Best Treatments for Dogs with Allergic Dermatitis

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Here at Affordable Pet Hospital in Tampa, we see many cases of dogs with allergic dermatitis. Allergic dermatitis (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition that results from an allergic reaction to a substance in the environment, such as pollen, mold, or food. Symptoms can include red, itchy skin, hair loss, and even skin infections. While it can be a frustrating condition to manage, there are several effective treatments available to help manage symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life.

Medication

One of the most effective treatments for dogs with allergic dermatitis is medication. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs can help reduce itching and inflammation and can be administered orally or topically. Your veterinarian can recommend the best type of medication for your dog based on the severity of their symptoms and other medical conditions.

Diet

Another effective treatment for dogs with allergic dermatitis is dietary management. In some cases, a food allergy may be the underlying cause of a dog’s skin problems. Switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet can help eliminate the source of the allergy and improve symptoms. Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet can also help. Your veterinarian can recommend a high-quality diet that is appropriate for your dog.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medication and dietary management, there are several lifestyle changes for you and your dog that can help manage symptoms of allergic dermatitis. These include regular bathing and grooming, using a medicated or grain-free shampoo, doing foot soaks to remove allergens from the feet, and vacuuming more frequently. Speak with your veterinarian to learn about these simple changes that can have a huge impact on your dog’s allergic dermatitis symptoms.

Immunotherapy

While some immunosuppressive drugs can be given orally, for cases of allergic dermatitis caused by genetics or that have not responded well to less invasive treatments, immunotherapy injections may be the best option. These injections are given in a very similar manner to immunotherapy injections in humans and are customized to the dog’s specific allergy triggers.

Allergic Dermatitis Treatment for Your Dog in Tampa

It’s important to remember that managing allergic dermatitis can take time and patience. In some cases, it may take several weeks or months to see improvement, and it may be necessary to try several different treatments before finding the best solution. With the right combination of treatments, however, many dogs with allergic dermatitis can live happy, healthy lives. If your dog is struggling with allergic dermatitis symptoms and you live in the Tampa area, contact Affordable Pet Hospital at 813-991-9898 to schedule an appointment today.