Dealing with dog allergies only requires some simple steps in most cases, but sometimes more significant intervention is needed.
Allergies are a common problem many dog owners need to deal with in some capacity. While many cases will be mild and can be solved with small lifestyle adjustments and some antihistamines, some more serious cases will need larger-scale changes to keep the pup happy and healthy without suffering from allergic reactions.
Symptoms
In most cases, the signs will be limited to typical signs of allergies that are common even in humans. This includes, but is not limited to, itchy and inflamed skin, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Short-nosed and small dogs are also prone to paroxysmal respiration, commonly called reverse sneezing. Sometimes more serious symptoms can be present, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or even an anaphylactic reaction.
Common Causes
According to the AKC, the most common type of allergy in dogs is canine atopic dermatitis. This is a general allergic response to common allergens such as pollen and mold. Other common causes include food allergies, fleas, contact allergies, and bacterial hypersensitivity.
It’s not always obvious what the root cause of a dog’s allergies is. If you’re not sure how to proceed once you’ve established that your dog is suffering from allergies, the best thing to do is see your primary veterinarian. They can help you come up with a plan so that you can determine the root cause of the issues your dog is experiencing. This is important because if it’s something serious like a food allergy or bacterial hypersensitivity, you will need to make changes to keep your pup healthy and allergy-free. A dose of antihistamines isn’t always the right solution.
Managing Them
The best way to manage your dog’s allergies is to take the time to determine the source and make adjustments to keep these things away from your pup. By avoiding the offending issue, you’re sure to have a happy and healthy companion that might even be able to avoid needing medication. However, in some cases, medicine and lifestyle changes are necessary.
For standard canine atopic dermatitis, an over-the-counter antihistamine will usually do the trick (though not always). For food allergies, you will need to change your dog’s diet to ensure that they’re not ingesting something they’re allergic to. Flea prevention medication should be given normally anyway, but it’s even more important if your pooch has a flea allergy. Medicated baths might be needed for dogs with bacterial hypersensitivity or any pup that has a severe skin reaction. You can also sometimes combat environmental allergies with air purifiers.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.