Dogs and Allergies
Though many pet parents do not realize it, dogs are every bit as prone to suffering from allergies as their human companions. Your dog may be allergic to the brand of pet food he eats, the lining of his bed or even some of the plants in the yard. The problem is that he really cannot tell you about it.
What causes a dog to develop an allergic reaction? It is the same thing as humans, which is ultimately his body’s response to what it perceives to be an invader – whether it is pollen in the air or the cornmeal in his dog biscuits. That defense mechanism might manifest itself as sneezing and wheezing or watery red eyes. The affected dog might even develop a rash that can be hard to spot.
Many dogs develop an allergic reaction to being bitten by fleas, something vets call flea bite dermatitis which can result in red itchy patches of skin that can drive poor Fido crazy. For a dog that is prone to being allergic to fleas, excellent year round flea control – not just in the summer months – is essential. One great option is to buy Frontline Plus flea medication specifically formulated for dogs. You can often find discount pet supplies online, and this is considered one of the best medications for controlling fleas.
If you suspect that your dog is allergic to one of the ingredients in the food he is eating the obvious first step is to try a different brand, but you may need the help of a vet to determine exactly which of the ingredients is causing the problem.
There are some dog medications that can be prescribed by a vet to help your dog overcome his allergies but it is often easier to try to eliminate the allergens rather than dose him up on doggie drugs. A vet can order allergy testing for your companion in much the same way as your personal physician might for you and then if it is determined that something is indeed making him sick help you come up with a plan to make his life a little easier.