Is your dog behaving weirdly? Does their excessive coughing and paw-gnawing make you worried? If yes, then you are surely thinking,“What exactly is wrong?”
The bad news is that they might be suffering from allergic reactions. Just like humans, this issue is common in puppies, too.
This reaction might be seasonal or due to any irritating food ingredient. This can also be the result of pesky flea attacks.
Hey! You don’t need to worry! Most of the sensitivity of your dog can be cured at home. However, sometimes, consultation from a veterinarian becomes necessary.
First Things First: Types of Allergic Reactions
This list will help you to identify the symptoms and signs that your dog shows. Armed with that knowledge,you’ll be able to deal with the issue immediately.
So, let’s get into it!
Environmental Allergies
Usually, environmental allergies take place by inhaling or other direct contact with allergens.
Your mutt may have inhaled dust particles or pollen grains through the air. Other allergy stimulating agents can be specific chemicals, plants, and shampoos.
As a result, your dog can experience red rash, itchiness, and irritation. These signs are particularly visible if you have a light-colored puppy.
Some canines can experience multiple seasonal/environmental allergies, at the same time. Such puppies are called “Atopic dogs”.
You should keep a record of your pooch’s allergic reaction in certain seasons and also their symptoms. This can help you track the relevant seasonal allergies.
Flea Allergies
Fleas, ticks, and mites are the leading cause of allergy reactions. In this scenario, a flea injects saliva into the dog’s skin when it bites.
The antigen present in saliva can result in a severe response. Your mutt’s immune system is hypersensitive to this antigen that normally does no harm.
The dog breeds most susceptible to flea hypersensitivity are Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Labrador Retrievers, and Scottish Terriers.
Generally, this particular allergic reaction can take place in any dog breed (or mixed breed). Antihistamines or antifungal medicine is the usual prescribed medicine.
Food Allergies
Food sensitivity usually lasts for 10 to 15 minutes. This is a less common form of allergy.
It is caused by antibodies production. These antigens are created against complex carbohydrates or a protein part in food.
However, a food allergy does take some time to develop. Therefore, your dog may not show sensitivity to a certain food item until after some time.
Edible items causing food allergies are proteins from dairy items, chicken, lambs, eggs, and beef.
How To Tell That Your Dog Has Allergies:
Dog coughing, barking, and chewing are common symptoms of several allergy types.
However, in-depth knowledge about symptoms and their causes can help you identify the accurate cause of hypersensitivity.
Excessive Chewing And Licking
Is your dog gnawing their footpad like crazy? Are they constantly licking their body? If yes, they have probably been exposed to irritants.
This hypersensitivity is usually linked to food allergies. It is a quite common issue that can be resolved.
This compulsive behavior can also be due to fleas, ticks, and mites. However, if excessive gnawing does not subside, you should visit a veterinary doctor.
These symptoms can also occur as a result of pain. This agony might be due to orthopedic problems. These problems include hip dysplasia and arthritis.
Itchy Ears
Itchiness in your mutt’s ear is the most common symptom of ear mite infection. You can also look at other symptoms for assurance.
These other symptoms include excessive head shaking, gnawing, and scratching paws and ears.
Ear mites can also produce excessive wax in your pooch’s ear. That can cause inflammation and redness.
If the infection gets severe, it can cause reddish-brown discharge, wounds, and infections. Make sure to check inside your pooch’s ears if you see the behaviors listed above.
Irritated Eyes
Itching eyes are one of the most common symptoms of dog allergies. It might be caused by allergens from trees, pollens, grass, flowers, or other foreign particles.
However, it can also be a sign of serious ailments. Such as glaucoma and conjunctivitis.
Some problems causing eye irking can be cured at home, with drops. And some of them require a pet specialist.
Take your dog to a veterinary clinic if the condition does not subside or improve within a couple of days.
Runny Nose And Sneezing
Dog coughing, sneezing, runny nose and wheezing all are signs of environmental pollution. It is usually caused by mites, spores, chemicals, and pollen.
However, this sneezing might turn into a nosebleed, eye discharge, and other breathing problems.
Try to keep your place dust-free to prevent the inhalation of toxins. Run an air purifier where they spend a lot of their time, and change the filters regularly. Only use a soft damp cloth to clean your dog’s nasal area.
You can also use a vaporizer at night to help your mutt with breathing issues.
How To Help Your Pooch With Allergies
Sometimes, you cannot immediately take your dog for special care to the clinic. It does not mean you do not love your little guy.
However, you can help them out with homemade treatments. Here are some natural remedies that you can try to make your doggie feel better.
Aloe Vera
A great product you can use to help your dog is aloe vera. You can buy a fresh aloe leaf from the store, or grab one from the yard if you’re that lucky. It can be refrigerated for three to four days.
Fresh aloe vera gel contains enzymes that promote healing. You can use it to reduce the itchiness and inflammation of your dog’s skin.
However, this effect can only be achieved by natural aloe. Store bottles are not recommended.
Probiotics
Approximately ninety percent of a canine’s immunity power depends on its gut health.
Probiotics can help your dog by killing harmful bacteria in his gut. It leads to the reduction of autoimmune reactivity and inflammation.
You can provide your dog with either probiotic supplements or probiotic foods. Probiotic foods such as dandelion greens, and mushrooms are some of the best for dogs.
Licorice
Does your mutt have a breathing issue and an inflamed gut? If yes, licorice can solve these symptoms of dog allergies.
Licorice has a substance called glycyrrhizic acid. This ingredient relieves inflammation by drawing out mucus from the respiratory tract.
This herb can be found easily and has no side effects. However, you can call your veterinarian to confirm the optimum dose required.
Nettles
Nettle is another great herb that can be used. It contains quercetin and histamines.
Histamine boosts the immune system to protect your dog’s body against allergens. While quercetin stimulates the anti-allergic properties of nettle leaves.
You can simply dry nettle leaves and make tea for your dog. You can also use this tea as a rinse. It will calm your dog’s itchy eyes and skin.
Baking Soda
Another affordable and easily available option is baking soda. It effectively soothes inflamed and irritated skin.
You can use it for your dog as a paste as well as a spray. For the paste, simply add some water and mix it with baking soda and Ta-da! Your remedy is ready. Apply it on itchy skin and wash it off after some hours.
For spray, all you need to do is add some more water and shake it every time you use it!
Conclusion
Handling a dog with allergies can be hard.. Your pooch needs your extra love and support at that time. It is suggested to take your mutt to a vet if their condition does not get better.
Snippet
Dog allergies can cause damage if left untreated. Give this article a read to learn more about it!