How to help your Dog with Allergies?

An allergy occurs when the bodys immune system overreacts to a harmless substance(usually a protein, called an allergen). Atopy, or atopic dermatitis, is an allergy to environmental allergens such as: grass, tree, and weed pollens, house dust mites, other insects, feathers, sheep wool, and molds. These allergens are inhaled and are absorbed through the skin. The allergic reaction leads to itchiness and inflammation of the skin and/or ears, and can lead to secondary baterial or yeast infections of the skin or in the ears. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common dermatological diseases in the dog.

How is atopy treated?

There is no cure for atopy, but about 90% of atopic dogs can be managed to satisfactory level. Treatment is life-long and often requires periodic adjustments to continue effectiveness over time. Successful treatment involves two components: 1)reduction in exposures to allergens, 2) hyposensitization ("allergy shots"), and/or medical treatment.

What can be done at home for my dog?

if sensitive to house dust mites-keep out of room when cleaning/vacuuming for several hours, or have a professional cleaning company remove the dust mites, wash bedding in hot water and dry in a hot dryer, use a plastic zippered cover over the dog bed, avoid stuffed toys, run the air conditioner in hot/humid weather, and frequently mop the dogs main living area.

if sensitive to molds - keep out of damp basements, avoid barns, keep dog away when mowing lawn, clean/disinfect humidifiers, avoid having large numbers of house plants, avoid confining dog to high moisture rooms (laundry room, bathroom), use dehumidifiers, clean household to disinfect.

if sensitive to pollens - avoid fields, keep grass short, rinse or wipe your pet off after out in grasses, keep dog indoors at dusk and early morning hours during heavy pollen season, use air conditioners, keep dog away while mowing lawn. Some people choose to buy air filters for their home to help reduce dust mites, pollens, and molds from the air.

VioClean LLC
All Green Cleaning Solutions