How to Spot Dog Allergies in Pewaukee, WI

Does your dog have allergies? Do you suspect that they might? If you have a pet dog, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to signs and symptoms of allergies. Some dogs may be more prone to allergies than others, but it is possible for any dog to develop allergies at any point in their life.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the easiest ways to spot allergies in dogs. Read through this information and see if any of it applies to your pet. If so, you may choose to talk to your veterinarian for more information or a formal diagnosis. Feel free to call Pewaukee Veterinary Services at (262) 347-0787.

Look at the Skin

Take a close look at your dog’s skin every now and then. If they have a food allergy or contact allergies, they may develop flaky, dry skin, rashes, hives, or red and itchy patches. They may also lose hair in patches if these allergies are very severe.

Their coat health may also tell you a little bit about your dog’s allergies. Dogs with food allergies in particular develop dandruff and poor coat quality very quickly. If you change your dog’s food and their coat condition improves, they are probably dealing with a food allergy to the first type.

Watch Bathroom Habits

Bathroom habits may show you if your dog has food allergies or allergies to anything else in her environment. If your dog is having regular diarrhea or upset stomach after they are exposed to certain contaminants or after they eat certain types of food, this is a clear sign they have an allergy or an intolerance.

When you notice a correlation between exposure to a food or contaminant and your dog’s diarrhea, then you can talk to your vet for more assistance. Additionally, if your dog has ongoing diarrhea for more than a day, they need to go to the vet as they may easily become dehydrated.

Check for Vomiting

Vomiting is a sign that a dog is very allergic to a certain type of food. If your dog vomits often after eating their meals, you should try them on another food right away. This may mean they have a severe food allergy and may be unable to eat certain types of dog food.

Vomiting may sometimes go along with other types of allergies, but it is much more commonly related to food allergy. Talk with your vet if you need recommendations for high-quality dog foods that won’t cause vomiting.

Watch for Sneezing and Runny Eyes

Sneezing and runny eyes are common symptoms in dogs with allergies, just like they are for humans. If your dog has seasonal allergies or is allergic to certain contaminants in the environment, they may have sneezing, runny eyes, or a runny nose. This may be accompanied by wheezing but isn’t usually found with coughing.

If your dog is showing these types of symptoms, keep in mind that they might also have a variety of dog respiratory illnesses. If the symptoms don’t go away when they are removed from the environment you think might be causing the problem, then they will likely need to see a vet.

Keep Notes

Always pay close attention to your dog and keep notes if you suspect they may have allergies. Check with her frequently and write down any changes you may notice. If you know what caused the change, write that down as well.

For example, if your dog goes outside to play and ends up rolling around beneath a certain plant in your yard, you should write this down. Then, if they start to sneeze or wheeze shortly thereafter, you will be able to pinpoint the plant as the likely cause of the problem.

Try Other Foods

One very easy way to tell whether or not your dog has allergies is to try them on a different high-quality food for a while. Many dogs are allergic to some of the most common ingredients found in dog food, so changing the food may be all it takes to improve your dog’s health.

If your dog’s symptoms fade or go away completely when they have been on a new food for a while, you can assume allergies are the likely culprit.

Keeping an eye out for dog allergies

As you can see, there are many different kinds of allergies your dog can potentially be afflicted by. Additionally, many of these allergies show different symptoms in different dogs.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s important for you to pay close attention to your pet’s health, wellbeing, and behavior. If you notice any changes that come up all of a sudden, this is a good reason to go to the vet.

If your vet determines your dog has allergies, you will be given a treatment plan that works for you and your pet. Call Pewaukee Veterinary Services today at (262) 347-0787.