergies are one of the most common causes of skin conditions. People encountered it usually in pets, especially dogs, as often seen in humans. Allergies in pets can cause skin conditions. Allergies go by several names; allergic skin disease, the atopy and allergic inhalant dermatitis. Allergies are chronic in nature that makes it hard to control. Allergies can cause frustration to pet owners be cause they do not know what the pets are feeling since the pets can not talk. Correct diagnosis with proper therapy given early in the course of the disease will minimize the frustration.
What is Allergic Dermatitis?
Allergic dermatitis is inflammation of the skin due to exposure to a substance that an animal is allergic to. The most common cause of allergic dermatitis is the pets; when they themselves get allergens in the environment and are inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Grass, tree pollens and weeds, house dust, wool, feathers and cigarette smoke are also common substances. Food allergy is also occasionally the cause of allergic dermatitis and some pets have both problems.
Allergic dermatitis is a condition characterized by dry, itchy skin and is likely a genetic problem. Clothing, soap, bacteria, dust-mites and climate are environmental factors to allergies. Emotional stress can also worsen the problem of allergic dermatitis.
Symptoms of Allergic Dermatitis
Itching is the primary symptom of allergic dermatitis is itching. Common areas to be affected are the eyes, ears, muzzles, armpits, feet, legs, and abdomen. Usually allergies are seasonal but may also become a year round problem. It is suspected that the tendency to develop allergies is hereditary. Ruling out other causes of itchy skin is the first step in dealing with allergic dermatitis.
Medications for Allergic Dermatitis
Corticosteroids such as prednisolone is the most common and effective medication for allergic dermatitis. We can also try other medications for pets whose allergies cannot be controlled with corticosteroids or if the side effects of the medications are annoying to them. These alternative remedies include essential fatty acids and antihistamines. These medications do not work as well as corticosteroids but they are helpful in some pets. Hypoallergenic diet may also be tried to see if food allergies are causing the dermatitis.
Preventive Care for Allergic Dermatitis
We all know that most allergies cannot be prevented. Only if we limit the exposure to allergens, some of the clinical signs will be alleviated. Treating the pet alone is not sufficient enough to control the problem.
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