While kennel cough is usually the culprit when it comes to coughing and sneezing in dogs, allergies could also be to blame!
One of the most common problems that you’ll find your pet is allergies. Symptoms of allergy include itching, hair loss, coughing, runny eyes and sneezing. Like you, your pets are also exposed to allergens that can be detrimental to their health. However, these allergens are not deadly, but they can be annoying for both you and your pet. If your pet is suffering from an allergy, we definitely recommend seeing a Parkway veterinarian.
Know the allergens that affect your pet’s health
Common allergens that can affect your pet include dust, feathers, cigarette smoke, fleas, perfumes, rubber, plastic material etc. Your pet can also be allergic to food such as chicken, wheat, soy and pork. Our Parkway vets have also found that allergens may cause ear infections and sometimes gastrointestinal problems in your pets. If your dog is allergic to any food item, discontinue immediately and see a veterinarian for another recommendation.
How can you be sure of allergy symptoms?
At Parkway Veterinary Center, our vets will conduct a physical examination and discussion with you the best treatments to relieve your pet. Generally vets diagnose allergy through skin test. Our Parkway vets can prescribe an injection, a pill, a shampoo or a supplement as a treatment. Sometimes you can be advised a combination of these things or a special diet for your pet that help to reduce the allergic symptoms.
Allergy has no cure, thus prevention is the only way to alleviate allergy symptoms. You can follow the following steps:
Preventive Steps:
- Pets are more prone to allergens when they are outside. So when you bring your pet home after walk, you should wipe down your dog. Using special pet-friendly wipes to remove dust and other allergens is always a good thing .
- You should get your pet checked by a vet to know whether your pet is afflicted with fleas. Shampoos, powders, oral medicines are generally used to control flea allergy.
- Anti-itching shampoos are very helpful for your pet, but you should consult a vet to know the best anti-itching shampoo. Over-the-counter products are sometimes not as effective as they claim to be.