Identifying Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Many pet owners suffer from seasonal allergies. Even if you don’t, you’re likely familiar with the typical symptoms; runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing, and congestion. Identifying seasonal allergies in dogs can be challenging because they are easily missed or confused with something else.

Unlike human allergy symptoms, which are predominantly respiratory-based, the symptoms in dogs manifest as dermatological conditions. However, the causes are similar and include, trees, grass, pollen, ragweed, molds, and dust mites.One of the most common forms of allergies in dogs is atopy, which is a hypersensitivity to an allergen.

Common Allergy Symptoms and Behaviors

It is important to note that many of these symptoms can be a result of other conditions. As the months get colder, and more time is spent inside, there is a higher likelihood for your pet to become exposed to indoor allergens.

Also, food allergens can cause similar symptoms. Common foods that can cause allergic reactions in dogs are beef, dairy, eggs, corn, wheat, and soy. These are common ingredients in many pet foods, so it may be difficult to identify the culprit.

If your pet is showing signs or symptoms, ask your veterinarian about treatment options.Antihistamines and Omega-3 fatty acid supplements often help relieve the symptoms, but are most effective when combined with avoidance of the allergen. Identifying the allergen is the first step, although that can prove to be difficult.  

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