Everyone knows that humans can get allergies, but did you know that dogs can, too? Many people will hear a dog sneeze a few times in quick succession and think it’s cute or chuckle without realizing that their dog could be suffering from allergies. Other common signs include excessive itching, hair loss, red or watery eyes, and facial inflammation, among others.
Let’s look at a few of the most common dog allergies, how to treat them, and the best dog food for allergies.
The Most Common Dog Allergies
Most dog allergies fit into one of three categories: food, skin, or environmental. For food, beef is the most common, followed by chicken. Rarely, it could be wheat or soy that causes your dog to feel ill.
Dog skin allergies are the most common type and can be caused by food or environmental factors, too. Fleas are a typical cause, as many dogs are allergic to a particular type of flea saliva.
Environmental allergies can be caused by dust, mold, or pollen. Some believe that dogs are affected by inhaling these allergens, while others believe they’re caused by skin contact. Either way, they can be annoying for you and painful for our furry friends.
How to Treat Dog Allergies
The first step in finding a good dog allergies treatment is to isolate the cause. Many food allergies aren’t “true” allergies in the way that humans experience them. If a human is allergic to peanuts, it’s usually genetic, but with dogs, it’s often overexposure. If a dog only eats beef-based food, they’ll eventually develop an allergy to beef.
Skin allergies are best handled by changing the way you rid your dog of fleas. You may need a different shampoo or a prescription from your pup’s veterinarian. Environmental allergens should be removed for the health and safety of both you and your dogs. For example, testing for mold within your home, or checking the local pollen levels online before opening windows to the outdoors.
The Best Dog Food for Allergies
The best dog food for allergies will depend on the specific cause, but hydrolyzed proteins are one of the most popular options. If your dog is experiencing allergies, it’s recommended that you speak to your veterinarian about them, as there are some dog foods that are only available via prescription.
It’s also important to rotate the protein in your dog’s diet to avoid allergies developing. Chicken and beef are the most common, but some dogs will refuse to eat one or the other. In this case, you can try an alternative like fish or turkey, which hopefully your dog will be willing to eat.
Overcoming Dog Allergies
If your dog is experiencing inflammation (especially in the face, ears, head, or neck area), hair loss, excessive scratching, sneezing, or hives, it could be an allergic reaction. These inflammatory allergies can be caused by diet, environmental factors (pollen, dust mites, mold), flea saliva (“FAD”), contact with irritants (household cleaners, fabrics, plastics, or certain plants), medications, parasites, underlying genetics (atopy), or even stress.
The best answer to “What can I give my dog for allergies?” is to try and isolate the cause by changing your dog’s diet or moving their bed to a different room in the house. Because of the increased humidity, bathrooms are a common source of household mold, so moving their beds farther away can reduce their exposure.
Above all, you should speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s allergies, as they can run tests and write prescriptions for food or medicine that you couldn’t otherwise obtain. No matter what the cause of your dog’s allergy problems is, a good veterinarian will be able to help you find a solution that works.
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