4 Types of Dog Allergies in Santa Clarita, CA and How to Help Your Dog

As a dog owner, you may already be aware of some of the most common allergies your dog might encounter in her life. However, there may be some you weren’t aware of, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with these so you can take better care of your dog.

In this article, we’ll show you four of the most common dog allergies in Santa Clarita, CA that your dog may suffer from throughout her life. You can use this information to learn more about what to look for and understand how to talk to your vet about your dog’s allergies.

Different Types of Dog Allergies in Santa Clarita, CA

Many different allergies can effect your dog. Here are a few:

Food Allergy

One of the most common dog allergies dogs may suffer from is food allergy. Many dogs are allergic to one or more ingredients in their food, but it can sometimes be difficult to tell this. It’s important to pay very close attention to your dog and any changes in her health or behavior related to her food in order to determine this possibility.

For example, some dogs may throw up frequently on certain kinds of foods but not on others. This can be a sign of an allergy, or at the very least an intolerance, to the ingredients in that food. Dogs with food allergies also frequently develop skin irritation and bad coat condition.

The best way to help your dog with her food allergies is to work with your vet to determine the best, healthiest food for her needs. Your veterinarian in Santa Clarita, CA can recommend food that may prevent your dog from having an allergic reaction to its ingredients.

Pollen Allergy

Another common allergy in dogs is pollen allergy. Humans also have this type of allergy frequently, and it occurs during certain times of the year. It may sometimes be colloquially referred to as “seasonal allergies” or “hayfever,” but in reality it is simply an allergic reaction to the pollen in the air outside.

If you notice your dog showing signs of a head cold after being outside, this may mean she has a pollen allergy. When your dog goes outside, she is going to be exposed to pollen in the air at the time. If the pollen count is very high where you live, this means she will likely come back in with sneezing, itchy eyes, or a runny nose.

To help your dog deal with a pollen allergy, limit her time outdoors during high pollen times of the year. You may also need to give her allergy medication, but you should speak to your veterinarian in Santa Clarita, CA before doing this.

Contact Allergy

Some dogs may have contact allergies, which means they will show allergic reactions to substances they come into contact with. One common source of contact allergy in dogs is plant material. Many dogs may be allergic to the leaves and flowers on certain plants, so when they come into physical contact with those plants, they may develop rashes.

Contact dog allergies tend to cause hives, welts, itching, and hair loss. Most of the symptoms of this type of allergy are skin-related, and they may not include other symptoms like sneezing or watery eyes.

If your dog has contact allergies, take care to wash her bedding in hypoallergenic detergent. Also, make sure she is prevented from playing in the yard in areas where she may come into contact with plants that could aggravate her allergies further.

Medication Allergy

Finally, some dogs may be allergic to certain types of medication, just like some humans are. This is the most dangerous of the potential allergies on this list, although they all run the potential risk of develop into anaphylactic shock in extreme cases.

Dogs may be allergic to certain types of medication used to treat dog illnesses and health concerns. If your dog starts to break out in hives or becomes very itchy when given her medication, this may be an early warning sign. She may also vomit or drool excessively if she takes medication she is allergic to as well.

If you notice these symptoms, take your dog to the vet in Santa Clarita, CA right away. The vet can check for signs of an allergic reaction, give your dog treatments as needed, and help you figure out a better medication for her moving forward. You shouldn’t try to treat this type of allergy at home.

Your Vet Can Help With Your Dog’s Allergies in Santa Clarita, CA

With this information, you should be better prepared to ask your vet about treatments for your dog’s allergies in Santa Clarita, CA. Keep in mind, however, that there are a lot of changes you can do at home to help your dog feel better too. Your vet can give you more information about these as well, so it’s important to work with your vet to find the best solution for your dog’s health needs.

With the right plan and some effort, you should be able to help your dog manage her allergies throughout her life with no trouble.

If you are concerned that your pet might have dog allergies, call (661) 799-0655 and talk with your veterinarian at Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center.