Debunking Signs of Dog Allergies

The sun is shining bright. The days have become longer and there is this feeling of venturing out with your furry pal to new places. But during this season, pesky parasites are prone to attack your tyke that can result in irritation and discomfort to him. Your pet is also prone to allergies during this season and so you need to watch out for certain things like itchiness, congestion, and general discomfort. Even though allergies are quite prevalent during this season, it is very difficult to recognize them in dogs. 

Before we take a look at the signs that point that your pet may have allergies, it is important to understand the term allergy.

What Is An Allergy?

Allergies are nothing but the common responses to substances, including dust, fur, food or pollen that can cause discomfort and illness. If your doggy is overexposed to these substances, also known as allergens they can sensitize the dog's immune system and can result in a lethal over-reaction.

Common Dog Allergens

• Dander - your doggy can be allergic to fur (There are certain dogs that are even allergic to cats!!!)
• Dust and house dust mites
• Food ingredients including wheat, soy, corn or specific animal protein
• Flea saliva encompassing flea allergy dermatitis that is one of the most prevalent and most uncomfortable, insect allergies in dogs
• Man-made substances like perfumes, cleaning products, certain fabrics, plastic and shampoo
• Mold spores
• Tree, grass, and weed pollens

Symptoms Of Dog Allergies

• Coughing, sneezing, or asthma
• Excessive paw licking
• Hair loss, either an all-over thinning or bald spots
• Scratching and butt-scooting
• Swelling of the feet, face or joints
• Tummy trouble, including vomiting and diarrhea (typically found for food allergies)

Severe Allergic Reactions In Dogs

Certain dogs face severe allergic reactions to things, including drugs, insect stings and certain drugs. Some of the severe allergic reaction can include:

• Swollen nuzzle and / or eyes
• Abrupt gasping and trouble breathing
• Swift onset of diarrhea or vomiting

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, then take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Diagnosing Allergies In Dogs

It is not exactly possible to cure allergies, but they can be managed with a possibility of limiting exposure to treatments, veterinary therapies, specialized diets and allergens. Let us look at some of the steps to diagnose the allergies:

Take the doggy to the veterinarian to identify and treat his allergy. He/she will start with a comprehensive health history and physical examination

He/she will ask you about your dog's diet and environmental factors by determining the exact cause of your dog's allergies at the very first visit and then suggest a simple treatment plan

He/she may even recommend you to a veterinary dermatologist for more extensive testing. The process of allergy test is the same as human beings. The dermatologist will conduct an intra-dermal allergy test or blood tests to identify allergens.    

Allergy test is not easy because it is difficult to determine specific environmental allergens that are affecting your dog which would make way for an even more effective treatment.

Treating Dog Allergies

Preventing allergies is the very first thing which would include:

• Commencing a flea control program, including oral and topical treatments that would keep these pesky parasites away
• Clean the dog's bedding and vacuuming regularly by getting rid of the dust
• Get rid of the environmental allergens from your dog's skin and fur
• Get a diet that relieves the symptoms of the food allergy by following a round of trials that assist in determining the specific allergen. Take the recommendation of your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

In case of severe allergy, the veterinarian would recommend treatments and supplements to treat the symptoms.