April showers bring May flowers. And May flowers bring… ACHOO!
Humans aren’t the only ones to experience allergies. Have you ever noticed your dog endlessly licking at some angry, inflamed skin and asked yourself: “how on Earth did that happen?!” Or perhaps after a fun day outside of rolling around in grass, your dog just couldn’t stop scratching themself? The answer may surprise you: dogs can have allergies, too!
But what can they be allergic to? How can you spot symptoms? Make them feel all better? Keep reading for short and sweet answers to all of your questions.
What Are Dog Allergies?
Allergies are the most common skin disease in dogs. There are three common types:
Environmental
Caused by substances that exist in your home, backyard, and anywhere else your dog spends time such as pollen, plant or animal fibers, dust mites, and mold spores. Can be seasonal similar to human allergies.
Flea
Caused by proteins in flea saliva that are believed to be the allergens that cause the itchiness.
Food
Caused by an immune system reaction to particular proteins such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, corn, and wheat gluten.
How To Spot Them
A dog’s paws and ears are the most commonly affected areas. It’s important to keep an eye out for any possible symptoms as dogs with allergies often develop secondary bacterial or yeast infections due to excessive scratching and licking.
Here are some common symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs:
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Itchy skin
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Excessive scratching or licking
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Compulsive paw licking in dogs
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Boot scoots or licking their anal glands
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Scratching and biting their coat or skin
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Face rubbing on floors or furniture
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Red or inflamed skin
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Hair loss
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Recurrent skin or ear infections
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Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or loose stools
How To Treat Them
Although there may be no definitive cure to dog allergies, there are still endless ways to make your dog feel better.
Topical Treatments
Anti-itch sprays and creams can alleviate itchiness caused by allergic reactions. Topical flea treatments such as baths can kill fleas and heal skin.
Oral Treatments
Over-the-counter allergy pills such as Benadryl and Zyrtec can relieve general symptoms. Fatty acid supplements such as fish oil and omega-3 sources can ease both environmental and food allergy symptoms.
Preventative Care
Protective waxes such as MaxWax block environmental allergens like grass, pollen, and dust from creating irritation. Cleaning your dog’s paws right after possible outdoor allergen exposure can help to alleviate symptom development. Monthly flea medication can fight off fleas and allergic reactions. Integrating hypoallergenic dog food or dog food with ingredients less likely to cause an immune response such as duck into your dog’s diet can help in prevention.
Just like with human allergies, dog allergies can be stressful, but it doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Through awareness, treatment, and protection, your pup can play to their heart’s content without an allergy scares!