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Dog Allergy Symptoms Are A Warning Sign
By Dog Lover | June 5, 2009
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 may be allergic to food, fleas, airborne pollutants as well as their own fur. Finding out what is causing the allergy is better than simply doling out medication, which may have side effects. However this is easier said than done especially if your dog has more than one allergy.
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?
One of the main causes of allergies in dogs is fleas. However this is simple to eliminate. There are several good products on the market to eliminate fleas on dogs. Make sure you buy one and use it according to the manufacturers recommendation.
Food allergies are another very common occurrence. Dogs may become allergic to chemicals in dog food or to the actual ingredients themselves. Some ingredients in dog food cause allergies more frequently than others. Among these are eggs, fish, beef, chicken, corn and wheat. Of all these corn is probably the worst and unfortunately is very common in cheaper brands of dog food. Ask your vet what he recommends, or there are also hypoallergenic do foods available.
Your dog may even be allergic to his own fur. This is particularly common for long haired dogs. When your dog cleans himself his swallows a lot of hair and this can make the situation worse. Giving your dog a good wash every couple of weeks will remove excess hair and dander. Grooming him with a stiff brush once a day helps too.
Your dog may even be allergic to the chemicals used to clean your home. 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. Dog shampoos that contain tea-tree, aloe vera or eucalyptus will soothe the skin and will temporarily relieve irritation.
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.
For severe allergies, anti-histamines can provide immediate relief. However there may be side effects such as lethargy.
Dog allergy symptoms are a wake up call that all is not well with your dog’s health or environment. Discovering the cause can be a challenge, but caring for a hypoallergenic dog is easy once the problem has been identified. If in doubt where to begin, a call to your vet will start you in the right direction.
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