Did you know that dogs can get allergies, just like people can? Man’s Best Friend can be allergic to a wide variety of substances, and can develop those allergies at any point in his life. Here, a local Roanoke, VA vet discusses allergies in dogs.
Symptoms
Signs of allergies in dogs can vary widely, depending on the pup and, of course, the allergy. Red, runny eyes are common, as are sneezing, snoring, and burping. Allergies can also cause Fido to feel quite itchy, and can cause skin problems, such as redness, flaking, and scaling. Your canine buddy may be a bit flatulent if he is having a reaction. He may also vomit or have diarrhea. Stubborn, recurring ear infections are another red flag. Occasionally dogs suffer more serious symptoms, such as fainting and seizures, but, fortunately, these occurrences are rare.
Common Allergens
Fido can be allergic to many of the same things as people are, including mold, dust, mildew, and pollen. Some pooches are allergic to insect bites, while others react to strong fumes, such as cigarette smoke. Your furry friend could also react to ingredients in his food or doggy shampoo, or even materials in your carpet or upholstery.
Treatment
If you suspect that your furry pal has allergies, take him to the vet right away for a full exam. Tests will help determine exactly what your canine pal is reacting to. If food allergies are suspected, you may need to put Fido on a restricted diet for a while. Once the culprit has been identified, your vet will be able to offer treatment options, which could range from medication to specific food and care regimens.Ask your vet for more information.
Home Care
There are also some things you can do at home to make your furry best friend more comfortable. Vacuuming and dusting regularly will reduce the amount of allergens in your home. A good air purifier will also help. You may want to start monitoring pollen counts, and limiting your canine companion’s outdoor time when levels are high. Another thing you can do is to wipe down your pup’s paws and belly with a damp cloth whenever you bring him in. This will help get dust and pollen out of his fur.
Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA pet hospital, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
