If you love your dog you will definitely try to learn all that you need to know as its owner. Identifying the dog allergy symptoms cannot be easy as simply looking at your dog and saying that it is this type of allergy. The range of substances that your dog is allergic to may be too many to single out one causative agent.
There are some dog allergy symptoms that can only be seen during spring and fall and they quickly disappear as if nothing happened after the spring and fall season is over. The most common seasonal dog allergy symptoms can be any of the following: coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and the presence of parasites.
Common Dog Allergy Symptoms Found In Specific Areas of the Body
- Face. Signs of hair loss in the chin, and areas around the eyes. This is accompanied by slightly red discoloration in the eyes. Your dog will frequently rub his face with his paws. He can also scratch his head against a furniture
- Ears. Wet and odorous discharge from the ears. You dog will frequently rub his ears
- Coat of Hair. Noticeable balding spots; brown discoloration where he frequently licks his tongue. He frequently scratches his sides or belly
- Feet. Inflammation with brownish discoloration due to frequent licking of his tongue
- Skin. Presence of crusts and scaling; presence of odor and pus. He scratches his sides, belly including his groin
General Noticeable Dog Allergy Symptoms
- Itchy and scaly skin
- Hair loss
- Hot spots that are filled with redness and balding area
- Increase in scratching that never stops even with the presence of infection
- Itchy back or tail area because of fleas
- Itchy ears and ear discharge. This condition frequently recurs
- Frequent Sneezing and Coughing
- Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Swollen Paws
- Snoring due to inflamed throat
One of the ways of diagnosing your pet aside from the obvious dog allergy symptoms is especially if he has food allergies is to feed your pet with only a hydrolyzed protein diet for 12 weeks. This should be done after your consult your vet though. After this you can slowly introduce other foods to see which one is causing his allergy. Hydrolyzed protein diets are protein broken down into component amino acids. Do not bother on making your own formula since it would be best to purchase pre-prepared powder mixes that are sold in pet supply stores.
There are genetic components that may be the reason for these dog allergy symptoms. Some of the breeds that are easily affected are Scottish Terriers, Dalmatians, Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Irish Setters. These dogs are prone to develop these symptoms once they reach adulthood. There are certain substances in the environment that can be removed in order to control your dog’s allergy. Your dog can have his anti allergy injections which can help him develop resistance or immunity to this allergy instead of simply controlling the itch. You can only wonder to what extent you would be willing to take in order for your pet to be safe from disease and remain healthy.
