Tips for relieving your dog’s allergies

Many dog owners might not know that their pups suffer from allergies just like humans. The most common allergens that affect dogs are those that can be inhaled, like mold, dust mites, pollen, as well as different foods and skin irritants.

The American Kennel Club offers the following tips for recognizing allergies in your dog and providing allergy relief.

The most common signs of allergies in dogs include itching, red, inflamed skin, dry skin, loss of fur, eye irritation, and excessive licking of paws.

Plan a vet visit. To figure out the best treatment plan for your dog’s allergies, have your veterinarian evaluate your dog. Your dog may be prescribed cortisones, antihistamines or medicated shampoos. Your vet may also suggest giving your dog Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. All of these can help ease the suffering of your pet’s allergies. Food testing. Sometimes, your dog could be reacting to something in their food. To figure out what is triggering your pup’s allergic reaction, try giving your dog an elimination diet – feeding them one protein type at a time to try and figure out what is causing an allergic reaction.

Skin treatments. If it’s skin allergies your dog is suffering from, try applying aloe vera on the irritated skin to provide relief. Always make sure to consult with your vet before applying any type of skin treatment to ensure it is safe for your pooch and not another cause of irritation.

For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.