Do you find your dog itching, scratching, sneezing, or wheezing after a day outside or a meal? Dog allergies could be the cause.
If you have noticed your pet displaying physical signs of distress and discomfort, make sure to consult your vet. She may recommend allergy chews for dogs, allergy shots, or a change in diet.
There are various symptoms and treatments for different kinds of pet allergies. Let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms. Then we will identify the causes and potential solutions.
If Your Dog Suffers From Itchiness, Ear and Paw Infections, or Digestive Issues
It’s true that dogs were bred from wild animals, but they can’t necessarily eat anything and everything safely. Itchiness, ear and paw infections, and digestive issues are common symptoms of food-related allergies.
Some foods, like alcohol, chocolate, grapes, and raisins are completely toxic and deadly to dogs. Dogs can have other allergies, too, though, even if they aren’t as deadly. Common allergies include dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, wheat, and gluten.
You can take your dog to the vet for blood or skin testing to find out if your dog is allergic to any of these common foods. If your dog reacts poorly to a particular food, make sure to check the list of ingredients. Especially when you buy new treats for your pup. Ask your vet for recommendations on treats that are allergen-free.
As first aid, you can try CBD oil for dogs. It’s a natural and organic way to help your canine friend. It provides the same benefits as CBD oil for humans, but in a safer and more effective way.
Most dogs are allergic to common allergens such as fleas, grasses, and dander. These allergens can lead to skin rashes, itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing.
CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory compound that has proven to be an effective treatment for both humans and animals suffering from allergies. It works by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help calm down an irritated immune system and reduce symptoms associated with an allergic reaction.
Excessive Licking, Face Rubbing, Loss of Fur, or Skin Irritation
Excessive licking, face rubbing, loss of fur, and skin irritation or itchiness are common symptoms of skin-related allergies and disorders. Skin-related allergies can be caused by a number of factors.
These include flea allergy dermatitis or FAD. Even if your dog only has a few flea bites, their skin can react negatively to flea saliva.
Atopic dermatitis is another common skin issue in dogs that can cause these symptoms. It is most commonly found in your dog’s folds of skin. It can be caused by plants, pollen, mold, or other environmental factors.
This is a very common skin condition that is often found in Golden and Labrador retrievers, Pit Bull terriers, German shepherd dogs, bulldogs, boxers, pugs, and other dogs with excessive folds of skin.
Steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, and special medicated shampoos are all potential solutions to skin-related allergies like fleas and dermatitis.
Mild Itching or Skin Irritation
If your dog is suffering from mild itching or skin irritation and you aren’t sure if the cause is food, insects, or the environment, an organic supplement could be a great place to start. There are plenty of allergy chews for dogs that contain all-natural, organic ingredients and herbs.
Ingredients like bee propolis in allergy chews for dogs help support a healthy immune system, potentially soothing skin-related issues and symptoms. Quercetin and Bromelain have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to reduce swelling caused by allergies.
Probiotics are another helpful ingredient to look for in allergy chews for dogs. Probiotics can be helpful for both humans and dogs.
They contain good bacteria that support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and prevent diarrhea. While humans often consume probiotics in the form of yogurt, dairy isn’t healthy for your dog. Probiotic vitamins, supplements, or allergy chews for dogs are best.
Swelling, Redness, Hives, or Difficulty Breathing
If your dog displays trouble breathing, vomiting, muscle stiffness, lethargy, seizures, or fever as a result of a bug bite, take them to a vet right away.
If your dog seems to be suffering from swelling or redness, especially in a concentrated area, he or she may be having an allergic reaction to an insect bite. Fleas, ticks, mites, mosquitoes, bees, hornets, wasps, ants, and flies can all bite your pup.
The best course of action is preventative. Get out that fly swatter and keep those evil bugs away from your dog!
A few insect bites are inevitable over the course of your dog’s lifetime. Be sure to give your dog a preventative flea and tick medication. Especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. For minor bites, soothe your dog’s pain with a cold compress or ice pack.
Aloe vera or an oatmeal bath can also be soothing to bites and stings. You can also give your dog a medicated bath to ease itching from fleas. Be sure not to apply any human allergy ointment or oral medication unless advised by your vet.
Final Thoughts
Dogs love to play outside where they are surrounded by bugs and potential allergens like pollen, fungi, and mold. It’s okay to let your pet enjoy themselves as long as you have talked to a vet about potential preventative measures.
Even if your pet has never had an allergic reaction before, have pet-safe antihistamines, allergy shampoo, or topical ointments on hand. If you think your dog is having an allergic reaction to a particular food, cut it out until you can make sure your pet is safe.
The best way to make sure your pet avoids allergens is to take notice of symptoms, consult your vet, and decide on potential causes. You and your vet can work together to choose a treatment that will help your dog get back to being his or her tail-wagging self.