Allergies. Who needs them, am I right? Allergies affect not only us but our pets too. They are a definite nuisance, and it can be quite difficult to determine the root of the issue.
What are the signs of allergies in dogs? They are like ours so it shouldn’t be too hard to see!
SKIN that is itchy, red, or dry. Hair loss can occur.
EYES and NOSE can be watery and runny.
EARS can have recurrent infections or smell “dirty”. Shaking/flapping of the head can be a symptom too.
GASTROINTESTINAL signs like diarrhea or vomiting.
What can cause allergies and what can we do to help?
SEASONAL/ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES usually present themselves with skin issues. These can be hard if not impossible to diagnose the exact cause of. You can check in with your vet to see if they have any allergy tests or remedies. Over the counter antihistamines may be recommended as well as prescription medication for extreme cases. Frequent baths using anti inflammatory/calming ingredients like ‘oatmeal’ can help too.
FLEA OR INSECT BITE ALLERGY can occur in dogs. The most common place on the body that it can effect is the base of the tail; however, any area is up for grabs! Strict flea control is essential for dogs with this allergy. One flea can cause severe itching, so it’s a hard thing to control. Using flea preventives and aiming for a flea-free environment is the only way to prevent this.
FOOD ALLERGIES are hard to determine and can develop at any point in a dog’s life. Common food allergies are certain proteins, dairy, or grains. Any of the allergy symptoms can be a sign that your dog has a food allergy. The only way to determine what the exact allergen is would be an elimination diet. This can be a lengthy process and requires a lot of commitment and patience.