As a receptive pet parent, you can likely tell when your furry family member feels a bit off, but there are some typical signs associated with allergies. Symptoms in dogs can include:
– Runny nose, sneezing, and coughing: These symptoms are commonly associated with allergies, both in humans and dogs. While considered mild symptoms, they can be a sign that their allergies have begun.
– Paw licking: Your dog may lick their paws from time to time as a form of self-grooming, but if they’re doing it constantly, this can be a sign that histamine (a chemical released when there’s an allergen) has been pushed to your dog’s paws. As a result, they lick their paws because of the irritation and itchiness.
– Biting or scratching: When your pup has allergy-triggered irritated skin, they may be prone to biting or scratching the area(s). Unfortunately, this can leave red, inflamed patches where the allergen landed. Treating these areas as soon as possible is important because it could lead to secondary infections later. And with excessive scratching comes excessive shedding, so that’s another sign to watch for.
– Scooting: If you’ve ever seen your pup scoot their bottom on the ground, it can be a sign of itchiness. Because their anal glands can be impacted by the allergies your dog experiences, they may scoot or lick the area to relieve the itchiness. If you see that this area is swollen or inflamed, it could lead to further health issues, so treat this symptom early.
– Chronic ear infections: If you notice your dog frequently shakes their head or they have red, waxy ears, they may have an ear infection due to allergies.
