Have you ever noticed your dog scratching excessively or scratching their ears? When you brush their coat, do you notice excessive hair loss? Does your dog snore when he sleeps? If you answered yes to any of these questions then your dog might be suffering from allergies.
Dogs suffer from allergies just like we do.
When a dog's immune system becomes compromised their bodies try to rid themselves of the allergen through their skin, digestive tract, or their respiratory tract.
Here are some common allergy symptoms to be on the lookout for if you suspect your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction: 1.
Excessive scratching especially to the ears, back, and back towards the tail 2.
Red, itchy, runny eyes 3.
Always licking themselves and creating sores 4.
Snoring while they are sleeping due to edema in the throat 5.
Sneezing 6.
Hives - sudden appearance of raised circular, itchy wheals on the skin 7.
Hair loss 8.
Scabs or crust on skin If you think your dog might have allergies, the first step you would take is to get rid of the allergen.
Determining the source that is causing your dog's allergies can be hard to do.
It would be a good idea to seek the help of your veterinarian.
They may be able to determine the source by running some skin and blood tests.
They may also put your dog on a special diet if a food allergy is suspected.
The following are some common sources of allergens that your dog may be allergic to: 1.
Fleas and flea products - this is the most common allergy in dogs 2.
Dander 3.
Foods such as beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat, or soy 4.
Tree, grass, weed pollens, mold, and dust 5.
Cigarette smoke 6.
Perfumes 7.
Cleaning products After determining the allergen and removing it away from your dog's environment you need to treat the allergy.
Here are some treatments for the different allergens: Fleas - The best treatment is prevention.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best treatment option for your dog.
Fleas can be carried indoors by your dog, so be sure to treat the environment as well.
Dust - Clean bedding often and vacuum twice a week.
Don't forget to clean rugs and curtains and anything else that collects dust.
Inhalant Allergens (tree, grass, mold, weeds, and perfumes) - Antihistamines can be given to a small percentage of dogs depending on the breed.
Consult your veterinarian before using.
Cigarette Smoke - Chronic exposure may cause your dog to have bronchitis.
Persistent coughing and excessive mucus production can be treated with medications such as an anti-inflammatory agent and antibiotics.
The best prevention is not to smoke around your dog.
Food - Allergies to food can cause itching, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
The best way to determine a food allergy is to put your dog on a very restricted prescription diet for approximately twelve weeks.
Do not give any treats or table scraps during this time either.
Start reintroducing different foods back into your dog's diet when symptoms start disappearing.
Skin Allergies - Giving a weekly bath to your dog may help reduce itching and scratching.
Ask your veterinarian which shampoo would be the best because frequent bathing causes the skin to dry out.
Shampoos with oatmeal and aloe vera are best.
Giving your dog fatty acid supplements such as omega 3 and omega 6 might help relieve itchy skin.
In summary if you think your dog might be having an allergic reaction, always consult a veterinarian.
They can pretty much determine the cause of your dog's allergy.
Be sure to remove the allergen that is causing your dog's problems and then treat your dog according to the allergen.