Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
It’s Asthma and Allergy Awareness month, what do we really know about pet allergies? What is the difference between seasonal allergies and food allergies? How do we know if our pet has asthma? We take a look at these questions below!
There are many overlaps between the symptoms of food and seasonal allergies in dogs, for this reason diagnosing your pet with a specific allergy can take time.
Symptoms of Pet Food Allergies (1)
First, food hypersensitivity can occur at any age in a dog’s life. Many dogs are allergic to chicken, dairy, beef, eggs, corn, soy and wheat as well as some of the additives contained in commercial brands of dog food. Allergy symptoms that are typically associated with food allergies include:
Lesions all over your dog’s body, on the flanks, ribs, hips or knees
Recurrent ear infections
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Itchiness that can lead to self trauma such as hair loss, scabs or hot spots
Gastrointestinal issues
Symptoms of Pet Skin Allergies (3)
Excessive Itching and licking
Hot spots or bald spots
Loss of hair, redness, crusting, oozing
Pigment changes (hyperpigmentation)
Skin thickening (lichenification)
Causes of Pet Asthma (2)
Pants more heavily and longer than usual
Look for “wide mouth” breathing and extreme expansion and contraction of chest muscles
Loss of energy or appetite
Coughing, wheezing or seeming to be out-of-breath
With severe attacks, the gums may be pale or even blue; that’s a sign your dog needs to get to the vet ASAP
LICKS Skin & Allergy + Shiny Coat formula helps to relieve itchiness, reduce hot spots, and maintain normal moisture content in dogs with skin allergies or skin irregularities!