Dog Allergies and Symptoms
Dog Allergies & Symptoms – The Holistic Guide to Dog Owners and Those with Dog Allergies
You may not know it, but your dog might be suffering from allergies.
The problem is that, unlike human allergies which are relatively easy to identify, dog allergies exhibit symptoms that are unique to dogs, often appearing as though your dog is simply being, well…a dog.
Yet, just as human beings are affected by allergic reactions, dogs are similarly affected and dog allergies should be take just as seriously.
Let’s discuss a few of the allergies as well as their symptoms below.
Types of allergies your dog may have
There is 2 main type of allergies that your dog may have:
1 – Skin Allergies:
- 1.1 – Flea Allergy – Dermatitis
This is an allergic reaction to flea bites. It is a result of your dog’s skin reacting to the flea’s saliva.
This reaction starts off an itching sensation in the localized area of the bite. It will cause the area to become, red, inflamed, and then begin to scab.
- 1.2 – Environmental Allergens
Caused by dust, pollen, and mold, these allergens may cause reactions such as dermatitis and itching. It is not uncommon for these allergens to be seasonally recurring, so be aware of their frequency (for example, which season your dog is experiencing these symptoms).
Environmental allergens may also affect your dog’s paws, ears, wrists, ankles muzzle, underarms groin, eyes, and in-between their toes.
*Please be aware that any allergens which include skin discomfort that causes itching, may result in a secondary infection caused by your dog biting and scratching at the area experiencing discomfort.
Be sure to buy a dog-safe antiseptic to prevent this from happening.
2 – Food Allergies
Food allergies may also cause an itchy sensation in the paws and ears, however, you should also pay close attention to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting. Food allergies in dogs can be serious and should be taken seriously when symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, gastrointestinal, or severe itching are experienced (your dog should receive veterinary attention).
In some cases, dogs may experience anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction, and when this happens you will need to get your dog to a veterinary clinic or doctor immediately. Similarly to humans experiencing an allergic reaction to peanuts, anaphylaxis is when your throat begins to swell, causing you to stop breathing. It is a serious reaction and will be fatal if not treated immediately.
The key to food allergies and your canine friend is avoidance. So, in the event that your dog experiences these symptoms, monitor their food intake diligently. Alternatively, you may consult with your veterinary professional to perform an allergen test which will be able to reveal the allergies. While this process is effective, there are cases where simply following an elimination diet will be able to easily identify the allergen.
Help your dog to cope better with the allergies
Many people have carried out an accredited test to know the allergies of their dogs.
You will only need to take some saliva samples from a cotton device. Click on the following link to find out more about the Dog Allergy Test.
What you need to know
It is important to know what your dog’s breed is as some races have a major tendency to suffer from specific allergies.
It is also strongly recommended that you get to know the genetic age of your dog in order to recognize other illnesses and health problems.
Suspect you have dog allergies?
Some symptoms include swelling and itching of the membranes around the nose and eye region when you are in the vicinity of the animal. You may also experience redness of the skin after being licked by a dog.
The extensiveness of the reaction may cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and even a rash on the face, neck, and chest areas.
In some cases, children have been known to develop a kind of painful eczema which will warrant the attention of your general practitioner. There are simple allergen tests that are available for humans. This testing involves a simple skin test.
How can you get allergies from the dog?
First, the dog allergen is placed on a small area of the skin, followed by a skin sample which is taken with a small skin prick that allows the allergen to seep into the skin.
This is then monitored for allergic symptoms which will signal that you are in fact allergic to the dog allergen. The symptoms include swelling and redness of the skin.
How to fight canine allergies?
There are a few things you can do to minimize the effects of the dog allergens in your home, especially in the event that you do not plan to remove the dog from your home. Remember, the dog allergen originates in the dander (dead skin) which can be found on the skin of your dog.
This dander is what spreads throughout your home, causing the allergen to affect your allergies even if the dog isn’t present.
Minimize the effects of the allergen
In order to minimize the effects of the allergen:
- Practicing avoidance is the best thing that you could possibly do. This includes designating dog-free areas such as your bedroom.
- You may consider taking antihistamines which will block the effects of the chemical triggers which cause symptoms.
- As an additional precaution, the dog will have to be bathed weekly to reduce the amount of dander on the animal.
The important thing to remember is that you’re unlikely to have a fatal reaction and intolerance to your dog’s allergies. However, for those who are asthmatic, the reaction may be more severe and a doctor may need to be consulted.
As a general rule, people with allergies should carry a general antihistamine.
Resistance to the pet allergies
Building resistance to the allergy is a possibility. Children who are exposed to dogs from a young age have been known to develop a resistance to the dog allergen and actually reduce the likelihood of developing an allergy to the animal later on in life.
This may not be the case with adults as continuous exposure may result in more severe symptoms.
Precaution should always be taken with allergies and allergic reactions, so be wary and prepared at all times.
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