Your dog’s little sneezes might sound cute but there is a chance they are suffering from seasonal allergies. Grass, mold, pollen and dust can activate allergies in dogs and humans alike. Environmentally triggered allergies are popular this time of year and your adorable pup is not safe from the suffering. Since dogs can’t tell you how they are feeling, it’s best to look out for the following seasonal allergy symptoms in dogs.
Excessive Paw Licking
Does your dog constantly lick their paws? The immune system reacts to allergens by forcing out the histamines to the extremities. Your dog can experience itching and discomfort on their face, paws, anal region, and ears. Some dogs respond to the itching by rubbing their face on the floor or scooting their butt across the floor.
Constant Scratching
This symptom is the most noticeable because your dog will capture your attention due to their constant scratching in one area of their body. This area is usually the place where the allergen touched the skin and caused irritation. The scratching and chewing or licking of the area provide your dog with immediate relief. However, if these areas don’t get treated properly and the allergen is not removed from your dog’s environment, a bacterial infection can develop.
Persistent Ear Infections
Do your dog’s ears have an odor? This strong smell is a sign of an infection caused by allergies. Common signs of ear infections in dogs are excessive wax build-up, odor, and frequent head shaking. Ear infections need to be treated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Re-occurring ear infections mean your dog is exposed to the allergen consistently. It’s essential to your dog’s health that you do your best to avoid the allergen and remove it from the surrounding environment if possible.
Respiratory Problems
This symptom is not as common as the others mentioned but it is the most severe. Sneezing, wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing are signs of a serious allergic reaction. Your dog needs professional help immediately because breathing problems can block the airway and lead to death.
How to Remove the Allergen from the Environment
The veterinarian will exam your dog and provide a treatment plan that reduces the symptoms. Sometimes the exam will reveal the cause of the allergen while other times it won’t provide any details. If you don’t know the cause of the allergies, you will need to do your best to find out on your own.
An excellent way to narrow down the allergen causing your dog’s symptoms is to trace their steps back to right before the allergies kicked into action. They might have been exposed to something outdoors such as pollen or other environmental issues in your local area.
Removing pollen from your dog’s environment might not be possible, but investing in an indoor air filter and keeping your dog indoors during high pollen days is a great place to start.
Always seek help from a licensed veterinarian to ensure your dog is getting the best treatment possible. Remember allergy symptoms can be fatal, so make sure you act quickly by taking your dog to the animal hospital or veterinarian’s office immediately.