|
|
Dog Ear Infection Allergy
The most common dog ear infection allergy is caused by inhalant
allergies (called atopy). This is the most common cause of
persistent ear infections in dogs. It is important to control these
ear infections early and consistently. If this is not done the
inflammation changes the structure of the ear canal and makes it
harder to treat the infection and in many cases the more difficult
types of bacteria to kill eventually inhabit the ear.
People usually have respiratory symptoms with inhalant allergy but
dogs usually have problems with their skin and ears. Common inhaled
allergens include pollen, grass, trees, dander, mold, or any other
airborne particles. Inhalant allergies in dogs usually cause itching
especially on the feet, legs, abdomen, and around the eyes, chronic
dermatitis sometimes with secondary infection, and a dog ear
infection allergy. These symptoms usually occur seasonally, usually
lasting less than 4 months at a time, and usually begins when the
pet is from 1 to 3 years old.
Another thing that can cause a dog ear infection allergy is food.
Food allergy in dogs causes itching of the face, licking of the
feet, and recurrent ear infections. The initial diagnosis of food
allergy involves ruling out other causes of itching, such as mange
and fleas, lack of improvement with cortisone therapy that is
typical of inhalant allergies, and the itching is not a seasonal
problem but occurs year round. Dogs can develop a food allergy after
being on the same food for years.
Diagnosing a dog ear infection allergy caused by food is mostly done
by a trial and error method directed by the veterinarian. To
correctly do a food allergy trial, a food must be chosen to which
the dog has never been exposed. Many so called hypoallergenic diets,
such as lamb and rice, are not actually hypoallergenic because these
ingredients have been used in many commercial diets in recent years.
A veterinarian has access to several hypoallergenic diets containing
protein sources, such as venison and potato, duck and potato, fish
and potato, and egg and rice. During this food trial, which should
last 10 weeks, a dog can not have access to any other foods,
including treats.
|
