Allergies in Frenchies
Environmental Allergies
In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, the environmental allergies above make their skin itchy.
We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and French Bulldogs often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition.
Note: In my experience French bulldogs have environmental allergies instead of food allergies. These allergies are inherited and can skip up to 5 generations before appearing, making it difficult for breeders to completely eliminate. Breeders should never breed dogs with allergies since they will pass it on to offspring.
Food Allergies- see your veterinarian for treatment advice and hypo allergenic diet food.
Signs your dog has skin allergies
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Excessive licking.
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Face rubbing.
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Hives or targeted swelling—especially ears, eye area, flaps of ears and face.
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Itchiness—especially at armpits, ears, feet, flanks and groin.
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Loss of fur.
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Red, irritated skin.
Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs: Help to Control the Itch
Treatment for Environmental Allergies-
Cytopoint by Zoetis
How Does Cytopoint Work?
Cytopoint works like your dog’s own immune system. It is specifically designed to target and neutralize one of the main proteins that send itch signals to your dog’s brain that triggers scratching, licking, and chewing.
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Blocks signals that trigger allergic itch
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Relieves signs of itch such as scratching and licking1
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Allows red, irritated skin to heal
One injection can last 1 month and more. Depending on your dogs needs and the time of year one injection can last several months. The beauty is you just take your dog in to vet when clinical signs start to appear again and an injection is given. After initial exam and diagnosis by DVM in many practices subsequent injections may be done by a vet tech requiring no doctor fee for Cytopoint injection. Health insurance also covers this drug.
