Managing Our Dog's Allergies & The Reality Of Being A Pet Parent In Singapore
We have previously detailed our experience battling with his allergies since he had to go through surgery in an earlier post in 2021. Here’s an update two years later to highlight the realities of managing long-term dog allergies and how to incorporate day to day activities keeping their symptoms in mind.
Update from 2021
Since 2021, Bagel’s condition has been better on certain occasions, but flare ups still happen and keeps us on our toes every single day. On the scientific and medical front, we have decided to keep our dog off cytopoint as this eventually creates some reliance on the medication. Instead, our approach was to eliminate the allergens and we discovered that he is able to take kangaroo, turkey, chicken, rice and vegetables without showing symptoms of itching and allergic reactions. However, there is a need to put our pup through a cycle of different proteins so that he does not build up allergic reactions. Although no scientific research has definitive answers, nutritionists and vets do generally believe that common and persistent exposure to any protein causes a dog’s immune system to respond more vigorously over time.
Grooming & Baths
Sending our dog to the groomer’s is also a challenge. We are extremely thankful to the folks at Grooming Loft for their experience and support for Bagel’s scratchiness. The grooming team tries to ensure that he’s unable to bite or scratch excessively when he is off the elizabethan collar when showering and drying. They have been extremely patient with Bagel and his silly antics, often still managing to snap cute photos of him to put our minds at ease.
Baths are Bagel’s least favourite activity, and we try to make it a comfortable experience for him as much as possible. Giving your dog praises and treats are great ways to keep them engaged and happy during showers and blow dry sessions. Our pup is no
Socialising & Meet-ups
Bagel & Koji in their happy sunday meet-up.
For the most part, Bagel continues to live his happy life like any other dog. He enjoys his evening walks, dog parks, and sniffing sessions with other neighbourhood dogs. We love to meet with friends and other pups for brunch and parties, but during these sessions we tend to be extremely cautious because Bagel will sneak in the occasional furious biting whilst we are not looking and deal some serious damage to his paws and skin.
Between socialising our dog and managing his allergies, we have had to find a balance to having him living his happiest life. This balance has been the hardest for us to accomplish, and a goal we still strive towards every day.
Daily Management
Natural Dog Company’s Skin Soother has been a life saver for relieving and gently healing our dog’s itchy chin and paws.
The bloodied Q tips from cleaning our dog’s paws.
Managing Bagel’s itching, biting, and scratching is still a constant day to day activity that is on our mind all the time. From applying topical medication, to his daily skin care and conditioning, and meal preparation, we keep our lives filled with ensuring that his wellbeing is taken care of and it does not affect his ability to have a fun and loving life with us.
If you are also a dog owner who is constantly battling allergy management and finding that there is no light to the end of the tunnel, feel free to reach out to us for perspective, recommendations, and just someone to speak to who is in a similar situation for many years.