Like us humans, our furry friends can suffer from the same annoying discomfort during allergy season. However, unlike us, our dogs can’t exactly express that they’re suffering from allergies. To better identify if your pooch is dealing with seasonal allergies and how to help them with it – read on!
What Even Are Allergies?
Allergies are sensitivities to things found in our everyday environment like such as dust or pollen. While these things aren’t typically very harmful to either our furry friends or us, they can cause significant discomfort. Also, sometimes your pup’s immune system can be harmful to their body when it comes to allergies. This happens when their body releases histamines that can cause inflammation, swelling, and itching. The inflammation can then also cause various other symptoms associated with allergies.
What Causes The Allergic Reaction?
A large variety of things could be causing Fido’s seasonal allergies. Each dog is unique, so what affects one dog might not bother another and vice versa.
Common Environmental Allergens
- Pollen
- Grass
- Weeds
- Mold
- Fungi
- Flea Saliva
Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
Just like your pup can be allergic to a unique variety of things, they can also show individual symptoms. Most dogs, though, will react by scratching or biting to try and relieve any itchiness, which can lead to more redness and inflammation.
Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
- Watery Eyes
- Runny Nose
- Sneezing
- Respiratory Congestion
- Itchy Flaky Skin (Pruritus)
- Hair Loss
- Itching
- Ear Infections
- Shaking Head
- Scratching One or Both Ears
- Smells and/or “Dirty” Ears
- Licking of the Paws and/or Anus
- Patchy Skin or Skin Irregularities
How are Seasonal Allergies Diagnosed?
Identifying and diagnosing seasonal allergies can be a bit difficult as many of the symptoms for environmental allergies correspond with seasonal. Furthermore, dogs with food allergies can start to show skin irritation symptoms that can be mistaken for seasonal allergies. While there are various ways that seasonal allergies in dogs can be diagnosed, one of the most prominent ways is through an intradermal skin test. This is a very similar test that we humans take to diagnose allergens in our system. With these results, your dog’s vet can then create specialized serums or immunotherapy shots that can be administered.
Your vet might also recommend other diagnosing or treatment options, so it’s always best to consult with your furry friend’s vet first and foremost.
