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Allergies are a dog’s negative reactions to certain substances found in their environments, skin or diets. These substances, called allergens, can cause reactions as mild as itching and as severe as anaphylaxis. That is why owners should be aware of which symptoms to look for and what to do once they identify them. Read on to learn more about dog allergies, their symptoms and how to treat them.
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If your dog is having an allergic reaction to something, there will be signs. Much like humans, an allergic reaction can look different in every dog and symptoms go beyond itchy skin, a runny nose and watery eyes. Other common symptoms of dog allergies include:
If you want to rule out that your dog has allergies, the best thing to do is to take them to experts like licensed veterinarians and allergy specialists. They will ascertain whether or not your dog has an allergy and what may be causing it.
Dogs typically suffer from three main types of allergies, which can be caused by their diets, their environment, parasites like fleas and even genetic factors.
Experts believe certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to have atopic dermatitis (atopy). Allergens like dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander will make a dog’s skin flare up if they struggle with this type of allergy.
Another common type of skin allergy is flea allergy dermatitis. Flare ups can be caused by flea bites and droppings as well as flea saliva.
Food allergies are caused by allergens found in different foods. The most common allergens can be found in certain proteins, nuts and grains as well as in milk.
This is not to be confused with an intolerance to histamines. Although histamine intolerance causes reactions similar to certain allergy symptoms, it indicates an inability to metabolize foods that are high in histamines.
Seasonal or environmental allergies are triggered by allergens that are more present in certain seasons than others. Just like skin allergies, these can be caused by allergens such as pollen, dust, mold spores and more.
The type of allergy a dog is suffering from —and to which degree— will determine if owners will be able to treat them on their own or need the help of an allergist, dermatologist or other experts.
We recommend always consulting with a vet or allergist before administering any sort of treatment at home. They will be able to narrow down the cause of the allergy and how to best treat it. Additionally, they may administer treatments like allergy shots (immunotherapy), which are meant to reduce how reactive a dog’s immune system is to certain allergens.
Although treatments should primarily be administered or overseen by experts, there are certain things dog owners can do to help alleviate the symptoms of an allergic reaction and reduce the amount of times they have them.
For example, an expert may recommend changing a dog’s diet to include hypoallergenic foods, which could help reduce food allergy-related flare ups. There are also sprays and other products that aim to soothe any immediate itchiness or irritation on the skin caused by allergens.
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2024-03-04T19:14:42Z dg43tfdfdgfd