If your dog scratches regularly without any apparent sign of a skin lesion, it is likely that he has an allergy.

DIAGNOSIS

The technical term for skin allergies is atopic dermatitis. Atopy is a genetic inflammatory disease in which the dog is sensitive to environmental allergens (pollens, molds, dust mites).

Conventional treatment for this condition is usually a corticosteriod or anti histamine or both. In simple words, steroids, which can have a lasting impact on the health of the dog.

Some Veterinarians can be eager to prescribe these medications to address the problem and make the client - you, not the dog - happy. In many cases, it is a brute force approach and in many cases the poor dog is resigned to stay on these medicines for long periods of time.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial. While skin allergies are usually the cause of itchiness in dogs, other more serious conditions can also cause dogs to scratch incessantly. Some alternative reasons included infections (bacterial or fungal), parasites, immune disorders, skin caners, hormonal disorders, food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis to name just a few.

Long Term Affects of Steroids on Dogs
Sadly, thousands of dogs with chronic allergies are being prescribed potentially harmful steroids and antihistamines, without attempting simpler therapies. For instance, instead of handing a bunch of harmful steroids, pet owners should first consider simpler solutions such as sanitizing their home of allergens - vacuum clean the carpet with Borax, use an HVAC vacuum cleaner, clean out the AC vents, don't let dust accumulate.

Our pets are far more sensitive to these irritants, but everyone stands to benefit from a cleaner living environment. The even sadder news is that the steroids aren't a long term solution and don't really cure the dog. So the minute the dog is off the medicine and not being drugged daily, the symptoms return.

The continued prescription of steroids has long term effects on our beloved pets and we believe impact the life span of your little partner.

This is where alternative therapies to curing allergies in dogs come in and provide a far more humane and effective approach