Our pets are more than possessions. They are our friends, companions, and, yes, at times our therapists. We adopt them as our newborns, raise them as toddlers, scold them as our own mischievous kids, and patiently address and correct their behavioral issues, such housebreaking and chewing.
When they become ill, most of us will give whatever we can and even what we can’t to make them better. I have three dogs – an English Bulldog, named Coco, a French Bulldog, named Zoey, and a Silky Terrier, by the name of Charlie. The three are as different by their appearance as by their temperament. However, if one of them becomes ill, I will do whatever I can to alleviate their discomfort. For example, when Coco was neutered I was given the choice of a scalpel versus a laser. The laser was more expensive, but much easier on my little girl. I would do the same things for my pets, as I would do for any other family member.
Some problems that our pets are afflicted with are beyond our control. Others can be controlled and even eliminated. I am talking about allergies. Symptoms of allergies in dogs include skin problems, scratching, vomiting and diarrhea, itchy and runny eyes, itchy ears and ear infections, licking and chewing swollen paws, itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy), sneezing, and snoring caused by an inflamed throat.
Skin Allergies
Your dog’s skin is the largest organ of her body. It protects the dog from the weather infections and parasites. It regulates the dog’s body temperature and prevents dehydration. There are several skin allergies. They are as follows:
1. Fleas and Insects. This allergy is most prevalent in the spring and summer months when mosquito and flea eggs hatch. When the dog is bitten and the insect saliva is injected underneath the skin, the dog’s skin becomes itchy and uncomfortable. The symptoms manifest themselves with itching, biting, and scratching. The danger of leaving this condition untreated is that the dog can do serious and permanent damage to her skin and fur through violent and uncontrolled itching and biting.
2. Seasonal Allergies. Season allergy is the most common of all canine allergies. This type of allergy is both genetic and environmental. Initially, the dog has genetic predisposition towards this allergy. However, this allergy develops after prolonged exposure to certain environmental factors. The symptoms are also characterized by itching and scratching. It becomes somewhat difficult to differentiate flea and insects from seasonal allergies.