5 signs that your dog has allergies
Allergies in dogs are caused by an overreaction from the dog's immune system. Normally, the immune system protects the body against dangerous bacteria and viruses, but if the dog is allergic, the immune system instead reacts to harmless particles (allergens). The body then produces excessive amounts of antibodies, which leads to physical problems in the dog.
Certain breeds are more prone to allergies than others, but all dogs can develop allergies. About one in ten dogs is affected by allergies, and the symptoms are often seen before the dog is three years old.
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1. The dog licks its paws
Do you have a dog that licks its paws a lot then this could be a sign of allergy. You can often explain this away by saying that the dog is just grooming itself, but here you should keep an extra close eye on the dog. It is not normal for a dog to lick its paws several times a day. Maybe it puts the whole paw in its mouth and bits? This is one of the most common signs of allergies.
2. The dog scratches in and around the ears
Another common sign of allergies in dogs is itching in and around the ears, often recurring ear infections. Take a look at your dog's ears - do you see any indication that they are swollen, red, painful or maybe you see a lot of earwax?
All of these can be signs of an ear infection, often as a result of an underlying cause such as allergies. Fresh ears should have a sweet smell reminiscent of honey. If the ears smell bad, this is a clear indicator that something is going on, but the most important thing is that you get a vet to make an assessment.
3. General itching
General itching is perhaps the most obvious sign that is difficult to ignore as even for the owners it can result in sleepless nights if it is really bad. It is normal for a dog to scratch once in a while, but if it stops during a walk, during a meal or interrupts sleep, it is usually a sign of itching that is not within the normal range. The dog can scratch almost the entire body and like to bite and nibble the skin where it itches. Fortunately, there are several types of medication on the market that relieve itching, but the most important thing is to find the underlying cause and treat it.
Do you suspect an allergy in your dog? Read more about it here.
4. Loose in the stomach
Most people have a fairly good overview of their dog's faeces because we are good at picking up after them. Have you noticed that your dog periodically has loose stools then it can be a cry for help from the intestines. It can be anything from daily loose stools, to only every 14 days or an increased frequency. This type of chronic diarrhea should be a warning light indicating that a health examination by a veterinarian should be arranged.
5. Itching in the anus
Anal gland problems and itching in the anus is the last sign we want to highlight. It is not necessarily allergy that is the first thing that comes to mind when the dog drags its bottom across the living room carpet. Many people have realized that filled anal glands can be the cause of this type of behaviour, but in healthy dogs the anal glands are emptied every time they defecate. It is a kind of "business card" that is left for the next passing dog. If this does not happen, the glands will gradually fill up more and more. In the worst case, anal gland inflammation can result.
