What Are Those Dog Allergy Symptoms Trying To Tell You?
Us humans are not the only ones who suffer from allergies, dog allergies are very common and can be very debilitating for your dog. Dogs can be allergic to many things including fleas, chemicals, food ingredients, pollutants in the air and even their own fur. Finding out what is causing the allergy is better than simply doling out medication, which may have side effects. This may not be easy however, especially if your dog has multiple allergies.
The following are some dog allergy symptoms to watch for. Coughing, wheezing, a thin patchy coat, runny nose or eyes, lethargy and sneezing. How do we determine what is causing your particular dog’s allergy? And, more importantly, how do we det rid of it?
A primary cause of canine allergies is fleas. Fortunately this is easy to control. Simply buy one of the products on the market that eliminates fleas or ask your vet to recommend one. Make sure you apply it regularly as fleas can’t be eliminated by just one application.
Another common allergy in dogs can be found in their food. Dogs can be sensitive to chemicals in their food or to one or more of the ingredients. Some ingredients in dog food cause allergies more frequently than others. Among these are eggs, fish, beef, chicken, corn and wheat. Please note that corn is a serial offender and is often used in cheaper brands of dog food as a filler. Ask your vet what he recommends, or there are also hypoallergenic do foods available.
Environmental allergies – your dog may even be allergic to his own coat, especially if he has thick or long hairs. When your dog cleans himself his swallows a lot of hair and this can make the situation worse. Washing your dog once or twice a month and brushing him daily will go a long way to combat a hair and dander allergy.
Do you use chemical cleaners in your home? Dogs may be quite sensitive to these. Use natural cleaning products or those without bleach or other harsh chemicals. Another cause of allergens in the home may be mold. This can be tested for and eliminated which will improve the health of your whole family.
Dog allergy symptoms such as itchy skin can be relieved by washing your dog in water with some added oatmeal. Natural shampoos containing eucalyptus, tea tree oil or aloe vera can also provide quick, temporary relief.
Mixing some omega 3 fish oil in with your dog’s food can dramatically improve skin conditions in some dogs. Evening primrose oil can have the same effect.
Anti histamines are a rapid answer to most allergies if nothing else works. They may make you dog lethargic during the day, but are a safer option than steroids.
Dog allergy symptoms are a wake up call that all is not well with your dog’s health or environment. Finding the cause of the allergy is the hard part, but taking care of an allergic dog is relatively easy once you have identified the problem. Always ask your vet for advice if you do not know where to start.
