Dogs also suffer from allergies.
It causes them serious discomfort and distress.
If you want your dogs to live a happy and healthy life, you should be aware of the signs of allergies in them.
Watch out for these top 10 signs your dog has allergies:
- If your dog is always scratching, licking, or chewing their paws, face, or belly.
- Red, inflamed, or irritated skin, especially in areas where your dog keeps scratching.
- Hair loss or a thinning coat, mostly in the affected areas.
- Recurring ear infections or frequent head shaking.
- Watery, red, or itchy eyes (environmental or food allergies).
- Regular sneezing or a runny nose.
- If your dog keeps chewing on their paws or if their paws look swollen.
- Vomiting or diarrhea (generally food allergies).
- Swelling, especially around the face and ears, with hives.
- If your dog is frequently rubbing their face against furniture or carpets.
Dog allergies can be of following types:
- Environmental Allergies: These allergies are set off by pollen, dust, mold, and other airborne particles.
- Food Allergies: Some foods can also trigger allergic reactions in dogs.
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis: This type of allergy is noticed when a dog is allergic to flea bites.
- Contact Allergies: Dogs can develop allergies to some materials or substances like particular fabrics, cleaning products, or chemicals.
It’s possible that despite knowing so much about the signs, you may be unsure whether your dog has allergies.
That’s where a veterinarian can be of help. They can perform tests to find out the specific allergen affecting your dog and come up with appropriate treatment plans.
- They may prescribe medicines to give some relief from itching and inflammation
- In the case of food allergies, they can set a special diet
- They may suggest regular prevention treatments
- In the case of environmental allergy, immunotherapy – allergy shots – may be suggested
- They may also recommend topical treatments for faster healing
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to prevent dog allergies in your pet, though it is not always possible, and take some steps to manage the symptoms.
- Regular Grooming
- Clean Bedding
- Air Purifiers
- Paw Cleaning
Some dog breeds are more likely to get allergies than others:
- German Shepherds
- West Highland White Terriers
- Labrador
- Golden Retrievers
These breeds have overactive immune systems so they are more likely to get food allergies. If you have a pet family member from these breeds, stay on alert for signs of food allergies in particular.
Food allergies can show up in different ways; you should be able to recognize the signs in order to manage your dog’s condition much better.
Here’s how you can tell if your dog is suffering from food allergies (most common):
- Recurrent Diarrhea: If your dog experiences diarrhea every now and then, it could be linked to a food allergy.
- Excessive Paw Licking: Allergies generally cause dogs to lick their paws a lot, which can cause swelling in the extremities.
- Itchy Ears: Constant ear itching can be yet another sign of a food allergy.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can be related to a food allergy.
- Loss of Appetite: If your dog loses interest in food, it may be necessary to go for a restrictive diet to determine the troublemaking allergens.
Managing dog allergies needs constant vigilance and care.
Your vet is trained to help you identify and handle your dog’s allergies effectively; trust their advice so your pets lead comfortable lives.
Sometimes signs can be born from a different cause – though equally worrying; for example your dog may lose weight for no reason which could be because of tape infection.
Always get professional advice if you have so much as a doubt that your pet may be suffering.
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