Common Breathing Allergies In Dogs
Dogs have the same allergies that humans do, but the symptoms of those allergies can look different. For example, if you’re dealing with a nasal allergy, your dog may sneeze and sniffle. But what about other signs of an allergic reaction? This article will help you spot common breathing allergies in dogs and warning signs so you know when to take them to the vet.
What are Breathing Allergies in Dogs?
The term “allergy” refers to an immune reaction that occurs when a pet’s body encounters a foreign substance, such as pollen or dust. The immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which causes inflammation and other symptoms including sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Dogs with allergies have an overactive immune system, which can lead to chronic skin infections and other problems.
Symptoms of Common Breathing Allergies in Dogs1. Itching in skin
Itching is the most common symptom of allergies and causes your dog to scratch excessively. This behavior can lead to hair loss and even skin infections, so it’s important to address itching quickly.
If your dog seems uncomfortable, see a vet as soon as possible. The vet may want to perform some tests on your pet in order to find out why they’re itching.
* SKIN BIOPSY – A small piece of skin is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope for signs of infection or other abnormalities that could cause irritation.
* BLOOD TESTS – Your veterinarian will run blood tests that check for immune system irregularities that may be causing allergic reactions.
2. Coughing
Coughing is a common sign of a breathing allergy. If your dog develops a cough, it may be because of one of two things:
* An allergy to something they are eating (this can include grass, pollen, and dust)
* An allergy to something they have inhaled (this includes pollen).
Because dogs with food allergies tend to develop more severe symptoms than those with other types of respiratory irritation, it’s important to watch out for any changes in your pet’s behavior if you suspect this might be the cause.
3. Sneezing
Sneezing can be caused by many things, including a food allergy, nasal infection, and respiratory infection. Most dogs sneeze when they have allergies or when their body has an adverse reaction to something that they’ve eaten. So if your dog is sneezing after eating his kibble or treats, it may be time to switch brands.
If your pup is coughing up mucus or having trouble breathing after eating his regular diet, you may need to try some different foods that are made especially for allergic dogs. If just changing brands doesn’t solve the problem, then visit your vet for further testing.
4. Wheezing
Wheezing is a common sign of an allergic reaction. It can also indicate a respiratory infection or foreign object in the lungs, as well as heart failure.
If your dog is wheezing and not responding to other treatments, you should visit your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will conduct a physical exam and may order X-rays or blood work to determine what’s causing the problem.
5. Runny discharge from nose or eyes
The most obvious sign of dog allergies is snot. If your dog has runny discharge from his nose or eyes, you may have a breathing allergy on your hands. The nasal discharge is often thick and yellowish-green and can be accompanied by sneezing and wheezing.
Your dog may also cough up mucus or have difficulty breathing in general. It’s important to watch out for other symptoms as well: lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss—all things that could indicate one of many common canine respiratory conditions unrelated to allergies but can still be serious if left untreated!
6. Vomiting
Vomiting is also one of the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs. It can be caused by many things, including:
* Allergens (things like pollen or dust)
* Stress
* Infection
* Certain medications
When your dog throws up, there may be a lot of saliva mixed with the material that comes up. This is normal; it means that your pup’s esophagus has been stimulated and his body is trying to clear its throat. If you think your dog is vomiting because he’s being stressed out, try giving him an antacid or a calming supplement. If this doesn’t work, consult your veterinarian immediately.
7. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom of many different conditions, and it’s usually not life-threatening. However, you should always consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s bowel movements.
Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of things, including medications and food allergies. If your dog has diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours or doesn’t respond to home treatment (like increased water intake or decreased food intake), it’s best to bring them in to see a vet for evaluation.
What to Do When Your Dog Has a Breathing Allergy
If your dog is experiencing breathing allergies, you’ll want to get him or her tested for the specific allergens that are causing the problem. That way, you can take steps to keep your pet from being exposed until they’ve been treated.
Once it’s clear what’s causing your dog’s allergies, ask your vet about a prescription antihistamine. These medicines will help reduce symptoms like sneezing and scratching at the face by blocking histamines from reaching their receptors in the body.
If your dog is on an antibiotic for another issue (like kennel cough), ask about taking an antihistamine as well since some antibiotics can cause allergic reactions as well! If these measures don’t work after six months of treatment, it may be time for allergy testing to pinpoint exactly what is triggering these reactions so that they can be avoided completely in future situations.
Conclusion
If you have any concerns about your dog’s breathing, it’s important to take them to the vet. It can be difficult to distinguish between a respiratory issue and something else, especially when your dog is sneezing. You may also notice that their breath smells bad or their nose is dry and crusty. If this happens, make sure they go see a veterinarian right away before they become worse!