Does Your Dog Have Seasonal Allergies? 3 Signs To Look For
You probably have some surefire signs that let you know when your seasonal allergies are acting up. Maybe your eyes water, you can't stop sneezing, or you have trouble catching your breath. But did you know that your dog may have seasonal allergies too? Many pet owners don't realize that the same allergens that affect them can also affect their dogs. However, seasonal allergies look different in dogs than they do in humans – for example, dogs typically have skin-related symptoms, not respiratory symptoms. Take a look at some of the signs that your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies.
Frequent Scratching
After you come in from spending time outside, does your dog spend a lot of time scratching? If so, it's possible that something they came in contact with outside is irritating their skin. Common allergens like pollen can settle in your dog's coat, so they can't get away from the allergen just by going inside the house.
Your dog might not just scratch – dogs may also chew on their paws or rub their faces against furniture or floors in an attempt to relieve the itching that they're feeling. If the scratching goes on for too long without relief, your dog may begin to lose some of their fur or develop red, inflamed spots on their skin.
Head Shaking
Allergies often affect a dog's ears. Sometimes, the allergy can cause the dog's ear canals to become itchy and inflames, and sometimes, the ears can actually become infected with bacteria or yeast during an allergic response.
Because your dog can't easily scratch inside their own ears when they itch, they may shake their head frequently when their ears itch. If your dog is frequently shaking their head, it may be a sign that they're suffering from allergy symptoms.
Eye Problems
Take a look at your dog's eyes. Are they puffy, red, or leaking some kind of discharge? This is one area where dog and human allergy sufferers have something in common. Just like allergies might irritate your eyes, they can irritate your dog's eyes as well, resulting in redness, puffiness, and clear discharge.
Keep in mind that eye discharge doesn't always indicate allergies. For example, yellow-green discharge can be a sign of conjunctivitis, and excessive tearing may be a sign of glaucoma. This is why it's important to bring your dog to a veterinarian if you suspect that they're suffering from allergies – your vet will need to rule out other serious conditions.
Just as for humans, allergies can negatively affect your dog's quality of life. Your veterinary clinic, such as Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic, can diagnose the allergy and help you find ways to alleviate your dog's symptoms.