Dogs, like humans, can suffer from allergies too. Allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, such as itching, sneezing, coughing, and red rashes in the skin, which can be extremely uncomfortable for them. There are “5 common ways in which dogs can develop allergies”. Knowing this would help you to notice the distress signal raised by your pet pal at the earliest.
1. FOOD ALLERGIES:
One of the most common causes of allergies in dogs is food. Food allergy in dogs is typically caused by a reaction to a particular ingredient in their diet. Studies have proven that some dogs tend to experience allergic reactions to ingredients such as lactose, gluten etc. Some of the common food allergens in dogs include beef, dairy, and wheat.
Common symptoms of Food Allergy: Skin irritation, itching and digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
To help your dog, you can try:
- Switching to a hypoallergenic diet: Consult with your veterinarian and conduct a food trail to identify potential food allergens. This will help you to figure out the causation and can confidently switch to a hypoallergenic diet for your dog. Make sure to keep a detailed food diary to track potential triggers.
- Elimination diet: Conducting an elimination diet is another way to identify specific food allergens.
Read More: 7 Effective Ways To Care For Dogs With Weak Digestion
2. FLEA ALLERGIES:
Flea saliva is the culprit in this case of Flea allergies. Moreover, dogs with flea allergies can have a severe reaction to even a single flea bite. Flea allergies in dogs will also cause lots of shedding and more serious infection when left untreated.
Common symptoms of Flea allergy in dogs: Intense itching, hair loss, black residues and hot spots.
To help your dog, you can try:
- Preventing flea infestations and treating them promptly is the best way to prevent flea allergies in dogs. So, use shampoos that kills and removes tick and flea or medicated flea preventatives to reduce the number of fleas on your dog.
- Make sure to keep an eye on your dog while playing with other dogs which show signs of flea infestation. Use pet safe sanitizers or coat cleansers before and after taking them out for a walk so that you can reduce the chances of getting your dog contaminated by germs and other infections.
- Regularly groom and check your dog for fleas.
- Regularly vacuuming your home can help reduce the number of fleas and flea eggs.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES:
Environmental allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis or atopy, are allergic reactions caused by various substances present in the environment. These allergens can include pollen, mold spores, dust mites and certain types of grass or weeds. When a dog with environmental allergies comes into contact with these triggers, their immune system overreacts, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Common symptoms of environmental allergy: Itching, redness, inflammation in the skin as well as respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and watery eyes.
To help your dog, you can try:
- Keep your indoor environment clean and free of dust and mold. Regularly vacuuming your home can help reduce the amount of dust and other allergens present.
- Keep your dog indoors during times when the pollen count is high.
- Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after outdoor walks to remove pollen or other allergens.
4. CONTACT ALLERGIES:
Contact allergies in dogs are caused by direct contact with allergens present in cleaning products such as detergents, shampoos, chemicals in cleaning products such as floor cleaners as well as fabrics.
Symptoms of contact allergy: Skin irritation, itching and hair loss.
To help your dog, you can try:
- Identify the cause of the allergy and avoid contact with that material.
- Create a list of potential allergens and gradually eliminate them one by one to pinpoint the specific triggers.
Replace products, such as cleaning agents or bedding materials, with hypoallergenic alternatives. - Use pet safe floor cleaners which are free from harmful chemicals such as BKC and Alcohol.
Read More: BKC vs CHD/CHG in Cleaners, Disinfectants and Sanitizers: What Pet Parents Need To Know.
5. MEDICATION ALLERGIES:
Just like human beings, some dogs may also develop intolerance to certain medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and vaccines. In most cases, it will lead to immediate allergic reactions for the dogs.
Common symptoms of medication allergy: Swelling, Hives and difficulty in breathing.
Common symptoms of medication allergy: Swelling, Hives and difficulty in breathing.
To help your dog, you can try:
- Work with your veterinarian to identify potential medication allergies.
- Avoid medications that have caused allergic reactions in the past.
Being aware of the the cause of your dog's allergy is the first step in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life. Constant scratching and licking can lead to secondary skin infections. So be mindful of it and keep a close eye on your dog's skin condition. Though these are the common ways in which dogs develop allergies, these aren’t the only ways. So, if you suspect your dog has allergies, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the real cause and to figure out best course of action as early as possible.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-flea-allergy-dermatitis-in-dogs
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2019/02/25/allergies-in-dogs-and-cats/
