Spring and summer are prime allergy seasons for people and pets alike. Your pet may have an allergy if they exhibit any of these signs. Itchiness i. As your pet scratches, digs, and licks their skin, the already-weakened barrier is further compromised, and secondary infections often result.
Skin infections cause further discomfort, which can trigger a frustrating itch-scratch cycle. Does your dog repeatedly experience red, itchy ears that often have a distinct odor? Bacteria or yeast-derived ear infections are another common allergy sign and can cause significant discomfort for your pet.
There can be many reasons dogs have red and watery eyes but one cause is allergic follicular conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the pink soft tissue that surrounds the eye and lines the eyelids.
This oftentimes is mistaken as pink eye which is far less common in dogs. Many dogs with allergies experience itchy feet and bite at or lick their paws incessantly. Although it is unlikely that you will miss the tell-tale feet-licking, you can also tell your dog has been digging at their feet by saliva staining. When saliva on light-colored fur is exposed to the air, it turns brown, leaving your pet with rust-tinged feet.
A hot spot is a red, raw, hairless area of infection that is intensely itchy. Unfortunately, itching causes further skin damage, but your pet cannot resist biting and licking the uncomfortable spot. Hot spots often seep a yellowish liquid that may form a crust over the raw skin and clump in the surrounding fur. Pets with inflamed anal glands may scoot across the floor, or bite and lick at the area under their tail, to soothe the itching. Pet allergies can be frustrating, but help is available.
