Finding out why you have an itchy dog can be frustrating. But through a process of elimination we can usually find the reason. Talk to us in store about your specific needs and we will do our best to help you find solutions that work for your pet.
Here are some tips from Eezapet about possible allergens to look out for:
Foods
- Not all foods are equal.
- If you are feeding a dry biscuit then look at the ingredients listed – do you know what all the ingredients actually are? Some kibbles contain high amounts of grains, fillers, additives, preservatives and colourings.
- Beef allergies can be quite common due to naturally occurring histamines developing in the aging process of the meat. This is the reason there seems to be more allergies to beef.
- Processed meats can cause reactions due to the high content of additives and sulphites – think things like hams, bacon, sausages etc.
- Grains can be a common allergen and can affect some pets terribly – this can display as rashes or in my dog’s case daily vomiting before I realised. There are more and more grain free options available in the dog food market.
- Look at what treats you are giving your dog – Do you know all the ingredients? Maybe it has a high content of grains or beef. (While usually a small amount is ok, with an allergy dog it can be just one allergen on top of another causing the system to breakdown).
- Or maybe it’s a high concentration of unnatural ingredients. Think of the ‘false treats’ out there that are coated or contain chemicals, preservatives, additives and colourings – all unnecessary for a dog’s diet. There are many great NZ made natural treat brands available.
Shampoos
- What kind of shampoo are you or your groomer using?
- Human shampoos can change the PH of the skin (and some contain ingredients that are too harsh for a dog’s skin). Do not use human shampoos on dogs.
- Dog shampoos or dog soap bars have the correct PH balance and natural ones are generally less harsh and less likely to cause reactions. But again look at the ingredients.
Household items and cleaners
- What washing detergents do you use when washing your dog’s bedding or toys. Wash dog toys also.
- If you use a powder type – granules can stay in the fibres causing further irritations. Liquid options can be washed out more easily during the rinse cycle.
- Natural detergents can be less harmful to sensitive dogs.
- Harsh chemical cleaners can often create reactions but not only that some natural brands can also cause reactions too.
Room Sprays
- These can cause mild reactions or severe reactions. One of our customers had a room atomizer intermittently spraying above their dog’s bed. All of this was landing on the dog. Easy fix – removal from dog’s area or better still complete removal from house (the spray not the dog lol).
Fly sprays
- Again look at the ingredients. Never spray fly spray whilst any pet is in the house. Some contain pyrethrums (naturally occurring from the pyrethrum plant) and have a level of toxicity that may be harmful.
Essential Oils
- Essential oils can be a healing force but are concentrated and therefore can have a strong effect. Never use essential oils to treat your animals or yourself without doing a lot of research or getting advice from a qualified aromatherapist.
- A few of our customers expressed that tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions to their dogs. Every dog is different.
- Did you know that cats lack the ability to process essential oils? Essential oils are toxic to cats – due to the cat's physiology they lack the ability to eliminate some of the compounds and these toxins can build up in the organs, which can cause ongoing problems and can be fatal.
Pollens
- Can come from a variety of plants – pine pollens are one. But I’ve just learnt of a dog that is allergic to Frangipani flowers. Pollen allergies can appear as hay-fever like symptoms – think eyes, nose and can also show up as skin rashes and balding patches. Learn tips on managing pollens.
Dust mites
- Dust mites are one of the most common allergens to dogs. Wash your dog’s bedding often in hot water – drying in the sun or in a dryer to kill the little blighters. Have a vacuum with a hepa filter – and always empty the vacuum outside so that the dust mites can’t float around and land back in your carpets and bedding causing further irritations.
Plants
- Agapanthus, grasses, grass seeds, wandering dew can cause reactions on dogs too.
Fleas
- It is important to remember that you don’t necessarily have to see a flea to have a flea allergy dermatitis – dogs can be allergic to the faeces or eggs or even just one bite - learn more on fleas.
Keep a diary!
If your dog is having constant rashes then keeping a daily diary is invaluable – write down all experiences of that day – where they walked – what foods they were given – any extra treats – what brand, type – any human foods given – note any rashes developing – any itches – anything different about your dog. All these things can help form a pattern when you look back at them a few weeks later.
With any allergies it is important to break the itch/scratch cycle which is one of the benefits of Eezapet. Dogs will quickly spread a rash over their bodies by the continual itching, licking and biting. Nip any rash in the bud by applying Eezapet at first signs. Eezapet breaks the itch/scratch cycle – half the battle in containing rashes.
Eezapet relieves itching in 5-15 minutes, holding power 5-6 hours. These are the result of Eezapet's case studies conducted by the Wellington SPCA vets. Having a fast-acting, effective product means your pet is relieved, their skin is soothed and you can have an itch-free household again.
Source: Eezapet