Pets Skin and Allergies

Did you know that dogs get allergies too? As the weather begins to warm all across the country, we thought it would be important to discuss canine allergies!

What’s interesting is that dogs can be allergic to the very same pollen’s and other allergens as humans, but they symptoms can be different or harder to spot. For us, we usually come down with sneezing, coughing, watery – itchy eyes, some people can develop rashes if they have sensitive skin. Well dogs don’t have the same upper respiratory system and sinus cavities that humans do, so more often allergy symptoms affect their skin.

Allergy Symptoms

Warm spring air brings pollen! Trees, shrubs and flowers are beginning to bloom which will soon lead to itchy pups. Dogs primarily get allergies and have itchy skin around their eyes, ears, foot pads and near their bottom or hind end.

Mild symptoms may be:

• Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy)
• Increased scratching
• Itchy ears and ear infections
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Sneezing

Moderate to severe symptoms are:

• Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
• Paw chewing/swollen paws
• Snoring caused by an inflamed throat
• Constant licking
• Vomiting – more common with food allergies
• Diarrhea – more common with food allergies
• Secondary bacterial infections
• Yeast infections may develop easier

You may be asking, “Are there certain plants, foods, environmental factors I should avoid if my pup has allergies?”

The answer: Yes!

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