How to Diagnose Dog Allergies

With spring quickly approaching, allergies are about to come back in full swing. Allergies are not only?a concern with people, but with your dog as well.? Unknown to many, dogs are affected by a wide range of environmental allergens. Normally when our dogs are sneezing, wheezing, scratching or coughing, we just think it is normal dog behavior that will pass. However these are common symptoms of allergic reactions in your dog. Just like people, dogs can acquire symptoms due to environmental allergens. In order to distinguish these signs in your furry friend, you will need to know what to look for.

The most common symptoms of allergies are itching, chewing and biting. These are most often observed on the tail, stomach and inside of the hind legs of your dog. Licking and chewing of the paws is also noted. Inhaled allergies can also show in sneezing, watery eyes, and wheezing. There are?several ways to help your dog during peak?allergy season.?Just like people treat allergies, vacuuming and dusting frequently can help decrease the number of allergens in the household.? Another important measure to take is to give your dog a relaxing bath with a soothing shampoo treatment.? Aloe vera and oatmeal are great additives in a shampoo to help soothe your dog's uncomfortable?coat and additionally help decrease their allergens, as they can be carried in the coat. If the pollen count is unusually high, your veterinarian may also prescribe antihistamines such as Benadryl to control your dog's symptoms.

Another important danger to your dog's allergies is the threat of food allergies. The main signs of a food allergy?is vomiting, and/or diarrhea. You will need the assistance of a vet to figure out the exact source of your dog's food allergy. This canbe done by trying different diets to see which works best for your furry friend.? With these few educational tips, you will be able to better help your dog during allergy season. Remember to look for the symptoms right away, as these are not normal dog behavior. Don't forget about your furry best friend during these tough allergy months too. We all know how tough it can be to suffer from allergies, so it is important to remember the animals as well. Make sure to consult with your local veterinarian before trying any of these methods listed as well, they may have different recommendations.