Did you know that as many as one in five of our four-legged friends may suffer from allergies? It’s interesting to note that this number is similar to the prevalence of allergies in people, which afflict about one in four. In fact, roughly 100 million individuals are affected in the United States alone. This essay from a local veterinarian in Plano, TX explores canine allergies.
Which Allergy Is Most Common in Dogs?
Skin problems would take that spot. Contact dermatitis, a type of skin allergy brought on by coming into close contact with irritants, is very prevalent. Our canine friends are also often affected by food sensitivity.
What Symptoms Indicate Allergies in Dogs?
It’s not easy to determine your pet’s allergies. The signs might vary greatly from dog to dog. It mostly depends on the particular trigger and how strongly Fido reacts to it.
Watch for the following signs:
- Itching
- Hair Loss
- Swelling
- Paws Licking
- Runny Eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Diarrhea
- Dander
- Rubbing Face On Things
- Recalcitrant Ear Infections
- Skin Issues: Flaking, inflammation, and redness
- Licking
- Itchy Ears
Keep in mind that these symptoms may indicate other medical issues. Take Fido to your neighborhood veterinarian in Plano, TX if you notice any of them.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
Allergies in dogs function similarly to those in humans. Fido’s immune system gradually becomes intolerant to a certain substance, usually a protein from food, plants, animals, or insects. Once it becomes sensitized to a chemical, your dog’s immune system then produces antibodies as part of an immunological response. Histamines are released as a result of this. The reactions caused by these histamines are actually what cause your pet’s discomfort, such as swelling and itching.
Which Types of Allergies Could Impact Canines?
Like people, dogs’ allergies can be arranged in different ways. To accurately identify and treat a dog’s symptoms, doctors must divide canine allergies into three groups. By identifying trigger allergens, pet owners can implement customized tactics, such as feeding modifications, environmental adjustments, and the use of suitable pharmaceuticals, to improve their dog’s health.
Exposure to environmental allergens
As the name suggests, an environmental allergy develops as a result of exposure to environmental factors. Pollen, dust, mold, grass, leaves, cigarette smoke, and perfume are just a few of the many possible triggers.
Season of Allergies
In essence, seasonal allergies—also referred to as environmental allergies—emerge at particular periods of the year. The list of triggers includes grasses, flowers, leaves, plants, and pollen from different trees. While playing in the yard, keep in mind that your dog may collect pollen on their tummy and paws.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are among the most common allergies in dogs. On rare occasions, Fido might react to the entire food, or just a particular component, like an additive or preservative. While some dogs respond to cereals or wheat, others develop allergies to specific foods, such as beef, chicken, or pork.
Intolerances to Insects
Fido can be bitten by a variety of insects, including fleas, blackflies, deer flies, horseflies, mosquitoes, ants, wasps, bees, and hornets. Dogs may also respond to arachnids, such as ticks and spiders. Insect bites may cause pain, hives, itching, redness, swelling, and discomfort.
Contact Allergies
Contact allergies can result from a variety of materials, including some textiles, such as those in your carpet or couch. Other possible culprits include components in Fido’s dog wash, floor waxes, and mulch. Fido might even get allergic to your cat’s dander. Localized skin irritation or inflammation at the exact location of touch is a common symptom of contact allergies.
Severe Allergic Responses
The most dangerous type of allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, can be lethal. In essence, it is a strong immunological reaction that is frequently brought on by severe food allergies, bee stings, or vaccine reactions. Although these reactions can be catastrophic, they are fortunately rare.
How Do You Take Care of a Dog Who Has Allergies?
First things first: as previously stated, make sure Fido is properly diagnosed by a veterinarian.
There are some helpful things you can do at home! Regular vacuuming and dusting are necessary to remove dust, fur, dander, pollen, and other irritants from carpets and furniture. Changing air filters regularly is also important. To keep your pet’s bedding clean and comfortable, wash it often, follow the directions on the package, use hot water and unscented detergent, and tumble dry it.
It’s important to consider allergies when decorating. When choosing a new sofa, choose a covering that is allergy-friendly, such as leather. Use washable throw coverings to increase comfort. Additionally, to create a more allergen-friendly environment, select window treatments that do not collect dust.
As an additional step, think about tracking pollen counts. Limit your pet’s exposure to the outdoors when levels rise. Another way to reduce your dog’s exposure to allergens is to wipe their tummy and paws before bringing them inside.
Finally, remember to keep up with Fido’s parasite prevention and grooming needs. If you have any unanswered questions, speak with your veterinarian.
How Should Handle My Dog’s Food Allergies?
Food allergies are difficult since the trigger must be identified. It could take a long time to complete this process. Until the symptoms go away, your veterinarian may advise switching Fido to a bland diet. After symptoms subside, your veterinarian will probably suggest that you reintroduce each food gradually to identify the cause.
Available Allergy Treatments
Allergies cannot be cured, but you can help your pet feel better. Start by scheduling a visit with your veterinarian to determine what is causing your dog’s reaction. Following that, you can discuss treatment choices according to your pet’s requirements with your veterinarian.
Medication options here include topical medicines, fatty acid supplements, and anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals such as corticosteroids or antihistamines. Fido may also benefit from desensitization. Sometimes a simple shampoo change will do. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet if your pet has dietary sensitivities.
We also recommend vacuuming and dusting regularly. Ask your vet for specific advice.
When Do Dogs Start Having Allergies?
Fido may experience allergic responses at any time in his life. Allergies in dogs before the age of six months is very uncommon, though. Allergies usually appear in pups who are at least a year or two old. Fido’s immune system takes time to recognize and respond adversely to certain toxins, so there is a bit of a delay.
Contact Your Plano, TX Veterinary Hospital
Do you think your dog may have allergies? Contact us, your local pet hospital, anytime. We are always happy to help!
