Common symptoms and causes of allergies in dogs
Ever heard a dog owner say that his dog has allergies? Do you have a feeling that the cause of your dog’s restlessness could be attributed to allergies? Dogs do have allergies just like humans. It is important to identify the likely cause of your dog’s allergy and know how to prevent or treat them when they develop allergic symptoms.
But first, let us look at the different types of dog allergies so you can better understand how to shield your dogs from allergic situations.
Types of dog allergies and their causes
Allergies are referred to as a form of reaction or response to foreign substances by the immune system in the body. Dogs react to different types of allergies and they include the following:
The most common type of allergy in dogs is allergic dermatitis which is also known as skin allergy. There are three primary factors responsible for allergic dermatitis in dogs.
Causes of skin allergies
Flea allergy dermatitis
Dogs react to fleabites which could make them develop flea allergy. Flea saliva could make your dog very itchy, most especially at the end of their tail. Dogs may experience skin inflammation, redness and scabbed skin. If you take a closer examination of dogs with flea allergy dermatitis, you may see the fleas or flea dirt perched on their skin. This could be very discomforting for dogs.
Allergic dermatitis or skin allergies may also develop as a result of food allergies. The ear and paws of most dogs become very itchy when they react to food allergies. Dogs may also develop symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions.
Dust, mold, pollen or other environmental factors may be responsible for skin allergies. Such type of environment-induced allergy is referred to as atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is often seasonal and may only occur at a specific period in the year. Dogs usually develop itchy paws and ears. The ankle, wrists, underarms, muzzle, groin, between the toes and around the eyes may also be affected.
The above-mentioned causes of allergies are all associated with skin allergy which may expose your dog to develop secondary infection. Continuous biting, scratching and licking of skin by your dogs as a response to these skin allergies, may further expose your dog to bacterial infections and yeast which may affect your dog’s health.
Food allergies do not affect the skin alone. It is a critical type of allergy that most dog owners often overlook. food allergies trigger a response from the immune system. Responses to food allergies may lead to skin conditions such as facial swelling, itchiness or hives. Dogs may also develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting. Dogs may develop cases of anaphylaxis.
Food allergy may mean that your dog is experiencing food sensitivity which may also be referred to as food intolerance. Dogs may react to specific ingredients used in preparing their food such as wheat, corn, milk or eggs. Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting or chronic foot or ear infections may all be associated with food allergies.
Acute allergic reactions
Acute allergic reactions are the most dangerous form of allergies in dogs. Dogs may react severely to such allergy by developing anaphylactic shock which could be fatal if not promptly treated.
Vaccine reactions and bee stings are common factors that may result in anaphylactic shock in most dogs. It is very important to closely monitor your dog after vaccination or drug intake. However, anaphylactic shock is a rare dog condition.
Symptoms of dog allergies
Causes and types of allergies may be responsible for the symptoms that your dog may show as a response to these allergy. The following are likely symptoms of allergies in dogs:
- Swelling of the earflaps, eyelids, face, and ears
- Itchy skin
- Inflammation and redness of the skin
- Runny eyes
- Chronic ear infections
- Continuous licking of the skin
Treatment of dog allergies
Treatment of dog allergies depends on the cause or type of the allergy. You may use any of the following methods in treating dog allergies according to their causative factors.
When vacuuming your room, it is advisable that you keep your dog outside for several hours to prevent your dog from inhaling dust which may be allergic to the dog.
House dust mites
- Do not allow your pets to sleep on furniture’s that are stuffed up
- It is advisable to keep your pets in rooms that have no carpets
- You may need to turn on the air conditioner when the weather is hot
- Dogs beddings should be washed in very hot water
- Plastic covers are preferable to be used over your dog’s bed
- When mowing your lawn, keep your dog indoors
- Do not feed your dogs with dusty foods
- Your humidifies should be clean and disinfected
- You may need to avoid too many house plants
- Do not allow your dogs to go down to the basement
To treat flea issue, it is important that you maintain proper flea control strategy. You may use products such as revolution, comforts, sentinel, advantage, etc. to control fleas around your dog.
Hemp Dog Collars
Hemp dog collars are attractive and durable. They are ecofriendly and do not react with your dog’s skin. They are made from high-quality fiber materials which makes them very strong.
Benefits of hemp dog collars over plastic collars
High absorbent property
Hemp dog collars have a higher absorbent property than plastic collars. They are able to absorb water and due without wearing away.
High hypo allergic quality
Most plastic dog collars may cause an allergic reaction to your dog which may cause your dog to have itchy skin. Whereas, hemp dog collars have very hypo allergic quality which prevents skin itching.
Your dogs may develop allergy just the same way you may be allergic to certain conditions. You have to endeavor to watch what your dogs eat, or the environment they are exposed to. Use hemp collar for your dogs and give them the right treatment.