Dogs can be susceptible to allergies, too. For many dogs, however, the cause of the allergy can be difficult to pinpoint. While certain breeds may have a propensity to certain allergies, more and more people are opting to adopt mixed breed dogs, so essentially, diagnosing allergies will typically begin at square one. A visit to your Austin pet clinic is the place to get started so that your itchy, miserable dog can start feeling his best as soon as possible.
Like people, pets come into contact with various substances that can bring about intense allergic reactions. These manifest in different ways, but they can be distressing if you’re not sure what the root of the problem is. Even worse is when you know your dog is allergic to something, but are unable to pinpoint the source. A veterinarian at an Austin pet clinic will evaluate signs and symptoms, then monitor and rule out, substance by substance, the various allergens your dog comes into contact with on a daily basis. If your dog has recently been exposed to something new, the process may go rather quickly.
If your dog’s coat has begun to shed at an unusual rate, your first thought may be that he has some type of dermatitis. Dogs that have allergies will often lose hair, and as the allergy progresses, the skin will likely become irritated, as well. This can cause compulsive scratching at the affected area, making things worse and resulting in bloody patches of scaly, bare skin. Pet owners may fear that a more serious illness is at work, and that is always an issue to rule out with a trip to your Austin pet clinic. Often, though, the symptoms may be the result of flea allergy. Once flea allergy has been remedied or ruled out, if the allergy continues, the next most likely culprit is diet.
Dog food is one of the most common culprits of allergies in dogs. When people take their pets to an Austin pet clinic for a routine exam or acute care visit, one of the first things the vet asks is how the pet has been eating. An important thing to remember is that dog food packaging is meant to be appealing to the person who is purchasing it and is not always a good indicator of quality food for dogs. Dog food ingredients bear closer examination, as many of the most popular dog food brands contain copious amounts of corn and other products that are highly allergenic to dogs and lead to rashes, hair loss, and even other more serious symptoms. Austin is not alone in that most grocery stores and pet stores stock dog food brands that are known to negatively impact your pet’s health. Do your homework and consult with your Austin pet clinic for the right blend for your dog. Many Austin pet clinics stock better grades of food, as well as prescription foods.
Of course, table food is always a no-no. While your dog enjoys a treat from your plate and, by the same token, you likely enjoy giving it to him, it isn’t unheard of for something as simple as a single hot dog to trigger a raging, painful, and very serious case of pancreatitis.
Maintain proper flea and tick prevention, and watch what your dog eats. Above all else, visit an Austin pet clinic for regular check-ups and adhere to the recommendations of your veterinarian for the healthiest, most comfortable, and longest life you can give your dog.
