Signs and Symptoms Your Dog Has Allergies
Plenty of people have allergies either to food, specific materials, or natural things like tree pollen. Our furry companions aren’t too different in that respect, and plenty of dogs have varying allergies. Some of the common signs and symptoms your dog has allergies range from nail-biting to constant sneezing.
Common Signs of Allergies
The signs your dog displays vary from pooch to pooch but often depend on the type of allergies and severity. The common signs of allergies in canines include (excessive):
- Licking
- Face rubbing
- Scratching
If you notice these behaviors peak at specific times of the year, after eating certain foods or at other specific times, then it’s a good idea to contact your vet so they can do an allergy test on your dog.
Other Common Signs
Every dog is different, so some may exhibit other behaviors. For instance, one reason dogs bite their nails is due to allergies. However, other pups lose a lot of fur, break out in a rash, or suffer from ear infections.
Typical Types of Allergies
There are various challenges of adopting a dog, and handling a puppy with allergies isn’t always easy. The main types of allergies in dogs are skin and food allergies, and various things can trigger these kinds of allergies. So, if your dog’s skin appears inflamed during the spring, then they may have a skin allergy triggered by pollen.
Dogs and Food Allergies
On the other hand, a dog with food allergies may throw up or experience diarrhea after eating; however, it’s just as possible that they’ll break out in hives or appear itchy. Keep in mind that this reaction is not to be compared to what occurs when dogs eat non-canine-friendly foods like chocolate. Dogs with food allergies have a reaction because of the way their immune systems react to various food, and the reaction can be more severe in pups.
Treating Allergies
Knowing the signs and symptoms your dog has allergies is vital to your furry friend’s health and ensures you seek out the appropriate treatment for your pooch. A veterinarian will run a few allergy tests to determine whether your dog truly has allergies, plus the cause.
Treatment Options Differ
Treatment often depends on the type of allergy, as you’ll treat a food allergy by changing your pup’s current diet. On the other hand, specific skin allergies may require ointment or other medications to keep your dog feeling comfortable. No matter what kind of allergy you think your pup has, a trip to the vet will get your pooch back to its old self!
