Handling your dog’s allergies can be a daunting task. Contrary to popular belief, allergies don’t just affect humans - they can affect your furry pal too! According to the American Kennel Club, allergies are a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the body’s immune system, which both people and pets can suffer from. Various types of allergens found in food and the environment can affect your pup regardless of dog breed, age, and health levels.
In this article, we’ll take a bit of a deep dive into dog allergies and provide you with some tips on how you can help your pup get through their allergic reactions. Keep reading to find out more!
But first, what are dog allergies?
As mentioned above, allergies are triggered whenever a dog’s body reacts to a certain type of allergen. Some of the most common allergens are found in food, other animals/insects, as well as environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust. However, the tricky part is determining which particular allergen is affecting your pup. For that, you need your veterinarian.
Allergy testing in dogs
According to VCA Hospitals, allergy testing in dogs can be performed using two techniques: intradermal skin testing or RAST testing (radioallergosorbent test). Allergy testing allows you and your veterinarian to determine which allergens may be triggering your dog’s atopy, allowing you to formulate a plan to address these allergies. While each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, intradermal skin testing has long been regarded as the 'gold standard' in determining the cause of atopic dermatitis, it is only performed by veterinary dermatologists.
What are the most common dog allergy symptoms?
Naturally, allergy symptoms in dogs depend on the root cause. For instance, skin allergy symptoms may be different from food allergy symptoms. There will also be instances where symptoms overlap regardless of the cause. As a responsible pet parent, the best thing that you can do is to familiarize yourself with the most common dog allergy symptoms so that you’re aware whenever your pup is experiencing an allergic reaction. Here are some of the most common signs of allergic reactions in dogs:
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Swelling of the face
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Constant itchiness
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Diarrhea
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Inflamed/patchy skin and hot spots
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Sneezing
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Itchy and runny eyes
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Constant licking of the paws and anus
Can dog allergies go away?
There are a number of cases where symptoms of dog allergies are so mild that they are able to outgrow it naturally. However, it’s not common for dogs to “outgrow” their allergies. There are times when their allergies get better and times where it gets worse. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to help you reduce your pup’s allergy symptoms.
5 Tips to Help You Deal With an Allergic Dog
If your dog is experiencing ongoing symptoms, the first course of action to take is to consult your veterinarian. Your vet should be able to determine the type of allergens affecting your dog and suggest possible treatments to help them better deal with allergic reactions.
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Find the root of their allergy - According to Vetericyn, understanding the cause of your dog’s allergic reaction is the first step to getting them the allergy treatment they need. While a dog’s body is going to react a bit differently to seasonal allergens than a human, many of the causes are actually the same.
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Always check pollen levels - If your dog is experiencing allergic reactions due to environmental allergens, then it pays to always check pollen levels. This should be the first thing you do before going out and taking your pup for a walk. If possible, try to walk your dog during times when pollen levels are lowest. When you return home, make sure to also wipe your dog’s body with a moist cloth to help rid of excess pollen and other allergens that may be lingering on your dog’s fur.
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Regularly clean your home - Dust and mold are big allergens that can be found from inside your home. In order to alleviate allergic reactions, it particularly helps to clean your home regularly. Make sure to vacuum at least twice a week and clean certain places in your home that may be susceptible to mold growth.
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Check out hypoallergenic bath stuff - Like us humans, dog bath products can also be a little harsh on our pup’s skin. Luckily for you, there are a plethora of dog shampoos and conditioners out there that are perfect for dogs with allergies, dogs that experience dry skin, and dogs that are sensitive to scents and dyes. These hypoallergenic dog shampoos and conditioners can also help relieve skin inflammation and prevent irritation.
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Supplement their diet - If all else fails, you can always check out allergy supplements. Dog allergy supplements are specifically formulated to reduce allergy symptoms in dogs while also promoting a healthy immune system. Dietary supplements have been found to suppress allergic reactions and contribute to a shinier coat.
What about you? Do you have any tips on how to deal with pet allergies? Let us know in the comments below!