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Environmental allergies

Environmental allergies are hypersensitivity reactions to substances in the environment, such as pollen, mold, house dust mites or flea bites. They can lead to itching, skin rashes, hair loss, ear infections or breathing difficulties. How can you help your dog cope with his environmental allergies? Here are some tips for you.

Recognize the symptoms

The first step is to recognize your dog's symptoms. Environmental allergies can manifest themselves differently depending on the dog and the allergen. The most common signs are

  • Scratching, licking or biting the skin
  • Red, inflamed or flaky skin
  • Hair loss or bald patches
  • Ear infection or ear shaking
  • Sneezing, coughing or wheezing
  • Eye discharge or conjunctivitis

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet. They can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the cause of the allergy.

Avoid the triggers

The second step is to avoid or reduce the allergy triggers. This can be difficult depending on the allergen, but there are some measures you can take:

  • Keep your dog away from grass, flowers or shrubs if he is allergic to pollen.
  • Clean your home regularly and use an air purifier or HEPA filter to remove mold and dust mites.
  • Treat your dog and his environment for fleas if he is allergic to flea bites.
  • Use hypoallergenic products for your dog's grooming, such as shampoo, conditioner or brushes.
  • Change your dog's food if he is allergic to certain foods.

Treat the symptoms

The third step is to treat your dog's symptoms. Your vet can prescribe various medications to relieve the itching and inflammation. These include:

  • Antihistamines: These block the effect of histamine, a substance released during an allergic reaction.
  • Corticosteroids: These suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
  • Immunosuppressants: These prevent the immune system from overreacting and triggering an allergic reaction.
  • Immunotherapy: This consists of administering small amounts of the allergen over a prolonged period of time to desensitize the dog's immune system.

These medications can have side effects, so you should only use them under the guidance of your vet. In addition, they cannot cure the allergy, only alleviate the symptoms.

Environmental allergies are a common condition in dogs. They can affect your dog's well-being and quality of life. But with proper detection, prevention and treatment, you can help your dog manage his environmental allergies.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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