Dog Inhalant Allergies Part 2

views the best pictures

What happens when a dog inhales something to which it is allergic?

When humans inhale allergens, we express the allergy as respiratory problems. These include coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. The dog’s reaction, however, usually produces severe, generalized itching. It will chew, lick, or scratch almost any area of the body, including the feet. Chewing and scratching produce hair loss and inflamed areas of the skin. Saliva will stain light colored hair, so dogs that lick excessively will have orange or reddish brown hair. This is often seen on the feet. Although most people think that itching is related to fleas, the most common cause of itching in the dog is inhalant allergy.

What is causing my dog’s allergy?

That is not a question that can be answered easily. The itching produced by ragweed allergy is the same as that produced by oak pollen allergy. In other words, an individual animal or person can be allergic to many different things with the end result (itching) being the same. In some cases, allergy testing can make specific determinations, and sometimes an educated guess can be accurate if the itching corresponds with the blooming season of certain plants. However, it is not always necessary to know the specific allergen for treatment to be successful.

What is meant by “seasonal allergy” and “year around allergy”?

As the names imply, some dogs only have allergic reactions during specific periods of the year. Others will itch year around. A year round allergy occurs for two reasons. First, the allergen is present year around. This is the case for indoor dogs that are allergic to house dust mites, also known as “house dust”. Food allergies commonly present as year-round etching. Second, the dog is allergic to so many things that at least one of those allergens is present at all times.

Stay tuned for part 3 soon to follow!

Thank you the the Kyle Animal Hospital (Dr. Guy Mathews, DMV) who provided the information.

Kyle Animal Hospital is a full-service small animal hospital. We have been in operation since 1996, and have rapidly grown from a part time satellite clinic to a full time, full service hospital. Communication is the cornerstone of any relationship and this is especially true between you and our staff. Kyle Animal Hospital offers 45 minute appointment slots for our standard appointments. This assures that you have the time you need with our doctors and staff to fully understand your pet’s health care needs.

100 Hall Professional Center, Kyle, TX 78640

Phone 512 268 5003 – Website http://www.kylevet.com