Does your dog lick and chew at his paws? Does he rub his face against the couch, carpet or snow? Does he scoot around on his bottom? Does he keep you up at night with these behaviours? These could all be signs of allergies.
Some common signs that your dog has allergies:
- Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
- Increased scratching
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy)
- Itchy ears and ear infections
- Paw chewing/swollen paws
- Constant licking
Dogs with allergies are itchy! Symptoms can vary from mild annoyances to severe itching. In severe reactions dogs can scratch so much that they can cause self-trauma leading to skin infections. Chronic itchy and inflamed ears can lead to ear infections. Scooting can aggravate the anal glands and cause anal sac abscesses.
Triggers can be environmental or food related and they often get worse as a dog ages. There are diagnostic tests to help isolate the source of allergy. Often food elimination trials are used.
If your dog is suffering from these allergic signs your Veterinarian can help diagnose and create a treatment plan to manage the allergy symptoms and make your dog more comfortable.
Erica Lane VA
