The weather is changing and if you’re like me, you suffer from seasonal allergies. But did you know that your best friend could be suffering from allergies too? Dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies just like we do. They can also have allergies to foods, medications, and can even go into anaphylactic shock.
Signs and symptoms that your dog may be suffering from seasonal allergies:
Nasal discharge
Ocular (eye) discharge
Difficulty breathing/wheezing
Itchy skin
Dry flaky skin
Red, swollen skin
Welts or hives
Biting or chewing at feet and paws
Swollen face
If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, call your vet right away. While true allergies can be difficult to accurately diagnose, it is important to talk to your vet at the first sign of these symptoms. He may recommend that you keep a daily log of your pet’s symptoms along with the corresponding weather for the day. He may also recommend a blood test to determine if there are other underlying conditions. If your dog is diagnosed with seasonal allergies, the treatment is usually simple. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine, or, if the symptoms include secondary infections, he may also prescribe an antibiotic and a steroid.
Since we know how poorly we feel when we suffer from our seasonal allergies, we can imagine how our dogs must feel. It’s important to talk to your vet and get your dog on the appropriate treatment so that the two of you can enjoy the outdoors again.
Signs and symptoms that your dog may be suffering from seasonal allergies:
Nasal discharge
Ocular (eye) discharge
Difficulty breathing/wheezing
Itchy skin
Dry flaky skin
Red, swollen skin
Welts or hives
Biting or chewing at feet and paws
Swollen face
If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, call your vet right away. While true allergies can be difficult to accurately diagnose, it is important to talk to your vet at the first sign of these symptoms. He may recommend that you keep a daily log of your pet’s symptoms along with the corresponding weather for the day. He may also recommend a blood test to determine if there are other underlying conditions. If your dog is diagnosed with seasonal allergies, the treatment is usually simple. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine, or, if the symptoms include secondary infections, he may also prescribe an antibiotic and a steroid.
Since we know how poorly we feel when we suffer from our seasonal allergies, we can imagine how our dogs must feel. It’s important to talk to your vet and get your dog on the appropriate treatment so that the two of you can enjoy the outdoors again.
