Dog Allergy Symptoms And Relief

November 17, 2008 by Richard Cross

An allergy can be harmless or it can be fatal. Given the varied nature of this medical condition, prompt and proper treatment is always advisable when dealing with the same. When such allergies affect our dogs, the same prudence and care should likewise be observed, and foremost of these steps is knowing the different kinds of dog allergy symptoms.

The Difficulties In Determining Dog Allergy Symptoms

When people suffer from allergies, the symptoms are quite obvious. Sneezing, flu-like signs, sudden appearance of rashes, and the likes are the common human allergic reactions. Dog allergy symptoms, on the other hand, are more difficult to pinpoint because dog behaviour is very much different from ours.

However, a close observation of the signs that our dogs exhibit will help us come up with an educated approximation as to what may be bothering them.

The Common Dog Allergy Symptoms

The following dog allergy symptoms may not be dog allergy symptoms at all. They may indicate conditions other than allergen-triggered problems. However, these are the commonly observed manifestations when it comes to dogs suffering from allergies.

These commonly observed dog allergy symptoms are classified into 3 groups of allergies.

The following are dog allergy symptoms caused by skin allergens:

- Dog sneezes a lot. How much is “a lot?” Observe the sneezing dog for ten minutes. If he sneezes more than 5 times within the said period, then chances are, he may be suffering from a cold or he may be suffering from an allergy.
- Dog starts to cough, and the cough is accompanied by intermittent sneezes.
- Dog’s eyes start to become watery, and such a symptom is accompanied by either sneezing, coughing or both.

The following are dog allergy symptoms caused by inhaled allergens:

- Dog starts to itch at an alarming frequency. That a dog will scratch a spot or two is normal. But if the dog scratches multiple spots most of the time, then something may be triggering the itch.
- Dog starts to bite his tail with alarming frequency.
- Dog starts to develop rashes, which often start to manifest on the area underneath the point where his legs are attached to his torso. The area around his ears can also be starting points of such irritation.

The Following are dog allergy symptoms caused by ingested allergens:

- Dog starts to vomit.
- Dog acquires diarrhea.
- Dog starts to cough or choke up.

Determining Dog Allergy Symptoms Will Help Us Determine The Type Of Relief Needed

Dog allergy symptoms caused by skin allergens will tell us that preventive measures should be taken to eliminate substances which tend to irritate our dogs’ skin. Fleas are the usual suspects. Hence, anti-flea products should be resorted to. Anti-flea products come in many forms. Flea collars, flea sprays, and flea shampoos are just some of the popular types of anti-flea solutions in the market today. Efforts to eliminate fleas should be doubled during summer because such is the season when fleas multiply at a frightening rate.

Dog allergy symptoms caused by inhaled allergens tell us that we should clean the areas that our dogs frequent. Vacuum cleaning is a recommended solution, as this will get rid of the microscopic substances that may be triggering the allergies.

Dog allergy symptoms caused by ingested allergens tell us that we should closely monitor our dog’s diet and change certain delicacies which our canine companions may not be receptive to.

In all cases, a visit to the vet will ensure that proper determination and treatment of the canine allergy will be achieved.