When you are a new dog owner, you are pretty jumpy at everything related to your pup. You would want to know everything that you need to know to keep them healthy and cute. This also means a lot of shopping for dog supplies online or many visits to pet stores to ensure that your furball has all the things that they need.
Dogs Get Allergies Too!
It is not new information that humans get allergies, but are you aware that your dog can get them too? If this is news to you then you are in for a big surprise. Allergies are actually harder to determine in your loving furball. This is because how a human allergy looks like may not necessarily be how a dog would look as well.
For example, during allergy season or spring, the heavy pollen counts in the air can make irritate your eyes ins such a way that they itch and water. You could also throw in some sneezing and stuffiness into the allergy party. However, dogs would not react the same way to the same allergens.
The heavy amount of pollen may cause their little paws to itch or swell. You would know something is not right when you see them chewing on their feet. In cases like this, you would just want to buy them cute little socks from a cheap online pet store in Australia to ensure that they do not hurt themselves from all the chewing. This is actually not a bad idea, but this is only a temporary solution. A visit to the vet is always the way to go.
Aside from the possible swelling of their paws. Your pup’s skin may get affected. It may look patchy around their belly, butt and armpits area. These spots with soft and sensitive skin may appear darker or red due to the irritation from the allergy.
Maybe you cannot imagine it right now, but dogs are actually just as prone to allergies as humans are. In some cases, dogs could actually be more sensitive. You have heard of people who are allergic to dogs, but did you know that there are dogs that are actually allergic to humans? This is rare, but not unheard of.
What Causes Allergies in Dogs?
There are actually many causes for a dog to get allergic reactions. This is just a list of a quick overview of the common allergens in dogs.
1. Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea Allergy Dermatitis or FAD is a common dog allergen. This allergen is triggered upon contact with flea saliva. This can cause an inflammatory reaction that is much more severe than the actual number of fleas on your furry friend’s skin. Even just one flea can cause your dog weeks of suffering.
The best way to avoid this allergy is to give your furball frequent baths. A dirty dog is more appetising to fleas than a clean one.
2. Environmental Triggers and Atopy (Inhalants)
If you think that only human beings are the only ones who get allergic reactions from mould spores, dust mites, and even fabrics like wool and cotton, then you are terribly mistaken. Even cleaning chemicals and perfumes on your carpets and rugs can trigger an allergic reaction on your dog.
If your dog gets allergic reactions from your indoor environment, they should be safe outside, right? The answer is NO!
There are also outdoor allergens that can affect your pup. There are ragweeds, grasses and pollens that can make your pet suffer all year-round or seasonally.
Take note that unless the trigger is removed from your home, your pup will keep on having allergic reactions to them. If you feel like any of your accessories could be a trigger to your furball’s suffering, feel free to buy safe dog supplies online. Just make sure that you purchase a well-trusted brand.
If the trigger is impossible to remove from your home, then you should head to your vet and ask for medications to control the problem. Your dog may not be speaking out, but this does not mean that they are not suffering.
Some dogs are also sensitive to cigarette smoke, so if you are a smoker, you may want to find a new habit so that your dog would not be miserable from allergies. Even if you smoke away from your house, the scent of the smoke sticks to your clothes which you bring back home. This would still affect your dog’s health.
3. Medications and Vaccines
Vaccines and prescription medication are meant to keep your dog healthy. However, you still need to research and ask for your vet’s opinion. Some furballs are actually allergic to some vaccines and medicines.
Steroids may be effective for controlling the discomfort of your dog from allergies, but it also shuts down the immune system. That is why regardless of its effectiveness, steroids are not recommended for long-term use.
4. Food Allergies
If you can be allergic to peanuts and seafood, your dog can too! Food allergies are actually quite common for dogs.
Here is a list of the most common food triggers for dogs:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Lamb
- Corn
- Dairy
- Chicken Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
Anything can be a trigger to allergies, so whenever you purchase dog food supplies online or on the pet store, be very careful choosing your brand. Check the ingredients and if it claims to be hypoallergenic. Take note that even hypoallergenic treats can be the cause of an allergic reaction, so consult an expert before investing in a food brand too soon.
It is important to mix up the food you give your dog on a daily basis. This allows you to be able to provide a well-rounded diet for your dog on top of being able to protect your dog from food allergies.
Dog Supplies Online & How to Prevent Dog Allergies?
As they always say, prevention is better than a cure. Some of the precautionary actions that you can take are:
- Giving your dog frequent baths
- Only giving the basic vaccines to your pup
- Installing an air filter for your house
- Rotating your dog’s food on a regular basis
- Cleaning your house regularly
- Wiping down your furball’s paws after walking outdoors
For the best dog supplies online, you can visit our healthy products page. We offer only the best selections for your pooch and can help in preventing allergies and other problems you may have with your pet dog.