Do Pets Get Allergies?
One usually doesn’t think of an animal as having the same medical conditions as a human, but they can get most of the illness known to man. Allergies are one of the things that dogs and cats can suffer from. While their conditions might not give the exact symptoms, allergies can make them pretty miserable. One of the first ways a pet owner can tell if their dog is suffering from allergies is they constantly lick and bite their feet.
Dog’s Respond Differently To Allergens
Animals can certainly have a reaction to pollen in the air. When considering a human, the excess pollen can make the eyes water or cause sneezing. Dogs don’t react the same, so they experience itchy feet. Pollen is only one type of allergen; a dog can exhibit many different symptoms depending on what they come in contact with. Pets can have watery eyes and sneeze too, but the most common way for a pet to react to an allergy is to scratch.
Scratching Excessively Caution Other Problems
When a dog is constantly scratching at an area, it causes the skin cells to become raw. This may lead to welts and open sores. These open sores can become infected, which will cause a loss of hair. Dogs become obsessed with an area that is open and oozing and wearing a collar that prevents scratching and chewing may be necessary.
A dog who is affected by allergies may suffer from the condition for their entire life. Unfortunately, the symptoms often worsen as they age. As a pet owner, you can help to alleviate your dog’s suffering by looking for the signs that he is struggling with his allergies. There are many medications and other methods that can ensure the dog can tackle allergy season.
Understanding Pet Allergies
Skin allergies are among the most common problem with dogs. Atopy is environmental allergens that are either inhaled or come in contact with the skin. The most common sources of these allergens are pollen, dust mites, and mold. Flea bites can also cause allergies. They are called flea allergy dermatitis.
Some allergies may come from things the dog ingests, which is called food allergies. If the pet is irritated when it comes in contact with things in the carpet, like carpet fibers or plastics, these would be considered to be contact allergies. Atopy is more common than contact allergies in a dog, but flea allergy dermatitis is a big concern to pet owners.
The most common form of allergy that a dog deals with is atopy. Since it is a seasonal discomfort, a pet usually doesn’t suffer from these issues all year long. In the fall season, ragweed counts are higher than normal.
Additionally, the spring months of April and May are also big issues for allergy sufferers. Tree pollen counts are highest in the spring, which also has a direct effect on humans. On the other hand, dogs that are sensitive to dust mites can have severe reactions during the winter months. This is due to spending more time inside and less outside.
Pet parents may notice chewing of the feet, rubbing the face, constantly licking of the groin area, inflamed ears, and hot spots forming on dogs suffering from allergies. Though some dogs may display asthma-like wheezing, these common respiratory problems are more likely in cats.
Atopy
The most common form of allergy that a dog deals with is atopy. Since it is a seasonal discomfort, a pet usually doesn’t suffer from these issues all year long. In the fall season, ragweed counts are higher than normal.
Additionally, the spring months of April and May are also big issues for allergy sufferers. Tree pollen counts are highest in the spring, which also has a direct effect on humans. On the other hand, dogs that are sensitive to dust mites can have severe reactions during the winter months. This is due to spending more time inside and less outside.
Pet parents may notice chewing of the feet, rubbing the face, constantly licking of the groin area, inflamed ears, and hot spots forming on dogs suffering from allergies. Though some dogs may display asthma-like wheezing, these common respiratory problems are more likely in cats.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is less common, but it does occur in many pets. Dogs suffering from this condition may have a rash on their belly, muzzle, or feet. This kind of allergy causes an intense scratching. In chronic conditions, there is always hair loss from the contact friction to the area.
Food Allergies
Around 10-15 percent of allergies that dogs suffer from comes from their food. Commonly, food allergies also show up with allergies to dust and pollen. Symptoms of these allergies include itching of the fact, feet, limbs, and anus as well as yeast related ear problems. They may also have skin infections, but they will clear up with antibiotics. Unfortunately, they will recur as soon as the antibiotic therapy is completed.
Though not common, a dog with a food allergy may have increased bowel movements. It may appear in the form of diarrhea or as a soft stool. A food allergy should never be confused with a dog’s food intolerance. In general, allergies can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Knowing When To Call The Vet
It is difficult for a pet owner to patch their dog suffer from allergies. If you think that your dog has an allergy issue, it is best to visit the veterinarian. Depending on the allergy and the severity of it, it will determine how the vet treats them.