K-State veterinarian says a dog's frequent and severe itching may be sign of allergy

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Source: Mary Bagladi-Swanson, 785-532-4159, mswanson@vet.k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Chloe Bos, 785-532-6415

Thursday, October 13, 2005

K-STATE VETERINARIAN SAYS A DOG'S FREQUENT AND SEVERE ITCHING MAY BE SIGN OF ALLERGY

MANHATTAN -- Allergies may be the culprit if your dog's scratching and rubbing have become more frequent and severe, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian.

"Dogs can have allergies just like people," said Mary Bagladi-Swanson, assistant professor at K-State's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. "They often have allergies to pollens, house dust mites and other parasites, including fleas, or sometimes to an ingredient in the food they are eating."

Allergy symptoms also can include skin redness and hair loss caused by continuous scratching, she said.

A less common allergy is a contact allergy. Dogs may be allergic to something they touch, such as what they sleep on or a plant, Bagladi-Swanson said. Dogs also may contract allergies because of a genetic influence. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to developing lifelong allergies. Skin infections, caused by bacteria and yeast, often complicate allergic skin disease and increase the level of itching.

It takes a certain period of exposure to the allergens for dogs to develop symptoms. Many dogs start to show signs of allergies to pollens, for example, when they are 1 year to 3 years old, Bagladi-Swanson said.

"It can be difficult for owners to tell the difference between an allergic and non-allergic cause of itching, but a veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests to differentiate between the causes of itching," she said.

"One therapy option for your itchy dog is medical management. This includes antihistamines and fatty acid supplements, but these don't always work well for every dog," Bagladi-Swanson said. "A soothing shampoo purchased from the veterinarian's office can help in mild cases."

Frequently, allergy testing may be needed to determine the particular allergens bothering the dog.

"The tests are very similar to the ones people experience when being tested for allergies," Bagladi-Swanson said. "After allergy testing, specific 'allergy shots' are given. The goal of 'allergy shots' or immunotherapy, is to build tolerance against the allergens and decrease the allergic response."

The best way to diagnose a food allergy is with a special dietary trial, Bagladi-Swanson said. The trial introduces a new protein source your dog has never been exposed to and the itch is reassessed after being fed the new diet for several weeks. Dietary manipulation by a veterinarian is used for long-term management of food allergies.

Steroids are sometimes used to treat dog allergies, but Bagladi-Swanson said she recommends using other, potentially safer options for long-term management.

If you notice any abnormal scratching, skin redness, hair loss or skin lesions on your dog, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian, she said. If your dog does have allergies, the veterinarian will evaluate different treatment options to best suit your pet.