We typically don’t think about what allergies our dogs can have because many people are too focused on their own allergies to the species. While we may be too focused on our own discomfort, it’s important to understand that dogs may be allergic to a lot of different substances themselves.
It’s important to watch out for any symptoms they might have. Here are some symptoms you might notice if your dog has allergies:
- Are they scratching their ears?
- Are their eyes teary or watery?
- Do they have coughing or wheezing fits?
- Is there an ear infection that won’t go away?
- Do they consistently sneeze or have a runny nose?
- Are they licking at or chewing their own body or feet?
- Have you noticed them vomiting or having loose stool?
- Do they appear to be rubbing their head against objects?
- Do they have a red tint to their paws, fur, or between their toes?
- Are you starting to notice the appearance of bumps, rashes, pimples or sores on the skin?
Allergy Causes in Dogs
Commonly, you’ll see dogs scratch themselves when they have allergies. There are a number of different allergies a dog can have, some of which include flea, airborne, contact, or food allergies.
Critters who have airborne allergies might have theirs perk up around grass, trees, or weed pollens. These dogs can have attacks when dust mites, molds, or mildew are present. Allergies in dogs are similar to humans in that they are either yearly or come with the season.
Flea allergies can often be seen with a dog who’s attacking his skin with bites. Just one flea is enough to offset them, so controlling the pest population on your dog’s skin is vitally important.
Some dogs may have a food allergy to common things like chicken, pork, beef, soy, turkey, wheat, or corn. These allergies may pop up at any time during your dog’s life, and you’ll see an increase in bowel movements and itching. It’s uncommon, but your dog may have a contact allergy. They might suffer a reaction to bedding, carpet, plastic, lawn chemicals, cleaners, grasses, or detergents.
There are different kinds of treatment that depend on the particular allergy your dog might have ranging from an traditional medicine to a natural decongestant for your dog. Of course, making sure your pet has no exposure to them is the number one way of helping.
Airborne Allergies
An allergy shot may be called for if the allergy is airborne. This only works if the specific allergy is known by the veterinarian.
Flea Allergies
Those who have dogs with flea allergies should take strict measures to control pests. Many choose to use home remedies or medicines gotten by the veterinarian to help treat fleas before allergies spike.
Food Allergies
Dogs that happen to be allergic to a food item should have it removed from their diet. Owners should try Seameal as it promotes a healthy immune system and stops them from doing things like chewing at their tail or feet. These are common signs of allergies.
Contact Allergies
Removing what’s causing the allergy is the only found way to help with a contact allergy.
Some dogs may benefit from oatmeal shampoo, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications. The type of treatment that’ll work best with your pooch largely depends on the type of allergy they have and how severe their allergy is.
It can be extremely difficult to diagnose allergies when it comes to dogs. Your vet may make a diagnosis based on when the allergies occur. This can help pinpoint allergies to pollen. They can come to a conclusion based off of the area that’s itchy and see how they respond to their medication.
If the allergy does not go away with what they have found off the preliminary examination, they may run further tests to find out what’s wrong. They might take some of your pet’s blood or perform skin testing. Try not to come to the conclusion yourself and guess what’s making your pet symptomatic. Afterall, you can only guess. Have a vet do the right testing instead.
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