As you and your dog spend more time outside this season, consider these five symptoms of seasonal allergies that may be affecting your dog this spring.
Spring is the perfect season for getting outside with your dog after a long winter. However, if hay fever has you sneezing, chances are your dog may be affected by seasonal allergies as well. While we may recognize some apparent symptoms of allergies with our dogs, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and rashes on the skin, some symptoms of allergies may be too easily overlooked with your dog. As you and your dog spend more time outside this season, consider these five symptoms of seasonal allergies that may be affecting your dog this spring.
Ear Irritation
Particularly for dogs with floppy ears such as Labradors and hound breeds, ear irritation may be a sign of seasonal allergies. As your dog is outside more this season, be on the lookout for excessive head shaking, as well as your dog rubbing their ears along walls and carpets. With this, inflammation in the ear may appear to be read, swollen, and waxy. If you notice this symptom with your dog, a quick trip to the vet can help them receive the right medication for relief.
Facial Rubbing
If you notice that your dog may be rubbing their face more than usual, this may also be a sign of seasonal allergies affecting them throughout the spring. While some facial rubbing and paw-licking may be part of their normal grooming routine, excessive facial rubbing may indicate allergies affecting them more than usual.
Heavy Shedding
With allergies leading to skin irritation in your dog, heavy shedding may also be a sign of allergies affecting your dog this season. If you notice significantly more shedding than usual, it may indicate that skin irritation caused by allergies is causing discomfort for your dog. A visit to their veterinarian can allow them to receive an effective ointment for treating skin irritation during the upcoming months.
Skin Inflammation
Similar to our allergy symptoms, seasonal allergies may also lead to skin inflammation in our pets as well, especially around the eyes and nose. If you notice that the skin around your dog’s eyes and nose appears to be red, inflamed, or breaking out in a rash, it may be time to visit your vet for relief from bothersome skin irritation.
Chewing Paws
If your dog seems to be biting or chewing at their paws throughout the day, this may also be a sign of seasonal allergies affecting their skin. Because of itchiness and irritation caused by seasonal allergies, your dog may begin to chew on their paws or other areas of the skin in an attempt to find relief from skin irritation. This symptom is especially serious, as excessive licking and biting could potentially lead to infections if left untreated for several days.
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