Allergic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. It can be caused by many things, but regardless of the source, the end result is itching and the subsequent irritation caused by an overactive immune response.

SIGNS OF ALLERGIC DERMATITIS

Signs of allergic dermatitis include itching and hair loss along with frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and eyes. Often the pet will lick or scratch its ears, feet, armpits, thighs or groin. This constant trauma will often cause chronic infections.

CAUSES OF ITCHING

In many cases, the same pollens and house dust that cause asthma in people also cause allergic dermatitis in dogs and cats. It can be very difficult to distinguish between true allergies and the many local irritants that can cause itching.

TREATMENT

To achieve success in treating allergic dermatitis, you must first follow the instructions of your veterinarian. Your pet's allergy may need to be managed by numerous methods including injections, oral medications, topical shampoos, dips, ointments, environmental treatments or special foods.

Avoidance of the allergen is very important and often difficult, especially when your pet is allergic to more than one source. One type of avoidable allergy is food allergy. Many possible causes of food allergy have been identified including dairy products, beef, fish, mutton, pork, chick, wheat, corn, soy, eggs and many others. Recent studies have indicated one of the best ways to diagnose a food allergy is by feeding an elimination diet for several weeks. An elimination diet is a pet food that contains a limited number of protein sources and no artificial flavors or colors. If a homemade recipe is used for long periods of time it must be properly balance. Do not ignore or substitute any ingredients without first consulting your veterinarian. Remember that cats need taurine in their food. Clam juice, by itself, is not an adequate source of taurine.

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