What to Do When Your Pet Has Allergies
Pets Have Allergies, Too
Many animal lovers don't know the signs of pet allergies because dogs and cats show different reactions to some of the same things we're allergic to. Grass pollen, for example, makes lots of people sneeze and experience watering eyes. That same pollen, it turns out, can make a dog's feet itch.
Depending on the type of allergy, your pet may exhibit different symptoms. Although pets occasionally exhibit watery eyes and some sneezing, the most common reaction is scratching. Constant scratching may lead to raised infected welts, open sores, and loss of hair. Ear infections are also common in dogs with allergies.
Pets who are affected by allergies may suffer their entire lives; typically symptoms worsen as they get older. We can help alleviate some of that suffering by knowing the signs of allergies and finding the right type of product relief for the symptoms. Types of Allergies That Affect Pets There are many types of allergies that can affect your pet. Environmental allergens that are inhaled or come into contact with the skin can cause allergies known as atopy. Common sources are pollens, molds, and dust mites.
Allergies that result from flea bites are referred to as flea allergy dermatitis. Certain allergies occur from items your pet ingests, and are typically called food allergies. Contact allergies are caused by something your pet comes in direct contact with, such as carpet fibers, plastics, and other things. Contact allergies are less common than atopy and flea allergy dermatitis in pets.
The most obvious way to tell if a dog has allergies is if the dog is constantly scratching, either in one spot or all over their body. Other symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny eye or nose discharge, vomiting and diarrhea.
If you suspect your dog is experiencing allergy symptoms, Carolina Ranch can help. We can help determine what your dog is allergic to and how best to treat it, giving your pup some much needed relief. Contact us online today to schedule an appointment or to learn more! Yes, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. In Garner in the spring, for instance, we get high tree pollen counts. Dogs can be affected by tree pollen, as well as ragweed and dust mites. These allergens, also known as atopy, are environmental and are inhaled or come into contact with the dog’s skin, causing an allergic reaction.
Contact Carolina Ranch online today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about allergies and your pet. What can you give a dog with allergies near Garner NC? Some common allergy treatments for dogs include:
- Antihistamines - There are prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines that can be given to dogs to help with allergy symptoms. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian first before administering medicine.
- Hypo-Allergenic Shampoos and Wipes - These products are helpful in cleaning your dog without irritating their skin.
- Supplements - Some dogs respond well to fish oil supplements for skin care.
- Prescription Topical and Oral Treatments - Your veterinarian will determine if any prescription medicine would work well to treat your dog’s symptoms.
- Allergy Shots - Allergy shots are beneficial for dogs that do not respond well to oral medications.
