What Do You Do When Your Dog Gets Allergies?

Just like humans, dogs with allergies are common. Allergies are the body's response to allergens, such as dust, mold, and pollen, which trigger a response from the immune system. You can get help dealing with pet allergies in Louisville from an animal clinic, such as Springhurst Animal Hospital.

Determining if Your Dog Has Allergies

Allergies can present as digestive, respiratory, or skin symptoms. Dogs that are constantly scratching may have fleabite allergies. If your dog has diarrhea, ear itchiness, sneezing, vomiting, or wet, irritated, or scraped skin then he or she may have allergies.

Common Allergens for Dogs with Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to anything, but some common allergens can include dust mites, cleaning products, dander, drugs, fragrances, fleas, rubber and plastic, pollens, soap and shampoo, and feathers.

Your dog can also develop food allergies at any time. Common allergies include pork, chicken, beef, wheat, and soy. Your veterinarian will try to diagnose a food allergy by having your dog on a prescription diet free of allergens until symptoms go away. Then, proceed to slowly reintroduce foods to know which one is triggering the allergy.

Avoiding Allergies

The best way to avoid allergies, especially food, is to avoid the allergens completely. It’s important to start a flea control program so you don’t have to deal with flea allergies. Keep your pet's bedding clean and vacuum regularly. Bathing may help remove some of the allergies but be sure to ask your veterinarian about some shampoo recommendations to make sure your dog isn’t allergic to the shampoo. If your vet isn’t able to determine the cause of the allergies, he or she can recommend blood or skin tests.

Not every substance can be removed from the environment, so your dog may have the allergies controlled by medications. Airborne allergens can be treated with injections to help your pet develop resistance to the allergy.

Call Springhurst Animal Hospital Today!

If your pet has shown signs of allergies and you are having trouble dealing with them on your own, it’s time to contact your vet in Louisville at Springhurst Animal Hospital.