Its that time of year again! Flowers are blooming, leaves are sprouting, grass is growing. This also means its allergy season for many, including pets! Did you know dogs suffer from seasonal allergies too?
“Dogs can be allergic to many of the same allergens as humans, including mould, house dust mites, saliva from biting insects and tree, grass and weed pollens,” says Dr. Vincent Defalque, President of the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology. “However, the reality is these allergies present themselves quite differently in dogs than in humans. That’s why it’s so important pet owners know the signs.”
Royal Canin launched a public awareness campaign to help educate Canadians about seasonal allergies in their dogs. The majority of Canadian dog owners are unaware that the signs of seasonal allergies in humans are different than in dogs.
Did you know that allergens are mostly absorbed through the dogs skin, and not their respiratory system?
How to recognize seasonal allergies in dogs;
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Excessive paw-chewing
- Excessive paw-licking
- Smelly ears
- Shaking head
Dogs displaying any of the above signs should be attended to by a veterinarian for a thorough exam and diagnosis.
One of the most telling signs of seasonal allergies in dogs is itching and scratching. Dogs with seasonal allergies will be reluctant to have their ears handled, may scratch a lot, have itchy, red skin or excessively chew on their paws.
An easy way to remember the signs is to think ESP: Ears, Skin, Paws.
Veterinarians have a number of treatment options to both alleviate discomfort of the symptoms as well as address the underlying issue of seasonal allergies. These options can include:
- topical therapies
- oral medications
- soothing shampoos and desensitization (immunotherapy or allergy shots/drops)
- veterinary exclusive pet food specifically designed to address environmental allergies
Clinical research has shown that diets formulated specifically to address a dog’s environmental allergies play a key role in restoring the skin barrier.
Did you know Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Poodles and many other breeds are prone to environmental allergies?
If you think your dog is suffering from allergies, contact your vet ASAP and set up an appointment to get them checked.
Check out Royal Canin to learn more about dogs and allergies.
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learned there is a food that supports skin care for dogs with allergies
My dog has allergies so I already know all about it but before we found out he had allergies I didn’t know there is special dog food that supports skin care for dogs.
My dog Sammy Girl is very healthy i don’t think she is allergic to anything!
One of my dogs is constantly licking his one paw. Now I think it happens every time he goes out onto the grass! I am taking them both to the vet soon but would like to mention we scoop a little Royal Canin wet adult meat (from our vet) as this helps move their bowels! Thanks for all the helpful info!! 🙂