Every year, over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Sniffles, coughing, runny nose, headaches, there is a myriad of issues that allergy sufferers have to deal with. It may come as a surprise but, just as millions of people suffer from allergies, so do dogs. In many cases, you may not even realize your dog has allergies. We’re going to teach you how to spot them and what you can do to help your furry friend!
What are the symptoms?
The first step to helping your pup overcome their allergies is being able to identify when allergies are occurring. Dogs can’t exactly tell you when they’re feeling under the weather, so here are a few signs you can look for.
- Itching skin (either localized or generalized)
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Discharge from eyes or nose
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The type of symptoms or symptoms experienced will vary from dog to dog, as well as from allergen to allergen.
So, what causes allergies?
Insect Allergies
Just as with human beings, dogs can develop severe allergies to insect bites. Wasps and bees, mosquitos, and spiders can all cause irritation and swelling. There is no greater insect allergy for dogs than fleas. When bit by a flea, most dogs will experience a bit of itching and irritation in the affected area. However, dogs that are more sensitive to flea saliva may develop flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Dogs with FAD may scratch themselves raw due to the severity of the itching. That broken skin can then become infected if not properly treated.
How is it treated?
It’s important to protect your dog from the start. Flea colors are incredibly important. If your pup spends a lot of time outside, it is good practice to check for ticks and fleas regularly. You can use the PupGrade Flea and Tick Spray as preventative care. Lawn care upkeep and pest control can also cut down on the chances of your dog being bitten.
Inhalant Allergy
An inhalant allergy is what you might typically imagine when picturing “allergies.” Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds, mold, mildew, and dust can all be triggers for allergies. These can be both seasonal and year-round. For humans, we see allergies manifest as respiratory issues. For dogs, these manifest as itchy skin. You might see your pup scratching frequently, rubbing itself along the grass and plants, or on the carpet.
How is it treated?
There are several methods for treating these allergies, but it is dependent on the allergy source. A great method that we recommend is to regularly bathe them with hypoallergenic shampoo. This will rinse the coat and skin of allergens, as well as soothe irritated skin.
Food Allergy
Food sensitivities aren’t just for people, but dogs as well. Dairy, eggs, meat, gluten, and soy are all very common allergy triggers. Consuming these may cause itching and respiratory problems, as well as digestion issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
How is it treated?
If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, it’s best to consult your vet. Doing your research is an important step. Not all food and treats are made equal. Be aware of the ingredients your dog is consuming and don’t allow them to eat anything that isn’t theirs.
As you can see, allergies are not only common in humans but also in their furry friends. While it can be alarming to see your dog suffering from allergies, there are a myriad of steps you can take to soothe and protect your pet. Be sure to check out the PupGrade Flea and Tick Spray here!
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