Living with allergies is no fun for anyone. Just like how we experience frustrating allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchiness, our dear dogs get to experience these too.
And as a pet parent, it pains us to see our furkid itching like crazy. So how would you know if your dog has allergies? What could be his triggers? What should you do to relieve him from allergies? Read on to know more about protecting your pooch from allergy symptoms and learn how to help him get better.
What are allergies?
Allergies happen when the immune system tries to defend the body from substances that don’t actually pose a health threat. When the immune system overreacts from allergens, it triggers sickness-like reactions that cause suffering to both humans and dogs.
Common allergens that pet parents need to watch out for are:
- Environmental factors like pollens, dust, mites, and fleas
- Food sources like animal protein, plant protein, and dairy products
Environmental allergies
A very common type of allergy in dogs, environmental allergies are seasonal. This means that attacks may become more frequent during certain times of the year. The most common symptoms include skin inflammation and intense itchiness.
Observe your dog as he may try to relieve itchiness thru licking, biting, or chewing which may result in hair loss or wounds. If your dog shows signs of environmental allergies, consult your veterinarian.
Food allergies
This kind of allergies may not be as common as environmental allergies, but if your furkid happens to develop a sensitivity in the food he eats, the symptoms can be painful.
Food allergy symptoms include:
- itching
- hives
- fur loss
- skin inflammation
- vomiting
- diarrhea
The best way to relieve your furkid from food allergies is to ask help from your vet. He will help you identify the triggers and learn how to manage the symptoms.
Managing allergies in dogs
To treat allergies in dogs, the first step is to identify the allergen and avoid it as much as possible. As for the treatment, it depends on the type of allergy your fur child has. It is best to work closely with your vet.
Aside from health tests and medications, your vet may suggest some lifestyle changes and better diet options for your dog. Regular exercise, grooming, and a diet free from artificial preservatives and flavorings (like Wishbone Pet Food) can help bring your dog back to a better state of health.
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