Does your dog snore? Or you feel bumps on arms after petting dog? The first question could be a sign that he suffering from seasonal allergies and the later means you have a minor allergy to dogs.  However, it doesn’t stop there.  There are many different symptoms of allergies in dogs and just like their human counterparts; they can suffer from different types of allergies too.   The best pet parents are the best educated ones!  Keeping your dog safe and comfortable should always be your top concern and allergies can wreck havoc on your dog’s body so, keep reading!  Allergies are nothing to sneeze at! (Pun intended, sorry!)

Recognize the symptoms of allergies in your dog!  There are so many different symptoms of allergies in dogs but if your dog displays any of these symptoms, a quick call to your veterinary doctor is an absolute must!
*Watery eyes
*Rubs his face on floor and/or furniture
*Rashes
*Ear infections (chronic)
*Oozing eyes
*Sneezing Coughing
*Hot spots
*Open wounds
*Wheezing
*Vomiting
*Diarrhea
*Runny nose
*Frequent scratching of ears
*Chewing on paws

What should I expect from the veterinary doctor?
Be prepared to discuss your dog’s medical history.  The more you disclose the better.  He or she will want to know how long the symptoms have been troubling your dog.  If you have any idea what may have triggered this allergic reaction, please inform your vet.  It’s better to tell too much than not enough!  You can expect your vet to complete a full medical examination, run blood tests as well as give your pet a skin allergen test.

So what can trigger allergies in my dog?
Finding the trigger is not as simple as one may think.  There are many different allergies: airborne allergies, food allergies, and insect allergies.  Airborne allergens are things like tree pollens, grass pollens, dust mites and mol.  When it comes to food allergies, the sky is the limit, really but many dogs are allergic to chicken, corn, wheat, beef and soy.  Oh boy.  And pesky insects are more than just a nuisance.  Spiders, Ticks, Fleas, Mosquitos….they’re all on the offender list!  You might be thinking, “Well, gee what doesn’t cause allergies?” You’re right.  It’s a lot to take in!  There’s hope though.  Treatments are available!

Some treatments your veterinary doctor may suggest:
*Allergy shots
*Benadryl
*Limit exposure to suspect triggers
*Strict diet – particularly in the early stages of identifying the exact ingredients that your pet is allergic to
*Topical or oral medicine
*Flea collars/sprays
*Natural repellents such as peppermint or citronella spray
*Bathe and brush your pet regularly
*Vacuum every few days
*Wash linens once a week (including pet bedding)
*Maintain your pet’s overall health as fleas are more prone to feed off of an animal with a compromised immune system.
*So, remember – if your dog shows any symptoms of allergies, go see your vet.  Allergies can be more than uncomfortable, they can be deadly.  Taking immediate action could very well save your pet’s life.

By Noelle Dunn