Do you suffer from allergies? Even if you don’t personally have allergies, you likely know someone who does. Many of our canine patients are also afflicted. Allergies can range from mildly annoying to potentially life-threatening, for both people and pets. A local Raleigh, NC vet discusses allergies in dogs below.
Allergens
Dogs can develop allergies at any point in their lives. They can also react to many different things, including dust, plants, leaves, pollen, insect bites, and even ingredients in their shampoos. Some dogs are allergic to strong fumes, such as cigarette smoke or perfume. Others may react to certain fibers or fabrics. Food allergies are also not uncommon in our canine pals. This often happens when dogs eat the same thing too long: their bodies begin to identify specific proteins as ‘attackers’ and launch an immune system response.
Signs
The signs of allergies in our canine buddies can vary widely, depending on what Fido is reacting to. Some common ones include skin problems; hair loss; head shaking; itchiness; red, runny eyes; sneezing; snoring; burping; flatulence; recurring ear infections; vomiting; and diarrhea. Occasionally, dogs can have more severe reactions, which may include things like fainting, seizures, coma, or, unfortunately, even death. Luckily, those instances are rare.
Treatment
Allergies can’t be cured. However, there are treatment options available. In some cases, medication may help. If your furry buddy is allergic to food, a special diet may do the trick. In any case, if you know or suspect that Fido has allergies, you’ll want to take him to the vet for testing. Once the culprit has been identified, your vet will be able to offer specific treatment options and home care advice.
Home Care Tips
There are also some things that you can do at home to keep your pup more comfortable. We recommend getting a good air purifier. (Bonus: this will also help keep your home smelling nice.) Regularly dusting and vacuuming will also help. You may want to download a pollen tracker, so you can monitor levels. Limit your furry friend’s outdoor time when numbers are high. Last but not least, get into the habit of wiping Fido’s paws and belly down with a damp cloth when you bring him in.
Please contact us, your local Raleigh, NC vet clinic, if ever there is anything we can be of assistance with. We are always happy to help!