Signs Your Searcy, AR, Dog May Have Allergies

We love our companions and want them to be happy and healthy. It is distressing when you see your beloved canine sneezing, wheezing, or coughing when they have allergies in Searcy, AR. 

Some of the signs your dog may have allergies includes chronic itchiness, red or watery eyes, recurring ear infections, and raw red paws. If your dog has allergies, they may require medication to cope with their symptoms. 

Your pet may experience seasonal allergies. The allergies could be due to dust or pollen. They could also be allergic to fleas and ticks or certain foods. It is important to find out what is making your dog have allergies and seek the appropriate treatment. Our animal hospital in Searcy, AR can help your pet. 

What Sounds Do Dogs Make When They Have Allergies?

Cough due to allergies often sounds like a goose honking with gagging in the mix. Wheezing is generally the most common sound dogs make when they have allergies. However, they may cough, gag, sneeze a lot, or even whine if they are in distress.

What are the Types of Dog Allergies in Searcy, AR?

Food allergies

This can be present after your dog eats a specific type of food. Food allergies can also cause skin conditions or fur loss. Be diligent about checking on your dog’s hair and skin to make sure nothing has changed.

Skin allergies

Skin allergies are often triggered by exposure to fleas or ticks. It may also be due to treatment chemicals. If your dog has skin allergies, they will typically present with skin redness, itchiness, or sometimes even hives.

Seasonal allergies

This will be demonstrated in your dog through the presentation of ear infections or constant sneezing, or runny eyes. Symptoms will appear at the same time each year, in the spring and summer. You may see that your pup sneezes a lot after going outside.

Acute allergies

Dogs who have abrupt allergic reactions to irritants suffer from acute allergies. It is common for dogs with allergies to react to insect bites or bee stings. This reaction could present with facial swelling, vomiting, or even collapse. 

Just What Does it Mean When Your Dog Wheezes?

Wheezing is a kind of whistling sound your dog makes when he breathes. It could sound like an asthma attack, or it may even sound like your dog is struggling to breathe. Wheezing is caused by something impeding the normal flow of air in and out of the airway.

The following will briefly explain the common causes of wheezing in dogs.

Wheezing can be triggered by:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Cigarette smoke
• Fragrances from candles
• Perfumes

Seasonal Allergies

Sometimes dogs get seasonal allergies, just like human beings. Allergies can result in constricted airways. If your pup develops allergies, you should vacuum regularly.  

Collapsed trachea or chronic bronchitis

This is when the trachea and bronchi become compressed. This compression could cause wheezing and shortness of breath. Certain dog breeds suffer from this. They include:

• Yorkies
• Pugs
• Maltese
• Shih Tzus
• Chihuahuas
• Other tiny, short-nosed breeds

Becoming Too Excited

Excitement can worsen this type of wheezing. Chronic bronchitis presents with damaged airways, making the bronchi less flexible and triggering wheezing and coughing.

Heartworm

Heartworm parasites are transported to dogs by mosquitos and travel to the heart. Your dog begins to wheeze because of the worms inhibiting the heart’s blood flow and oxygen supply.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough results from Bordetella bacteria, and it causes a dry, hacking type of cough. A dry cough sometimes signifies an issue with the throat or the upper airway.

Heart disease

Dogs with congestive heart failure will wheeze because fluid is trapped in their lungs because of valve disease. These dogs tend to be seniors but are sometimes young pups. These dogs usually also have a constant cough.

Object in Airway

Foreign bodies could be from a dog who chews on a bone, balls, or toys. Dogs who enjoy running with balls in their mouth will sometimes accidentally suck the ball down their throat.

Some of the significant causes of wheezing can be regulated with vaccinations and internal parasite control. Make sure to get heartworm prevention for your dog, and you may be able to prevent your pooch from wheezing. 

There are many reasons for wheezing in dogs. Wheezing is typically accompanied by a cough, panting, or gagging. If you see frequent wheezing in your dog, you should take them to the vet.

Does My Dog Have Food Allergies?

Food allergies in dogs are one of the most common allergies for your pup. The allergies are usually a response to the protein or carbohydrates contained within the food. The reaction is generally caused by:

• Dairy
• Lamb
• Chicken and eggs
• Soy
• Gluten from wheat

Allergies are an immune response in which your dog reacts to a trigger. They can be pretty uncomfortable for your dog.  It can be challenging to find out if your dog has food allergies. Below are some of the significant reactions a dog can have to a food allergy:

Chronic ear infections

This is usually black or brown build-up in the ear. It can cause your dog to shake their head a lot. Ear mites or yeast infections need to be ruled out of the equation.

Red, brown, or bronzed nail bed

Your dog’s nails will present as bloody looking. This discoloring could be the result of an inflammatory immune response. You need to make sure it is not a foot injury or thyroid disorder.

Bronzing around the lips

Lips, feet, and skin are pink and swollen. It will cause your pup to be very itchy. Just be mindful that it could also be a yeast infection or sunburn.

Watery eyes 

Your pup may have goop or discharge blocking their tear ducts, which is uncomfortable for your dog. This discharge results in discoloration or irritation. Make sure first that your dog is not suffering from eye trauma.

Digestive Concerns

There could be digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea, and weight loss.

If your canine is experiencing a food allergy, changing their diet can help. Try to steer clear of foods with additives or artificial elements, and you may see an improvement.

What Will Your Searcy, AR, Vet Prescribe for Allergies?

The best defense against allergies in your dog is prevention. If your dog should happen to develop an allergy, you should seek the necessary treatment from your veterinarian. Below is a table describing the medications prescribed by your vet for your dog’s allergies:

There are many types of possible treatments if your dog is suffering from allergies. Food allergies, seasonal allergies, skin allergies, and acute allergies all necessitate different types of treatment. You should consult your vet if any changes you see in your dog suggest they might be suffering from allergies.

Does Your Dog Have Allergies? Reach out to our Searcy, AR Animal Hospital

Pets get allergies just like we do. Dogs who have allergies will often present with many common signs or symptoms. Some allergies are seasonal, while other allergies are food allergies. Pets typically display signs of allergies through their skin, as opposed to strictly respiratory symptoms.

If your dog’s allergies persist, you should take them to the vet, and they will help your loveable companion breathe a sigh of relief. You can schedule your pet’s appointment on our website or give us a call at (501) 268-5381.