Learning More About Dog Allergies at Country Hills Pet Hospital
What kind of allergies can dogs have?
Dogs can have allergies to their environment, such as dust and pollen. We can also be looking at mold allergies. They can have food allergies, and allergies specific to fleas are common allergies for pets.
How do I know if my dog has allergies?
There are a couple of key signs we look for: itching, eye discharge, sneezing, and secondary skin infections are common signs of allergies in dogs.
How will my veterinarian diagnose my dog’s allergies?
Most of the time, they are diagnosed by an exam, looking at symptoms like inflamed skin and secondary infections. Sometimes we need to do further skin testing to rule out other causes of these symptoms.
How can I tell what my dog is allergic to?
The only way to know exactly what your pet is allergic to would be to do allergy testing, typically done with a blood sample sent out to a laboratory.
Can I give my pet any home remedies for allergies?
Dogs can take over-the-counter antihistamines. Their dosing is different than for people, so just give your doctor a call for that dose to try.
Are seasonal allergies common in dogs?
Yes, seasonal allergies are common in dogs. We definitely see pets that have spring and summer allergies, but sometimes they are year-round as well.
How frequently would I need to give allergy treatment to my pet?
Typically, those allergy medications are going to be one to two times a day.
Can I look at immunotherapy or allergy injections for my dog?
We definitely have those options available. Typically, we start with over-the-counter or pill options. If those are not working, then we can look at moving to desensitization options.
What should I do if my pet has an allergic reaction?
If your pet is having an allergic reaction, you should give us a call right away or contact an emergency vet if we are not open to get directions on care.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (920) 477-3003, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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