One of the downsides of living amongst so much beauty is that many of us suffer from seasonal allergies. What you may not realize is that our furry friends can have allergies just like we do. They may feel itchy and occasionally experience swelling, hives, rashes, runny eyes, or GI issues. However, they don’t have to suffer. This blog will help you to identify the causes and signs of canine allergies to help keep your pup comfortable in their day-to-day life.
Not All Canine Allergies are Created Equal
The three types of canine allergies which dogs experience are environmental allergies, food allergies, and skin allergies. Depending on the type of the allergy your dog is experiencing, they may react in a variety of ways.
Environmental allergens: Dust, pollen, fleas, and other irritants in our homes and yards can cause allergic reactions in dogs as well as people. Symptoms may include sneezing and itchiness, especially around the muzzle, ears, and paws. These allergies are often seasonal; your dog may only be affected during certain parts of the year.
Food allergies: Like people, dogs may experience negative reactions when they consume certain food items. True food allergies cause hives, swelling, itchiness, and upset tummies. Allergies to foods are relatively rare in dogs; what most people assume are food allergies are actually just food sensitivities or intolerances. This means the dog’s stomach becomes unable to handle certain foods over time. The result is not an immune response to an allergen, but just gastrointestinal distress and sometimes an unhealthy-looking coat. If you think your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, discuss treatment options with your vet before altering their diet. (Read: Foods which are Toxic to Dogs)
Skin allergies: This condition is also referred to as allergic dermatitis. Skin allergies present as rashes, itchiness, and dry skin. This is the most common type of allergy that affects dogs. It often is caused by a food or environmental allergen. Fleas commonly cause skin allergies, because many dogs are allergic to the insects’ saliva. If you notice your dog itching and licking frequently, you should bring them to a vet to find the best solution—as they scratch and lick, they run the risk of getting an infection on the open wounds.
Occasionally, acute allergic response can happen, and your dog may go into anaphylactic shock. Bee or wasp stings are the most common causes of this type of reaction. If your dog gets stung, monitor them closely to watch for signs of distress. Fortunately, anaphylactic shock is rare. It is likely that when stung, your pup will just have swelling for a while.
How to Treat Allergies
There are two main solutions to decreasing allergic reactions. The most basic method is avoidance—keeping your dog away from the allergen that causes the issue. While you won’t be able to completely eliminate dust or pollen from your home, vacuum and clean regularly to decrease allergen buildup. You can also bathe your dog after they have rolled in grass in springtime when pollen is most prevalent. If your dog is allergic to a food item, work with your vet to find a nutritionally-balanced diet that excludes or limits the offending food.
Secondly, you can medicate your dog to decrease the symptoms of allergies. If your vet finds medication to be a helpful solution, they will prescribe the best medication for your pup’s specific allergies.
If you know your dog has severe reactions, or if they have been exposed to a new allergen such as a bee sting, immediately visit the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is here to help you keep your dog safe through obedience and training. Call us today for more information.
