Does your dog have allergies? Symptoms and Treatment of Dog Allergies in Belton, TX

Have you noticed your dog scratching himself a lot more than usual? Is he frequently rubbing his face on the furniture as if it itches? Do you notice hives, rashes, or other problem signs on your dog’s skin? If any of this is true, your dog may have allergies.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs. We’ll also show you some of the best treatment options to choose from so you can find the best fit for your furry friend. With the right dog allergy treatment in Belton, TX, you can help your pet feel better sooner and get back to his usual self in no time.

Dog Allergy Symptoms in Belton, TX

When it comes to dog allergies there are common symptoms to watch for. This information can help guide you and your veterinarian toward figuring out what could be causing your pet’s pain, itching, and general discomfort related to his dog allergies.

• Itchy skin and frequent scratching: If your dog scratches his skin a lot more often than usual, he probably has allergies. Just be sure to look closely at his skin by parting his fur and getting a good view to ensure he doesn’t have fleas instead. Fleas can also cause allergic reactions in some dogs, so the problem could be a little of both.
• Chewing or licking feet more than is normal: Dogs who have contact allergies often lick and chew their feet because the skin on their paws is irritated. This behavior can come from a variety of other causes as well.
• Poor coat condition: If your dog’s fur has started to look dull, oily, matted, or thinning, he may have skin allergies contributing to the issue. If your dog’s fur falls out, this is also a sign of allergy. However, it can also signify a variety of other problems, so it’s a good idea to get this checked by a veterinarian.
• Hives, welts, or rashes: If you see that your dog has hives, welts, or rashes on his skin, this is usually a good sign he has allergies. Of course, if your dog has medium or long hair, you may overlook this symptom until you’ve already noticed something else.
• Stomach upset: Pets with certain types of dog allergies, especially food-related allergies, may have severe upset stomachs because of this problem. They may have frequent vomiting or diarrhea, or they may just have loose stool and show signs of abdominal pain. Be on the lookout for signs of stomach upset if you think your dog may have food allergies or any other type of allergy.
• Red, watery eyes: Just like with humans, dogs who have seasonal allergies or allergies to contaminants in the air are likely to develop red, itchy, watery eyes. If your dog’s eyes look red and watery, allergies are a common cause. As with many other symptoms on this list, however, there could be other reasons.
• Sneezing: Sneezing goes along with allergies in most dogs. However, sneezing is also part of a dog’s regular body language, so infrequent sneezing or sneezing when your pet is sniffing something to check it out probably aren’t signs of dog allergies.
• Swelling: Finally, dogs who are allergic to something specific, such as an insect bite or sting, may begin to swell up at the location of the allergen. If you notice your dog swelling near a bite or swelling in his snout or face, you should take him to the vet right away, as it could progress and become worse.

Dog Allergy Treatment Options in Belton, TX

There are common dog allergy treatments in Belton, TX that help pets with a variety of allergies. Look through this list and see if there’s anything you can try for your dog. Remember to speak with your vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet or treatment plan.

• Topical ointments: Dogs who have hives and other skin conditions related to their allergies may receive topical ointments or salves to help soothe the irritation associated with this problem. If you’re instructed to put ointments on your dog, he may need to wear a cone collar for a while to prevent him from licking the cream off.
• Steroids: Dogs with more serious allergic reactions will likely receive a round of steroids, either orally or via injection. Your vet will give you more information about what this means for your dog. Steroids are not a long-term solution, but they can provide quick relief for dogs who are truly suffering.
• Allergy medication: Dogs with seasonal allergies or severe allergies to contaminants in the household and yard may need to take regular allergy medication. Just like humans, dogs sometimes take this type of medicine daily to prevent their allergy symptoms from getting out of hand.
• Food change: If your dog has an allergy to his food, you’ll need to look into changing his food to something made with higher-quality ingredients. You should also look for a food that doesn’t contain a lot of known allergens. Your vet will be able to give you more information about this and help you find out which allergens your dog may be reacting to.
• Oatmeal baths: Oatmeal baths can be a great way to help your dog feel better when he’s dealing with allergies. You can either give him this type of bath at home or take him to the dog groomer for a professional oatmeal bath instead. Whichever you choose, make sure the shampoo used on his fur and skin is very gentle and will soothe the itching, swelling, and pain rather than potentially make it worse. Be sure to dry him thoroughly so he doesn’t develop dry skin that could further contribute to his overall itching.

Were you able to find out what could be the source of your dog’s allergies? Have you discovered a treatment that could work for him? Call (254) 939-5823 to talk with a veterinarian if you still have questions or would like more information and a specialized dog allergy treatment in Belton, TX.