What's Causing Your Dog To Itch?

Its that time of year again! Flowers are blooming, leaves are sprouting, grass is growing. This also means its allergy season for many, including pets! Did you know dogs suffer from seasonal allergies too? 

“Dogs can be allergic to many of the same allergens as humans, including mould, house dust mites, saliva from biting insects and tree, grass and weed pollens,” says Dr. Vincent Defalque, President of the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology. “However, the reality is these allergies present themselves quite differently in dogs than in humans. That’s why it’s so important pet owners know the signs.”

Royal Canin launched a public awareness campaign to help educate Canadians about seasonal allergies in their dogs. The majority of Canadian dog owners are unaware that the signs of seasonal allergies in humans are different than in dogs.

Did you know that allergens are mostly absorbed through the dogs skin, and not their respiratory system?

How to recognize seasonal allergies in dogs:

Skin irritation
Itching
Excessive paw-chewing
Excessive paw-licking
Smelly ears 
Shaking head
Dogs displaying any of the above signs should be attended to by a veterinarian for a thorough exam and diagnosis.

One of the most telling signs of seasonal allergies in dogs is itching and scratching. Dogs with seasonal allergies will be reluctant to have their ears handled, may scratch a lot, have itchy, red skin or excessively chew on their paws.

An easy way to remember the signs is to think ESP: Ears, Skin, Paws.

Veterinarians have a number of treatment options to both alleviate discomfort of the symptoms as well as address the underlying issue of seasonal allergies. These options can include:

a) topical therapies
b) oral medications
c) soothing shampoos and desensitization (immunotherapy or allergy shots/drops)
d) veterinary exclusive pet food specifically designed to address environmental allergies

Clinical research has shown that diets formulated specifically to address a dog’s environmental allergies play a key role in restoring the skin barrier.

Did you know Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Poodles and many other breeds are prone to environmental allergies?

If you think your dog is suffering from allergies, contact your vet ASAP and set up an appointment to get them checked.

Check out Royal Canin to learn more about dogs and allergies.

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Source: canadianmomreviews.com