Understanding Your Dog's Allergies

Allergies in dogs can be caused by many factors and can take multiple forms. If your beloved pet suffers from allergies, it's vital to understand what's causing the allergies and how to treat the symptoms. Sadly, there's no cure for dogs' allergies; there's only management and prevention of the symptoms.

Skin Allergies in Dogs
A dog can often suffer from skin allergies, which take the form of skin reactions. This type of dog allergy is often caused by skin sensitivity to an allergen or environmental factor. Often, a dog will develop symptoms of a skin allergy when exposed to natural factors, such as dust, pollen, insect bites, and vegetation.

The symptoms of skin allergies in pets can take many forms. The skin reaction can cause a dog itching, swelling of the skin, and redness. Hives or a skin rash can develop on the dog's skin surface. Recognizing the symptoms is important in order to properly relieve the allergy reaction.

The most common treatment to relieve the symptoms of the skin allergy involves washing the area with a mild or hypoallergenic soap. This will remove any residue or allergen that has come into contact with the skin. If the dog is scratching, this will also clean the area to reduce the risk of an infection developing. If the itching is persistent, speak with a certified veterinarian to receive an antihistamine cream, which can be applied to the affected area.

Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
As with humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Dogs' allergies are often caused by the same factors as those of humans. Environmental allergens, such as pollen and dust, often contribute to a dog's allergy symptoms. This form of dog allergy is most often treated with preventing the symptoms from occurring in the first place.

The symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. A dog with this condition may rub their eyes due to itching and irritation. They may also have a clear fluid running from their nose. During this time, a pet may become irritable and sleep more often due to the fact they are not feeling their best.

Before treating the symptoms of seasonal allergies in a dog, visit a veterinarian to rule out any other possible causes. The symptoms of allergies in dogs are often similar to those of a viral or bacterial infection. A veterinarian will be able to determine if it's an infection or seasonal allergies. A prescription will often be given, such as that of benadryl. Human benadryl is safe to give to dogs under the supervision of a veterinarian to relieve the symptoms.

After a dog is properly diagnosed with suffering from allergies, it's important to control the condition with preventative steps. Preventing a dogs allergies is often easier said than done. Prevention tips include keeping your pet clean and free from vegetation or dirt that may cause either a skin reaction or the respiratory symptoms associated with allergies. A dog allergy that is seasonal needs to be treated with a prescribed antihistamine to control the symptoms and prevent any symptom flares.