These Symptoms Are Warning Signs That Your Dog Has Allergies (And How To Help Them)

Nobody likes dealing with allergies. For humans, they can be seasonal or related to a food or a substance that makes contact with our skin like a certain cosmetic product or plant.  Unfortunately, our canine companions can also be affected by these same allergens, so it's important to know the physical signs to look for. Per TIME, one 2021 study of dogs from Brazil estimated that a quarter of them had allergies, suggesting that more pups are afflicted than one might think. 

For most dogs, allergens affect the skin and fur more than any other area of the body. Much of this is because allergens like pollen get trapped in their fur and absorbed through the skin, causing irritation like atopic dermatitis. This typically leads to frequent scratching, paw licking, or paw chewing, which can eventually lead to hair loss/bald spots and hot spots (red skin lesions). Certain breeds are more predisposed to this than others. You might also notice some sneezing; ear, eye, or nasal discharge; head shaking; or an odor. Other symptoms to look for are obvious changes to their skin and fur, as well as wheezing or other breathing issues.

These symptoms can leave your pup feeling uncomfortable or even in pain, so it's important to get them help as soon as possible. There are a number of prescription and non-prescription treatment options available that can provide some much-needed relief. You may also be able to use a home remedy to help alleviate your dog's allergy symptoms.

The first step toward relieving your canine companion's allergies is scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian. Be sure to let the vet know about the symptoms you've been noticing at home as well as what your dog's diet is like. In some cases, a blood or skin test might be required to pinpoint the allergen and make an accurate diagnosis to develop a treatment plan.

Treatment options vary and depend on the cause of your pet's allergies as well as the severity. But generally they include prescription and over-the-counter oral antihistamines, medicated creams and shampoos, and veterinary-administered corticosteroid shots. If it's determined that your pet has an allergy to a specific type of food or ingredient, eliminating that food or ingredient should resolve the issue. You can also make homemade food for your dog with allergies.

You might also be able to treat your dog's itchy skin with a natural remedy like an apple cider rinse, but consult with your veterinarian first before exploring this alternative. Coconut oil and tea baths can also provide skin relief for those dealing with atopic dermatitis (via Animal Medical Center of Appleton).