While not all dachshunds suffer from allergies, many of them are prone to the condition. Food, environmental factors, products, and fleas are some of the common causes of allergies in dachshunds.
Did you know…that wiping your dog down with a moist towel or rag can help prevent skin allergies? Doing this each time after your dachshund goes outside can help minimize the amount of allergens found on your dog’s coat.
Signs and Symptoms
How do you know if your dachshund has allergies? Some of the symptoms to look for and alert your veterinarian of include;
- Skin Irritation
- Hair Loss
- Bumps on Skin/ Skin Sores
- Compulsive Licking or Chewing of Skin
- Dry Skin
Certain ingredients in dog food, such as corn and soy, can cause allergies in your dachshund. Your dog may display gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) as well as skin symptoms.
Ingredients in dog products can also trigger an allergic response. Products such as shampoos, flea medication, and scented powder should be carefully chosen for dachshunds with allergies. Perfumes in particular, should be kept as far away as possible from your little hot dog to prevent an allergic reaction. Make sure you tell your groomer to use a special shampoo and avoid perfumes and powders too.
Like with us, environmental factors are also a common cause of allergies in canines. Dachshunds especially, are more sensitive to pollen, dust, plants, and other particles in the air.
Lastly, flea saliva is another cause of allergies in dachshunds. Skin irritation, redness, itchiness, and dryness may indicate that your dog is allergic to flea saliva. Although flea saliva allergy is not usually a life-threatening condition, it can cause a skin infection which can develop into a more serious problem if not treated.
Allergies due to environmental factors, products, and flea saliva are typically diagnosed upon physical examination.
Food allergies on the other hand, are harder to diagnose and are often confused for a different type of allergy. In order to diagnose the condition, your veterinarian will prescribe a special diet and restrict any other food or treats for a specified time period. This method of diagnosis helps rule out food triggers and also allows the vet. to see if your doxy shows improvement with the diet change.
Once your veterinarian has determined that your doxy has a food allergy, a special diet will have to be maintained. In addition, the ingredients your dachshund is allergic to will have to be avoided.
Products that cause allergies in your dachshund, as well as other products that contain the same ingredients will also have to be kept away from your dog.
As for environmental allergies, antihistamines will likely be prescribed to keep the symptoms under control. Antibiotics may additionally be recommended if an infection is present. In severe cases, your veterinarian may decide to treat your dog’s condition with corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) to help with the inflammation and itchiness.
The first step required to treat flea allergy in your dachshund is to eliminate the fleas. Once-a-month medications for fleas are available over the counter in veterinary clinics. Two products that seem to work great for dogs with flea allergy are Frontline Plus and Comfortis. Your veterinarian will also prescribe antihistamine to help with the itching, and a special shampoo that will help soothe your doxy’s irritated skin.
Although your dachshund cannot be cured of allergies, the condition can be kept under control. Once you find out what the different allergy triggers are in your doxy, you will be able to easily manage the condition.
Allergies. ASPCA. Retrieved June 22, 2012, from http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-allergies.aspx
Marsalla, Dr. R. Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs. PetPlace. Retrieved June 22, 2012, from http://www.petplace.com/dogs/flea-allergy-dermatitis-in-dogs/page1.aspx
Does your doxy suffer from allergies? Share how you’ve helped your dog cope with this condition.