Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer from itchy, scratchy allergy symptoms. Just like us, our dogs develop allergies when their immune system becomes irritated by pollen, dust, mold or another allergen. Although it may be harmless in the environment, a small allergen can become a big problem if it is ingested, inhaled or comes into contact with your dog’s skin.
If your dog has allergies, it is of the utmost importance that you learn everything you can about how to help manage their symptoms.
Learn About Your Dog’s Allergy Symptoms
Dogs with allergies are pretty hard to ignore. The constant itching, scratching and chewing are enough to make everyone in the house crazy. However, there are other allergy symptoms a dog can develop. These symptoms include:
- Constant licking
- Swollen paws
- Hot spots
- Snoring (the result of a swollen throat)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears
- Ear infections
- Itchy back
- Itchy tail
- Watery eyes
- Scabbed, moist, red and itchy skin
Identify the Allergens
Dog allergies mirror that of human allergies, but you might not think of these common allergens as affecting your dog:
- Food substances (chicken, beef, pork)
- Plastic or rubber materials
- Flea and mite shampoos
- Fabric
- Cleaning products
- Perfumes
- Topical flea and tick preventives
- Prescription drugs
- Cigarette smoke
- Feathers
- Dander
- Mold
- Weed, grass or tree pollen
- Fleas
- Dust mites
If your dog is suffering from an allergy you just can’t put your finger on, you may want to consider an intradermal skin test. This is a skin test performed by a veterinary dermatologist that can pinpoint the causes of your dog’s allergy symptoms.
Monitoring your dog’s symptoms in and outside the home is also an effective way to pinpoint an allergen, it will just take more time. If your dog tends to have more allergies inside the home than out, you may want to focus on dust mites, mold or fleas as the culprits.
Don’t forget about food allergies! Food products such as pork, dairy, chicken, soy or beef are all common ingredients in dog food and treats. If you notice your dog has itchy skin combined with hair loss, vomiting and diarrhea, you may want to take a look at that bowl of kibble. Talk to your veterinarian about a safe way to conduct a food allergy experiment with your dog.
Try to Remove the Allergens
Wherever a dog roams, environmental allergens are present. Pollen from grass and flowers are carried into your home on your pet’s fur and paws, and you could be carrying them inside the home, too. And don’t forget about fleas! Adult fleas and their eggs can easily be carried in on the bottom of your shoes or hitch a ride into your home with your dog.
Here are some effective ways to reduce environmental and pest allergens:
- Wipe your dog’s paws with a damp washcloth or pet wipes after you go on a walk, and leave your own shoes outside in a mudroom or garage.
- Give your dog a weekly bath and brush him daily to remove pollen from the fur.
- Vacuum, dust and sweep your home regularly to pick up any stragglers that you might have missed.
- Wash your dog’s bedding and plush toys regularly with a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent.
- Discuss flea and tick preventatives with your veterinarian.
Maintain Flea and Tick Preventives
It only takes one flea to turn your dog into an itchy mess. Flea allergy dermatitis, an overreaction to flea saliva, is very common in dogs, especially sighthounds. Hair loss on the back and tail base are sure signs your dog is allergic to fleas.
The best way to prevent flea allergies is to keep these pests off your dog in the first place. Talk with your veterinarian to select the best flea preventive that works for you and your dog.