Posts Tagged: Pet Allergies

Allergy season in Tennessee is upon us, whether you be human or canine. Allergies in dogs tend to manifest a little differently than they do in us, however. While people suffer from stuffy noses, sinus pressure, and itchy eyes, our pets tend to deal more with itchy, inflamed skin. 

If you notice your pet scratching a lot more than usual or biting at their paws and legs, chances are they have allergies. Spring is a beautiful time for budding trees and blooming plants, but it’s also the bane of most allergy sufferers. Your pet can also experience seasonal allergies, which can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is here to explain more about pollen allergies in dogs and what you can do to relieve the itchy-scratchy for your pooch:

Certain dog behaviors can vacillate between alarming and confounding, and it’s not always clear when dog owners need to act. Sometimes, behaviors are temporary and resolve quickly, like a sudden upset tummy after eating something questionable. Other events that affect dogs can be more worrisome, especially if symptoms persist. 

A reverse sneeze, or paroxysmal respiration, is one such episode that can be equally frightening and confusing. But what exactly are we talking about?

Has your pet been unusually itchy lately, pawing on their face or constantly scratching? They may be dealing with allergies. While many of us deal with the usual spring sneeze-fest, seasonal allergies in pets may manifest in ways that pet owners may not assign to allergies. 

Let’s take a closer look at pet allergies, their symptoms, and how we can work together to relieve the discomfort for your fur friend.

Seasonal Allergies in Pets

Seasonal allergies are also called environmental allergies, atopy, and airborne allergies. An allergy is an overreaction to an allergen, which can include those that are present in the air or environment. 

At some point or another, you may have had some experience with an itchy, miserable pet. Unlike allergies in people, pet allergies most often result in skin problems, such as red, smelly ears or skin rashes and intense scratching.

Before you can battle allergies in your pet, though, you must understand their cause. Read on to learn what causes pet allergies and what you can do about them.

Flea Allergies in Pets

Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD) is the leading cause of allergies in both dogs and cats. Just as some people can an extreme reaction to a mosquito bite, some pets are very allergic to flea saliva.

For these pets, even one flea bite can set off a severe itchy allergic response. In these patients, it is essential to provide comprehensive flea control to prevent flare ups. Continue…