Dogs are lovable creatures who add value to human lives. You may have had your pet for a long time and think you know everything about them, but sometimes questions can arise, especially related to their health. Can dogs have allergies? They absolutely can — from several different sources.
Dogs might have environmental allergies at certain points of the year, like humans, or may be allergic to an ingredient in their food. Once you notice a reaction, narrowing down what the allergen might be is vital. From there, you can work on a plan to eliminate it from or minimize it in your dog’s life.
Can Dogs Have Allergies to Pollen?
Similar to humans, dogs can have allergies to pollen. If you don’t know what to look for, you may not notice that some of their symptoms are similar to yours. They may scratch and rub up against anything in the house that might give them some relief.
Pollen allergies can sometimes result in dry, itchy or red eyes, just like in humans. Your dog may allow you to hold a soothing compress to their eyes to soothe some inflammation as a sort of at-home dog allergy treatment. However, you should aim to limit their time outside during pollen-heavy days rather than try to mitigate symptoms after they cause discomfort.
Can Dogs Have Allergies to Food?
Your dog might be allergic to certain foods. The worst part of a food allergy is that you don’t know about it until the pet has already been exposed to the allergen. Proteins are dogs’ most common food allergies, but they can react to almost any food, just like humans.
Some of the most common food allergies for dogs include the following:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Wheat gluten
- Soy
- Beef and chicken
If your dog has a grain allergy, you might want to give them grain-free food so their symptoms don’t flare. However, it can negatively affect dogs that don’t need it, so consult your vet before trying this special food. Grains are an essential part of a dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Have Allergies to Pests?
Dogs can have allergies to pests, like fleas and ticks, so you should always ensure your pup is up to date on the proper medications. Without the right pharmaceuticals, your dog can become a buffet for any pests that want to feed on them. Fleas can still be around even if you don’t see them, including in the colder months and indoors.
You can tell if your dog has fleas by watching their behavior. They may have an inch caused by fleas if they’re biting at themselves more than usual. You should strive to eliminate the fleas as soon as possible since they can thrive indoors and affect you and other pets. You must ensure they have medication that can keep them safe.
3 Dog Allergy Treatment Options
The first step to preventing an allergy flare-up is determining what your dog is allergic to. Dogs, just like humans, benefit from annual wellness visits. During these visits, your pet’s veterinarian can conduct allergy testing to help you formulate a plan to address allergies if necessary.
Then, you can search for a treatment that works well for them. Here are a few options that might help your dog, but you should consult a veterinarian before trying anything.
1. Shampoo Therapy
Sometimes, allergies will affect your dog’s skin. The scratching could keep them awake and affect their sleep schedule. Humans experience increased in pain and irritability without sleep, and dogs might feel the same way. Anything you can do to ease their itching will ensure they rest better.
If your pup has inflamed or itchy skin, bathing them with a hypoallergenic shampoo will rinse any allergens out of their fur. Some shampoos feature anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe irritated skin. If nothing seems to work, consult your veterinarian about trying other forms of topical treatments.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
This option required veterinary care. An anti-inflammatory drug can help a dog who displays hives as a sign of an allergic reaction. Medication will give your pup’s skin a chance to heal. Remember to follow your vet’s directions on when and how often to use the drug. Your dog should feel better in time, and you may have to mitigate the allergens from there.
3. Change of Diet
You may need to remove certain food from their diet if they’re allergic to it. Dog food is expensive, especially special kinds. Because owning a pet is a responsibility you choose, you might be prepared to offset the rising costs by adding certain “human foods” into the mix. Just know that you may encounter other food allergies while trying to figure out something that works for your dog.
Remember that if you want to avoid fleas and similar pests on your dog, you should also add a medicine recommended by your veterinarian to their diet. These monthly supplements will help keep the problems away so your pup can live an allergy-free life.
Can Dogs Have Allergies? They’re More Common Than You Think
Just like humans, dogs can have allergies. They can have reactions to pollen just as easily as to food. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re unsure where to start with your dog allergy treatment. They should have some fantastic suggestions that can soothe your pup and make both your lives easier.