Just like humans, your dog can experience an allergic reaction. They may be allergic to elements of the environment like pollen, ingredients in their food, flea bites, and objects or chemicals they touch. A dog with an allergy needs pet medications to overcome these reactions, so here are the signs to watch for.

How to Tell if Your Dog Needs Pet Medication for Allergies

1. Scratching

A dog with a mild allergy will experience stubborn itching. The most common areas to itch are the root of the tail if the problem is fleas, or the paws and ears if they're allergic to something in the air. They may also scratch other areas, especially sensitive places such as their belly or face.

If they scratch too often, they'll develop "hot spots," areas where the fur has worn away and the skin underneath is red and irritated. This opens the area to bacterial and yeast infections, which make healing more difficult.

2. Constant Licking & Biting

A dog whose skin is irritated in areas where it's difficult to scratch, such as the paws and between the toes, will start licking or chewing that area instead. In addition to noticing them licking or finding hot spots, you can tell your dog has been licking their paws too much if their fur gets reddish or brownish stains from saliva.

3. Swelling & Hives

If your dog's reaction is in a place like their face, you can see it right away. Swollen, runny eyes, facial swelling, or hives under the coat are sometimes visible in areas with short fur. If you notice this sign, act quickly and take your dog to an animal hospital for pet medication.

4. Digestive Symptoms

Besides itching and swelling, a dog with a food allergy will also have an upset stomach when eating the food they’re sensitive to. This can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Test for this type of food sensitivity by switching your dog to a diet with fewer ingredients to see if the problem goes away.

5. Acute Reactions

Some allergies are serious and cause more than just an itch or a stomach ache. Like humans, dogs experience anaphylactic shock, where the airway swells and cuts off breathing. This reaction is rare and is usually triggered by bee stings or vaccines. If this happens, take your pet straight to an emergency vet.

If you need pet medications to help your dog deal with allergies, visit the Animal Health Center in Enterprise, AL. Serving Coffee and Dale counties, they offer a personal touch and the highest standard of care for each patient that enters their office. To save $30 on the first visit for one pet per household, visit the website and print a coupon—or mention it when making your appointment. You can also get in touch with the office at (334) 347-0544.