If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring?
If you said ALLERGIES, you have my sympathy. Yes, it’s that time of year again, when many of us are constantly sneezing and battling a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. But did you know that dogs can suffer from allergies too? In fact, dogs are allergic to many of the same things that we are, like mould, detergents, perfume, dust mites, and seasonal pollen from trees, grass, and weeds.
When we first brought this little bundle of fluff home, I read all the books I could find and surfed the internet trying to learn everything I could to provide her with a loving home and proper care. But at no point in my research did I learn about allergies. I had no clue that dogs could get allergies, and like most pet owners, I had no idea that the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies are expressed differently in dogs than in humans.
Think ESP – Ears, Skin, Paws
Allergens are mostly absorbed through a dog’s skin instead of their respiratory system, so one of the most telling signs of seasonal allergies in dogs is itching and scratching. If your dog has smelly ears and itchy, red skin, or if he’s scratching himself, rubbing against objects, losing hair, or licking and chewing on his paws excessively, he might have allergies.
Certain breeds are more likely to suffer from allergies, so be extra aware if you have a Terrier, Setter, Retriever, or a flat-faced breed like a French Bulldog or Shar-pei.
An easy way to remember the signs is to think ESP – Ears, Skin, Paws! If you have concerns, check out this flowchart to help you figure out what might be going on with your canine companion.
If your dog is showing these symptoms, take him to your vet for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Treatment options include topical therapies, oral medications, soothing shampoos, desensitization (allergy shots/drops), and veterinary exclusive pet food like Royal Canin’s Skin Care and Skin Support Formulas designed to help manage environmental allergies and restore a healthy skin barrier.
Find out more at Itchy Pet See Your Vet or on Twitter by following @RoyalCaninCA or #ItchyPetSeeYourVet.
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Disclosure: Compensation for this post was provided by Royal Canin. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own. Your experience may differ.
Thanks for the opportunity
Well I really didnt even know that animals got allergies but that explains some unusual things that has happened to my sisters dog lately . I was surprised to see perfume on the list although it really bothers me so I guess I can see why it would bother an animal too. I was also surprised to see dust as I wouldnt have thought that animals were bothered by that
Allergies for animals. I seriously had no idea that pets could get them. Im allergic to dust, and think its kind of neat that pets can be allergic to it as well.
I did not know that dogs could suffer from the same allergies as people.
The most surprising thing I learned is that dogs have allergies! I honestly didn’t know that dogs suffer from that!
Love that they have an area set out for “choosing a cat”!
My boxer boy suffers from the worst allergies during the Summer time. We’ve never been able to narrow down exactly what it is so just “treat the symptoms” with a topical spray. I learned that they have a food especially formulated to inhibit bacterial growth and promote skin healing. Nice to know – I’m for sure checking it out. 🙂
I was amazed at all the different products that are available for dogs in the PRO Product line.
My dog is a mix of two breeds prone to allergies and excessively licks his paws – poor guy I never realized he probably has allergies!
I did not know that dogs could suffer from the same allergies as people.
I was most surprised to learn that trees cause these allergy issues as well. I have a shar pei who unfortunately does suffer from seasonal allergies. Thanks for a great post!
I learned that there are at least 16 items that may cause an allergy and discomfort to a dog. I thought it would be fleas only. I was in for a big surprise. It seems that Royal Canin is the fix for these problems and seems to be a reliable and fast-acting healing agent for these allergies and the problems caused by them.
I learned that animals can have the same allergies as humans.
Our cat has had an issue where he chews the base of his tail raw. Very gross and we’re not sure what causes it. The website has made me wonder if it perhaps has to do with an allergy or his nutrition…?
I learned that 65% of the ingredients for their products come from Canada and that they are working towards having 100% ingredients from Canada.
I didn’t know the same outdoor allergies that affect people can affect dogs, too. I guess I kind of assumed since they’re animals that they’d be more immune.
I honestly did not know animals could have allergies? Learn something new every day!
My one cat, she’s allergic to the topical, once a month flea treatment. I have 2 other cats, that have allergies, and have to take steroids when they get bad.
I didn’t know that pets could have allergies to so many plants and things. Our dog was allergic to chicken and kept getting sores until we switched his food.
Animals have allergies just like humans!
I have a dog with severe allergies so I have read this before very informative! We also feed both our dogs royal canin
I did not know before, that pets could suffer from allergies like humans
I didn’t know that dogs can have seasonal allergies
I learned that like humans, animals can also have allergies.
I didn’t know that dogs could suffer from the same allergies as people
didn’t realise animals could have animals like people. thanks
Animals have allergies like we do. I did not know that
I never knew animals could suffer from allergies too! Thankfully , my dog Murphy doesn’t show any of the symptoms listed above!
My 3 year old Pomeranian developed allergies about 2 years ago. Constant maintenance including limited diet, medicated baths and other topical medications. Her diet includes Royal Canine Hypoallergenic HP for small breeds and limited hypoallergenic treats from the vet. Stoli has all the symptoms including itchy eyes, ears and licking the paws. As we are constantly at the vet this 100$ would be a nice treat for mama that would benefit Stoli 🙂
It was interesting to read about all of the allergies that animals suffer from and the different symptoms they have.
I learned that they have a food formulated to inhibit bacterial growth and promote skin healing.
I was surprised dogs got food allergies but glad to read that Royal Canin has a food for allergic dogs
I had no idea that pets could have allergies, but since their mammals I guess it makes sense.
Pet can have allergies too, who knew ?
I learned that Royal Canin has a patented skin support blend (curcumin, aloe vera, vitamin C and taurine).
Did not know about all the allergies that pets could have.
Also, Royal Canin dry dog food has a
Patented skin barrier blend (B-vitamins and an amino acid) that
Reduces water loss and strengthens the barrier effect of the skin.
I had no idea that dogs could have allergies like we do. And that it could cause skin problems. You would think it would cause sneezing, like us? Well, Good to know, should any woes show up in our Roxy.
My dog is allergic to red meat and chicken.
The most surprising thing I learned is that dogs tend to express their allergies through their skin.
I learned that animals absorb allergens through their skin
I really didn’t know dogs could be allergic to sunflowers!
I was surprised to learn that dogs tend to express their allergies through their skin
The sunflowers could case a pet to scratch
I was surprised to learn that dogs express their allergies through their skin.
I learned more than 20 yrs ago pets could have allergies. At the time it was difficult to diagnosis our Golden Retriever.
I didn’t know that dogs have allergies same as people
That animals can get allergies
Firstly, I did not know that our pets could suffer from many of the same human seasonal allergies… I mean, I knew they could have allergies, but not the human kind. But what really surprised me while reviewing the Royal Canin site is that there is a specific dry dog for pets who have skin allergies; Skin Support… Who would have thought?! Will be recommending this to a co-worker whose dog has skin issues. Thanks!
The are trying to be 100% canadian with their ingredients
I didn`t know that dogs could have the same allergies as people.