Dog skin allergies are one of the most common health disorders experienced by a Bichon.
The good news is that frequent grooming, hypoallergenic shampoo and attention to diet, may help in treating or preventing skin allergies in dogs.
There is an irony here. While Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic and a good choice for people with allergies, the Bichon Frises themselves, are prone to a number of allergies.
Most Bichon Frise allergies present as skin problems, so proper care and attention to your dog, can minimize your dog’s discomfort.
The redness and irritation seen on the dog’s skin are known as hot spots.
If your Bichon Frise is going to develop dog skin allergies, you will most likely see symptoms during the warmer months of the year.
Causes of Bichon Allergies
It would be nice if there was just one cause for skin allergies in dogs, but that is not the case! Here are some causes that you should be aware of…
- Food - Feeding your dog, food or drink which contains ingredients that your dog may be allergic to, often causes food allergies. It can be quite difficult to determine what the allergen is-especially if your dog has other allergies. So it would be best if you consult your vet for the proper food type that would be suitable for your Bichon. Low quality dog food with fillers can cause allergies. In addition, dairy products are known food allergens.
- Flea bites - Both fleas and lice can cause irritiation and patches of eczema on your dog. If your dog is bitten by fleas or lice, he will scratch and lick the affected area. Most of the time, your dog will end up hurting himself to ease the itch so be sure to act on it as soon as possible.The best way to prevent allergy skin irritation, is to make sure that your dog does not have fleas or lice. This can be difficult with the thick fur on a Bichon, as fleas can hide very easily in a Bichon’s thick coat.Bathe your Bichon regularly, and use a good natural, gentle and soothing Natural Pet Flea Shampoo
to deter the nasty pests.
- Airborne/Inhalants - These are the most common causes of dog skin allergies. Dust, pollens, and mold spores can cause a hayfever or asthma-like condition in dogs. Some dogs get a hayfever-like allergy during the summer months, but many have allergies to things like dust or mold—that irritate their conditions all year.Knowing exactly what your dog is allergic to, can be very difficult to determine. So a good first step to preventing canine allergies in your Bichon, is to just keep your home very clean and free of excess dust and dirt.
Skin Allergies Symptoms
There are a few symptoms of dog allergies that you may notice:
- Scratching - is often the first symptom that you notice.
- Dogs with allergies develop hot spots that are itchy or itchy and sore. These hot spots get red and swollen. If you don’t treat them, they may become infected.
- Eczema - flaking of the skin with itching and redness. Eczema could be described as a bad case of dandruff.
- Digestive problems - such as vomiting and diarrhea can be seen on dogs suffering from food allergies. It may even result to ear infections.
- Hair loss
- Foul odors
Treatment for Bichon Allergies
Here are some ways to lessen the effects of canine allergies:
- Bathe your Bichon Frise regularly, using Natural Oatmeal Hypoallergenic Shampoo
to ease the discomfort.
- Feed your dog with a good quality dog food. Go for quality rather than quantity. In the long run, both you and your dog will suffer if you do not invest in good food now.
- Keep your house clean by dusting regularly and cleaning every nook and corner where your dog is likely to hide. Bichon Frises can find all kinds of hiding places that you might overlook!
- Use a natural remedy to relieve the itching. One of my dogs had allergies, and I used a homeopathic remedy, Allergy Itch Ease Spray to sooth and relieve the itching. This natural remedy is easy to administer and is safe.
- Consult with your veterinarian, as soon as you suspect allergies. Your vet can help you determine the cause of your dog’s symptoms—and how to get rid of them!
Dog skin allergies, while very common in Bichon Frises, can be minimized, if not avoided. Take care to give your dog a good quality dog food, bathe him regularly and make sure that he doesn’t come into contact with allergens that trigger a reaction in your dog.
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