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Treatment

Most dogs may be treated on an outpatient basis unless the condition is severe and is causing your dog severe discomfort.

A food-elimination trial should be started for all cases in case it is a simple allergy. A diet which your dog has never been exposed to should be put in place using high protein meats, like lamb, pork, venison, or rabbit, exclusively for 8–10 weeks. After this time, reinstitute the previous diet and observe your dog for development of new lesions.

An environmental allergy (atopy) may be identified by intradermal skin testing in some cases. Your veterinarian will inject small amounts of dilute allergens intradermally (between layers of skin). A positive reaction (allergy) is indicated by the development of a hive or wheal at the injection site.

Your veterinarian will recommend and prescribe anti-inflammatory medications for immediate relief from the swelling and inflammation. Hyposensitization injections, which use minute amounts of the allergen to lessen sensitivity to the allergen in question, works for most dogs and is preferable to long-term steroid administration.

Living and Management

Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments with you in order to determine your dog's response to the food-elimination trial, and to monitor your dog's bloodwork. The results from the bloodwork is especially important if your dog has been prescribed immunosuppressive medication - as this will lower your dog's immune responsiveness to viruses and infections.

As much as possible, follow your veterinarian's recommendations regarding the dietary guidelines for your dog. The treatment plan will be adjusted at each follow-up appointment according to your dog's progress. If your veterinarian is able to determine an environmental cause of the allergy you will need to prevent your dog from being exposed to these allergens.