A dog with allergies needs more care, since they can also experience similar symptoms that humans with allergies do. Some allergies may even be frustrating that they require vet treatments or medications. However, your dog may not communicate well if they’ve eaten or contracted something that causes allergies. You can suspect an allergy if they become irritable or change their moods. With such, do the following to care for them.
Understand Allergy Symptoms
Different allergies have different symptoms. Generally, your dog could experience inflammation and itching, leading to skin redness. Other symptoms include the following:
- Skin irregularities
- Patchy skin
- Licking of anus and paws
- ‘Dirty’ or smelly ears
- Scratching one or both ears while shaking their head
- Hair loss
- Itchy ears or ear infection
- Itchy flaky skin
- Respiratory congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
Food Allergy Treatment
Prevent problematic ingredients when feeding your dog that has a food allergy. You may want to provide some relief for your dog by giving medications such as Apoquel or steroids. Dog Food Care reviews also suggest checking the ingredients on treats and other dog food before feeding it to your dog. That way, you can keep track of possible ingredients causing food allergies, since there is no single ‘best’ dog food for allergies. You may also want probiotics, fatty acid supplements, and tuna fish as part of your dog’s diet.
Flea Allergy Treatment
When your pet is experiencing irritated and itchy skin, fleas may be present. You need to reduce the symptoms of flea allergy, dermatitis can worsen if left untreated. Eliminate the fleas by using medications and products to control fleas.
It includes liquid form treatments that you apply onto your pet’s skin, while others are chewable or given orally. However, it’s still best to seek a vet’s professional advice to identify the best option.
It’s also vital that your environment should be free from fleas. It would be useless to treat your dog’s skin for fleas but not the surroundings, as the fleas can go to your dog. You can vacuum thoroughly to remove pupae, larvae, and eggs. After this, you should also discard the vacuum bag.
You may also use insecticides outside your home to ensure that all flea life stages are eliminated. It means using insecticide with pyriproxyfen or methoprene and other insect growth regulators. These can help prevent the development of flea larvae and eggs. Or you can also hire a professional flea exterminator if the case of a flea infestation is severe.
Seasonal Allergy Treatment
Seasonal allergies can cause endless sneezing, itchy eyes, or runny nose, which can be a real pain for your dog. Don’t make it challenging for your fur kids by eliminating or minimizing the effects of seasonal allergies. These allergies may be brought by feathers, dust, mold spores, tree pollens, and other natural, seasonal substances.
With such, you may have to clear your home from these allergens. You can start by regularly changing your air filters to remove airborne allergens entering open windows and doors.
You can eliminate mold growth in your home by removing moisture from the indoor air when you use a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Or you may want to lessen the amount of time your pet spends in places susceptible to mold growth, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, and other damp environments.
Moreover, you may want to change your rugs and curtains that may have picked up pollen and dust. Or vacuum them at least once a week.
Avoid Letting Them Stay On The Couch, Upholstered Furniture, Or Beds
Your couch can be an excellent depository for dander that can significantly contribute to allergens. It could happen when your dog keeps on jumping or staying on any upholstered furniture, bed, or couch. It’s best to train them not to do this to keep them safe from having allergies.
Or you can also use allergen-resistant bedding or covers to prevent dander from accumulating. In connection, you should regularly wash your pet’s play items, blankets, cushions, beds, and rugs to avoid dander build-up and wash away germs that they may have acquired from their surroundings. Doing this will keep you healthy around your dogs as well.
Conclusion
Some dogs can be sensitive to allergens, making them experience allergy symptoms. When this happens, they can suffer, affecting how they usually interact with you. That’s why the best way is to prevent the allergy symptoms from worsening by familiarizing yourself with such symptoms. Then, seek a vet immediately if you suspect an allergy so you can apply the best treatment for your fur friend instead of guessing what you can do.
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