How to Manage Common Allergies in Your Dog

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Just like us, even canines are prone to allergies. Allergies are uncomfortable and have an impact on the behavior, health, and mood of canines. If your canine has an allergy, you should take it to the vet immediately. However, you shouldn’t solely depend on relieving the symptoms as it is a short-term solution.Here are three common allergies in canines and how you can manage them.

Flea allergy dermatitis is a common allergy among canines, caused by the saliva of fleas. However, flea bites are not responsible for this common allergy. A large number of pet owners believe that if their canines don’t have fleas, there won’t be any itching. However, if your canine has flea allergy dermatitis, the saliva of just a flea or two can make it uncomfortable and itchy for a couple of weeks.

• If you think your canine has fleas, brush it every day with a flea comb. When you are brushing your canine, place a white or any light colored towel below to see what the comb is picking up. Flea feces, which looks like dirt, will dissolve in water or rubbing alcohol and release blood. Use this technique to figure out if your canine has fleas.
• You should give frequent baths to your canine to soothe skin irritation and to make it comfortable. If your canine is clean, it is less likely to attract fleas.

If your canine has food allergies, it will exhibit the following symptoms:

• Asthma; sneezing or coughing
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Inflamed ears
• Irritate and red eyes
• Nasal discharge
• Oozing or itchy skin
• Swollen paws
• Vomiting

• First, you need to identify what type of food is the source of the allergy. There is a food allergy test called Nutriscan saliva test. The saliva test will let you know if your canine is allergic to milk, eggs, soy, wheat, corn, or beef. Once you know the source of the allergy, visit the vet to get advice on how to start an allergy elimination diet.
• Even if you are feeding your canine the same food for a long time, there are chances it may be allergic to a particular ingredient. Make its diet as diverse as possible to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

There is a wide variety of irritants such as pollens, ragweed, mold, cleaning chemicals and dust mites in the environment. If your canine is allergic to something in your house, it will have allergy symptoms throughout the year. Your primary goal should be to find the root cause of its allergy. Ask your vet for help if you are finding it difficult to narrow down on the irritant.

• Start using nontoxic cleaning products at home. Ensure no one smokes near your canine. If there are dust mites, you need to invest in an air purifier.
• Ensure your canine’s drinking water doesn’t have heavy metals, fluoride, or any other type of contaminant.
• Avoid over medicating and over vaccinating your canine. If your canine is over vaccinated, its immune system will become over-reactive, making it easy for allergic reactions to take place
• Give your canine baths frequently to remove all the allergens from its body.
• Every time your canine wants to enter your house after spending time outside, give it a foot soak.Use these tips to manage common allergies in your dog. If you have any queries, feel free to leave a comment below.