Spring has Sprung in Palmetto, GA and so have Allergies in dogs

In Palmetto, GA the grass is getting greener, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the allergies are on the prowl. Humans and animals alike want nothing more than to enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors during this time of year, but dogs in Palmetto, GA can also suffer from allergies.

Top four allergies in dogs in Palmetto, GA

‍

1. Pollen:  Chewing at their paws, licking their fur, rubbing their face as well as recurring ear infections or inflamed ears, hot spots, and  asthma-like wheezing can all be signs that your dog has rolled around in the daisies a bit too much. Itching and scratching can lead to inflammation, lesions and infections. 
2. Fleas: Those dreaded little creatures hop on and lay their eggs everywhere. Not only are fleas one of the main causes of allergies in dogs, but also a major source of itchy rashes in humans. Raw irritated skin, loss of hair, rashes that look like small pimples, hotspots, and discoloration of fur are all signs of flea allergy dermatitis.
3. Stinging and biting insects, bees, and wasps: As with humans, there are degrees of allergies when it comes to insects. Your dog may have a slight fever, be sluggish, and not eat much. If they have a bit more severe allergy, they may get hives, and in the most extreme instances, they may suffer from anaphylaxis and urticaria. Sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, rapid drop in blood pressure, swelling of the larynx leading to airway obstruction, seizures and cardiovascular collapse.
4. Ticks: Not only are they nasty little creatures that are hard to get off, ticks can lead to a variety of symptoms including fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, evidence of bleeding, and even lameness.

‍

Treatment of allergies in dogs

With pollens and atopic allergies (non insect allergies), your animal may benefit from more frequent bathing, oatmeal baths, medicated shampoos or topical sprays, antihistamines, or steroids, depending on the severity. You may want to invest in a HEPA air filter system, particularly in the room where they spend most of their time.

Fleas will need to be treated on your dog as well as your home. As with pollen, your dog may also benefit from antibiotics, steroids to give short-term relief, antihistamines, supplements, and medicated shampoos. 

If your dog has severe allergies to bees, wasps or other stinging insects, you may want to talk to the veterinary staff about getting an “epi-pen” for your dog. The staff can train you how and when the pen should be used. In many cases benadryl may also be suggested until you can get your dog into an emergency facility.

Early tick removal is key to keeping your dog well when they are bitten. Make sure that you use tweezers or a special tick removal tool and that you remove the tick by the head making sure not to leave the mouth or head. Do not squeeze the tick and if at all possible save the tick in rubbing alcohol to take to the veterinary practice if your animal shows any signs of infection in the days following the removal.

For fleas and ticks, talk to us about what prevention method may be best for your animal. If your dog is prone to allergies, not all collars or prevention medications are viable. 

We are here for you and your dog no matter the season in Palmetto, GA. Give us a call today at (770) 400-0146 to make an appointment so we can help prevent complications, so your dog can stop and smell the flowers.