ALLERGIC DERMATITIS
Allergic dermatitis cannot be prevented and often cannot be cured but limiting exposure to allergens will help to reduce the clinical signs. Allergic signs can be seasonal. Some breeds are more likely to develop certain types of allergies.
Common types of allergic dermatitis:
Flea bite allergy (you may not see any fleas as your pet can be allergic to the saliva of just 1 flea)
Food allergy
Atopy (allergens are inhaled or absorbed through the skin)
Contact allergy (grass, detergents, floor polish)
Drug reactions
Allergies to other parasites (ticks, mites, worms)
Signs of allergic dermatitis:
Scratching, licking, chewing or biting the skin, ears and feet
Red, raised, scaly areas
Bumps, crusts or pustules
Increase in skin pigmentation
Thickened skin
Hair loss
Saliva staining (for example a brown colour on the feet)
Head shaking
Our vets may take some samples from your pet's skin and the treatment will depend on the type of allergy diagnosed. It is very important to follow all the instructions from our vets. Good flea control is essential as well as eliminating certain foods and reducing environmental allergens. We stock a wide range of products at Southern Cross which help with allergic dermatitis such as diets, shampoos and fatty acid supplements.
Allergic dermatitis cannot be prevented and often cannot be cured but limiting exposure to allergens will help to reduce the clinical signs. Allergic signs can be seasonal. Some breeds are more likely to develop certain types of allergies.
Common types of allergic dermatitis:
Flea bite allergy (you may not see any fleas as your pet can be allergic to the saliva of just 1 flea)
Food allergy
Atopy (allergens are inhaled or absorbed through the skin)
Contact allergy (grass, detergents, floor polish)
Drug reactions
Allergies to other parasites (ticks, mites, worms)
Signs of allergic dermatitis:
Scratching, licking, chewing or biting the skin, ears and feet
Red, raised, scaly areas
Bumps, crusts or pustules
Increase in skin pigmentation
Thickened skin
Hair loss
Saliva staining (for example a brown colour on the feet)
Head shaking
Our vets may take some samples from your pet's skin and the treatment will depend on the type of allergy diagnosed. It is very important to follow all the instructions from our vets. Good flea control is essential as well as eliminating certain foods and reducing environmental allergens. We stock a wide range of products at Southern Cross which help with allergic dermatitis such as diets, shampoos and fatty acid supplements.
