Dogs suffer from allergies as much as humans do, and some of the symptoms can be subtle, while others are pretty obvious. Some might show up intermittently, and others might be constant. Regardless of the type and severity, if you think your dog might have allergies, it’s crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian. With appropriate testing and treatment, allergy symptoms can be controlled so that your dog feels better and can live a happy, healthy life. Treatment strategies can range from adding dog skin supplements to their routine to changing their diet entirely. Let’s investigate a little more.

Causes of Allergies in Dogs

It’s important to understand that dog allergies can be caused by many different things, including:

●      Fleas and other parasites such as mange or scabies mites or lice

●      Environmental irritants such as pollen, grasses, dust, mold, or mildew

●      Foods such as beef, chicken, soy, or wheat

●      Chemicals, such as shampoos or cleaning products

●      Drugs, including vaccines and other medications

Knowing what triggers allergies can help determine the best course of treatment. If you suspect your dog is having issues with allergies, even if the symptoms are minor, start making notes about when the problems arise as this info can help a vet later. For example, is it after eating particular food or treats? How about after you go for a walk in a specific area? If the symptoms appear suddenly or are severe, it’s time to get to your vet for an expert diagnosis and some proper treatment. Don’t be afraid to make the trip, either, because up to ten percent of dogs may suffer from allergies in their lifetime. It’s worth getting things checked out, even if you have to see a skin specialist!

Signs and Symptoms That Indicate Allergies in Dogs

There are several signs and symptoms that you can look for if you suspect a dog has allergies, including:

1. Itching and Scratching

It’s easy to see when your dog is scratching but hard to tell if it’s an allergy or something else causing the problem. Some everyday things that can cause dogs to itch include skin infections, parasites such as fleas, and, yes, allergy symptoms. In addition, a dog’s skin can become drier in the winter months due to reduced humidity in the air. This makes it easier for dogs to develop skin rashes or other signs of allergies.

2. Skin Rashes or Inflamed Skin

Skin rashes and inflammation are other common signs that might indicate an allergic reaction, including red bumps or hives, scabs, hair loss, and thickened skin. These symptoms can be caused by many different things, including environmental allergies, parasites such as fleas or mange mites, or food allergies.

3. Frequent Ear Cleaning

Your dog’s ears might be itchy and bother them, even if you can’t see any signs of irritation or redness. Ear cleaning is another sign to watch out for, indicating ear mites. Chronic ear infections are often triggered by allergic reactions brought on by food, dust, and pollens.

4. Itchy Paws or Skin

If your pup is scratching their face a lot or gnawing at their paws, it could be a sign of allergies. Sometimes an allergy will only trigger discomfort in one location on the body, rather than all over. In this case, it’s usually around the face and paws. If you notice your dog constantly scratching or pawing at his face, particularly around the nose, eyes and ears; licking his paws; or chewing on his feet, it could be time to break out the dog shampoo for itchy skin and help them get the relief they need.

5. Runny Nose or Eyes

Watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal discharge are signs that might indicate an allergy or another type of infection. It may appear as a clear, watery discharge or thick, yellow, or green color. It’s best to see a vet to discern whether you’re dealing with an allergy or something else. Sneezing can result from allergies, just as it does in humans. Allergies caused by dust or mold spores are the common triggers for sneezing in dogs. They may also be triggered by scents and fragrances. Everything from air fresheners and cleaning products to perfumes and colognes can set your dog off. Even scented shampoos that you use on them can be culprits. If you suspect any of the above to be a problem, it’s best to give your home a good cleaning, invest in an air purifier, and go with unscented products to keep your pup happy and healthy.

6. Vomiting or Diarrhea

If your dog’s having trouble keeping food down or they’re suffering from frequent bouts of diarrhea, it may indicate a food allergy. Food allergies are a prevalent in dogs but are typically far less common than environmental allergies. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, a food allergy can cause other symptoms such as a lack of appetite, bloating, and weight loss.

Common Allergy Treatments

To deal with allergies in dogs, it’s best to make an appointment with a veterinarian. In addition to the above symptoms, the vet will want to know details about your dog’s environment, diet, and behavior. They may need to do allergy testing or skin tests to determine the exact trigger causing the problem. Once that’s known, they can create a treatment plan to help your pup feel better and get relief from their allergies.

Treatment plans for pets often involve one or a combination of the following strategies:

●      Using added flea and tick preventatives

●      Providing a clean, more sterile home environment

●      Limiting their outdoor time during certain seasons

●      Changing their diet to allergen-free formulas

●      More frequent grooming, including brushing, ear cleaning, and paw cleaning

●      Adding supplements to their diet, such as natural dog skin supplements

●      Discontinuing the use of specific products or medications

As a dog owner, it’s essential to be aware of your pup’s signs of suffering from allergies. The sooner you can identify the allergy and start treatment, the better off your furry friend will be. Many common allergy treatments are available, and your vet can help create a plan that works best for your dog. Keep an eye out for these six signs and always consult with a professional if you have any concerns.