Yesterday morning, after a busy weekend of travel—which included my Lhasa Apso’s first experience of “doggie paddling” in a wading pool, I noticed his belly was unusually pink and itchy. As a dog with several environmental allergies, Emerson tends to experience heightened allergy-related flare-ups during the spring and summer. Today, the appearance of red sores from itching prompted me to take him to my veterinarian for an exam. After a thorough look at his skin and coat, my veterinarian determined that he had pyoderma, a type of bacterial skin infection that results from abrasions that allow bacteria to enter the skin’s surface. Licking, chewing and scratching itchy skin—due to allergies or another irritation—often cause skin trauma that can lead to pyoderma.
Allergies are a very complex issue; many different types and categories exist. I consult with my veterinarian regularly to determine the best diet, treats and even shampoos for Emerson. Sometimes, as in Emerson’s case, veterinarians will prescribe steroids and anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve and manage the itchy symptoms. To treat the pyoderma, my veterinarian prescribed an antibiotic. My veterinarian said I should see the irritation clear up within a few days while the steroids and anti-inflammatory medications will help manage his allergy symptoms. My veterinarian also recommended the addition of a GlenHaven fatty acid supplement—which comes in a liquid form—to add to his diet. The supplement is known to be beneficial to dogs’ skin, coat and joints. It is pretty easy to add; I simply squirt it on top of Emerson’s kibble each day.
The diagnosis and treatment of allergies is a process unique to each dog. Sometimes it even involves seeing a specialist. As with any potential medical condition, if you notice anything abnormal about your dog’s appearance or behavior, make a visit to your veterinarian.