6 Common Dog Allergies

Spring has sprung, and allergy season is here for both humans and pets alike. From dust and pollen to even food, you're probably familiar with a lot of the most common allergies in people, but your four-legged best friend can be affected as well.

If you've noticed that your pup is often sneezing or seems more itchy than usual, allergies might be the culprit.  Understanding common dog allergies can help you narrow down exactly what is giving your dog some trouble.

Here are the most common dog allergies your pup may face and what you can do to help them.

Signs of Common Dog Allergies

While it's important to know what the most common dog allergies are so you can figure out which one is plaguing your pet, it's also essential to recognize the general signs of allergies in dogs. The sooner you notice that your pet is suffering from these symptoms, the sooner you can get them the relief they deserve. Here are the most frequently seen signs of common dog allergies to look out for:

• Sneezing
• Itchy skin, ears or eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive licking or scratching

Common Environmental Allergies in Dogs

If the sight of spring flowers makes you think of itchy eyes and a runny nose, you know what environmental allergies can do. What you might not know is that spring can be a difficult time your dog, too. These are the most common dog allergies lurking in your dog's everyday environment:

Pollen

Turns out you may have more in common with your dog than your loyalty to each other. Pollen is a common dog allergy just like it is for humans! Signs of a pollen allergy in dogs include itchy and inflamed skin, excessive licking of the paws and hair loss. You're more likely to see these symptoms in the spring and summer when environmental allergy season is at its peak, but pollen can also cause problems for your pet in the fall.

Some breeds are more prone to pollen allergies. Just like some breeds are more likely to develop certain health issues such as hip dysplasia or vision problems, there are also genetic links to allergies in dogs. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, Boxers, and Dalmatians are among the breeds that have a greater chance of developing pollen allergies. If you have one of these types of dogs, you might want to keep an eye out for allergy symptoms when spring arrives. However, all breeds can be susceptible to pollen allergies.

Dust

Allergies to dust mites can be found in dogs just like in humans. If you notice that your dog has allergy symptoms year-round and that they appear to be more comfortable breathing outside, dust mites might be the source of your pup's woes. Dust can be found around the house all year, so an allergy to dust mites isn't limited to the spring or summer like some other environmental allergies are. If your dog's symptoms don't improve with the weather or seasons, having them checked for a dust allergy could be helpful.

Mold

Mold is another common allergen that can cause unpleasant symptoms in both humans and dogs. An allergy to mold is most likely to show up on your dog's skin. Some of the most typical symptoms of a mold allergy include skin that is irritated, inflamed and scaly, as well as hair loss. It's also common for dogs to spend a lot of time scratching themselves and licking or chewing their skin and their paws. Supplements for dogs like the ones made by Swaggy Tails can help boost skin health and soothe it when irritation strikes.

Like dust allergies, reactions to mold can affect your dog all year. One factor that can influence allergy symptoms is humidity. Mold tends to grow prevalently in humid conditions.

Dogs with mold allergies can sometimes be more likely to have multiple allergies, such as a dust mite allergy at the same time. If you suspect your dog has a mold allergy, testing for other allergies can be helpful in finding relief for your dog.

Common Food Allergies In Dogs

If your dog is experiencing odd symptoms, you should also take a look at your dog's kibble. Food allergies are another source of uncomfortable symptoms in dogs. Here are some of the most common dog allergies to be aware of when you're looking at what your dog eats:

Dairy

Dogs can either have a dairy allergy or be lactose intolerant. When a dog is lactose intolerant, they have trouble digesting dairy but aren't actually allergic to it. Signs of lactose intolerance include vomiting, diarrhea, and has.

If it's a true dairy allergy, you may notice itchy skin and other allergy-like symptoms that lactose intolerance wouldn't cause. Swaggy Tails make supplements that give your pet's digestive system a boost to help ease tummy troubles.

Beef

Beef is one of the most common food allergies in dogs. It's also one of the most common flavorings used in dog food, treats, and medications.

If your dog has been eating the same food since they were a puppy, there's a chance they can eventually develop an allergy to one of the main ingredients. If this is the case, you could switch from a beef-based food to a chicken-based one and see if symptoms improve.

Wheat

A dog is more likely to be allergic to meats like beef or chicken tha to wheat, but wheat allergies are still a possibility. Many dog treats and dry foods contain wheat, but there are a lot of grain-free options on the market to try out if you discover your furry friend has a wheat allergy.

Tips for Treating Common Dog Allergies

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from one or more of the most common dog allergies, there are steps you can take to help them. Here are a few useful tips for treating common dog allergies:

• Consult a Vet - The best place to start at managing the most common dog allergies is to contact your dog's veterinarian. If you're not sure exactly what is causing your dog's allergy symptoms, a vet can pinpoint specific allergies and rule out other health conditions. They can also recommend potential treatment options specific to your dog, based on their lifestyle and health history.
• Avoid the Allergen - Once you've identified your dog's individual allergies, the best way to manage them is usually to stay away from the allergens. For example, if your dog is allergic to wheat, try buying grain-free treats and avoid dog foods with wheat as an ingredient.
• Try Supplements for Dogs - Supplements for dogs are another excellent option to help out your pup. Swaggy Tails makes amazing supplements for dogs that can give your pet's overall health a boost and provide relief in areas that allergy symptoms can attack, like the skin and digestive system.

Made with sustainable Omega-3 salmon oil, Swaggy Tails Omega Skin & Coat helps keep your dog's skin healthy and their coat shiny. If your puppy pal is suffering from allergies that make their skin itchy and inflamed, these are the perfect supplements to help soothe those uncomfortable symptoms.

If your dog's allergies show up as digestive troubles, give Swaggy Tails Digestive Enzymes a try. These supplement chews are specially formulated probiotics to help dogs with digestive issues and sensitive stomachs. Probiotics help maintain balanced gut health by keeping bad bacteria at bay, taming the most troubled canine tummy and even preventing issues from starting in the first place.

Whether you are trying to tackle a specific issue in your dog or looking to give his overall health a boost, supplements for dogs make an amazing addition to your canine's daily routine.

Try Swaggy Tails supplement chews for dogs today and help your favorite pup put their best paw forward to better health.