Reasons Why Your Dog May Have Allergies

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Just like human beings, dogs can also suffer from allergies such as food, pollen, household chemicals, bug bites, and animal dander. Their immune systems are similar to people's immune systems in that dogs can also overreact to certain substances. Your beloved, furry companion won't develop watery eyes or a stuffy nose as humans do but will have itchy or swelling skin, digestive tract issues or trouble breathing. Animal experts discuss the reasons why allergies occur and how you can help them get better.

Four Categories

Veterinarians believe that animal allergies such as those affecting your dog usually fall under four categories. These are chronic problems that won't go away, but you can still find the right solution for your pet so that they remain healthy, vibrant, and active.

Some folks have noticed that more dogs seem to be challenged with allergies these days in the modern world, but why?

Sometimes, it's simply genetics, and because of a large increase in a certain breed of dogs, there can be unreputable breeders, which can result in more dogs having certain allergy traits. Golden Retrievers are one breed that commonly suffers from allergies.

Food Allergies

A dog's diet can cause allergies, and often, these reactions develop over time. In other words, most animals aren't born with allergies. It could be a single ingredient in a dog's diet that is to blame.

Commercial dog food can be the culprit. Grains like rice and rye can trigger allergies, along with fillers from animal by-products, beet pulp, corn, and wheat.

That is why many owners believe in feeding their pooch a healthy raw dog food diet. These specially designed plans feature nutritionist-formulated and vet-approved meals that are sourced from USDA, human-grade meats.

Contact Allergies

Another reason your pup may suffer from allergies is due to certain materials your dog touches that develop into irritated skin. For instance, a plush, warm wool blanket can be an issue if your furry friend happens to be allergic to wool.

Not only that, there could be an allergy to the flea collar your dog is wearing since chemicals are used in these important dog accessories.

These are known as contact allergies, and the result can be an uncomfortable dog with thickened, itchy skin, redness or even hair loss if the canine continues scratching or biting the area of affected skin.

Seasonal Allergies

Inhalant allergies are something many human beings are familiar with and develop symptoms from the air during the spring and fall months when mold and pollen fill the air. These environmental irritants can also enter the home and become attached to carpets, shoes, clothing, etc.

Dogs can also be triggered by inhalant allergies and will bite or scratch to alleviate the discomfort and produce irritating skin patches that can become hairless.

Vets recommend vacuuming often in the house and using an air filter to keep your pooch comfy as well as limiting the dog's fun outdoors when allergy season is in high gear.

Flea Allergies

When fleas are ready to bite your furry friend, they secrete a protein in their saliva, and vets say that the protein is what a dog is allergic to. It isn't the fleas themselves. Even a single flea bite can last for up to five days and cause a pooch to itch and itch.

Your veterinarian can recommend prescription flea pills and collars if the dog isn't allergic as well as prescribed ointments or sprays to alleviate the itching. Dog baths are also helpful as well as cleaning your dog's bedding, blankets, and the home's carpets.

Effective Treatments

Allergies are common among canines, and today's treatments are excellent. There are several options, including antihistamines, steroids, immunotherapy, and symptomatic solutions.

Your veterinarian can properly diagnose your canine's allergy and suggest treatments that address the problem and bring your dog relief.

Conclusion

You love your pet dearly and want your pooch to live a long, healthy, happy life. Allergies can show up at any time, but that's normal and just a part of being a dog. Your canine doesn't have to be miserable; you can adjust their diet, limit seasonal exposure, and find options that yield good results.