4 Facts Every Owner Should Know About Allergies in Dogs
Every pet owner wants their furry companion to be happy and healthy, but sometimes, issues arise that are out of our control. Allergies are a perfect example of this, as they’re a canine health problem many pups experience. Delve into the facts every owner should know about allergies in dogs so that y’all can better understand and manage your dog’s health.
There Are Various Types of Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can experience various types of allergies, including those to food and the environment. When dogs have food allergies, their immune system mistakenly treats specific ingredients as threats, which triggers the immune response. Some of the most common food allergies include those to beef, dairy, wheat, and chicken.
Airborne allergens like dust, pollen, and mold cause environmental allergies in dogs when inhaled, triggering allergic reactions. These allergies become the most prominent at the same time of year they do for people—spring and fall.
Allergies Cause Discomfort
Allergies in dogs can cause a wide range of symptoms, leading to discomfort, excessive itching, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. Symptoms such as constant itching or licking of the same area can create hot spots, which, if left untreated, can become secondary skin infections. Luckily, essentials such as Vetericyn Plus help heal your dog’s hot spots, which provides needed relief and healing.
Food allergies can also cause signs of discomfort, such as digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting. Your dog may refuse to eat or get thrown up after mealtime.?
Allergies Are Common
Another thing owners should know about dog allergies?is that they’re common, so there’s no need to panic. Additionally, specific breeds such as retrievers, terriers, bulldogs, and pugs are more prone to allergies.?
By understanding your dog’s breed and being aware of potential allergens in their environment, y’all can better prevent and manage them. For instance, if you learn your dog’s breed is more prone to chicken allergies, I recommend inspecting the ingredients list on the food you buy for them before purchasing it.?
Treating Allergies Is Easy
The first step in treating an allergy is identifying the allergen. Vets often do this through elimination diets for food allergies or environmental allergy testing.
Once y’all identify the type of allergies your dog has, treatment can include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and allergy shots. If your dog has food allergies, change what you feed it. Early detection and treatment are key for managing allergies in dogs. It’s best to talk with your vet as soon as you notice changes in your pup to keep your furry friend healthy.
