Allergies are increasingly amongst pets in India. Dog allergies in India can lead to dogs scratching, licking their paws, frequently getting ear infections, and having tummy problems in addition to impacting their comfort and quality of life.

The number of allergy cases in dogs is increasing due to rising pollution levels, changing diets, increased indoor living and chemical exposure.

Allergy symptoms are often confused with itching or seasonal itching by many pet parents. However, untreated allergies can result in chronic skin conditions, infections and behavioral changes. If you know the typical food and environmental factors, you'll be able to notice the symptoms early and do what you can to help your furry pal. Here is a detailed blog from team Doggywala detailing allergies in dogs.

What is Dog Allergy?

A dog allergy is an abnormal reaction of a dog's immune system to a normally harmless substance (allergen). Allergens may be presented in food, the environment or due to direct contact with some materials.

Humans may sneeze or have a runny nose as a result of allergies, but dogs will manifest their allergies through their skin. The first indications are usually some itching, redness and inflammation that persist.

Common Food Allergies in Dogs

When a dog's immune system is adversely affected by certain food ingredients, they develop an allergy. Any food for dogs can cause an allergy but certain foods have a greater potential for causing allergies.

The most common food triggers in India are:

• Chicken
• Milk, curd, paneer etc. of dairy products
• Wheat and gluten
• Soy products
• Eggs
• Some synthetic preservatives and ingredients

However, many Indian pet owners unwittingly give table scraps or homemade meals to their pets that contain these ingredients making it more susceptible to allergies.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

• Constant itching and scratching
• Chronic ear infections
• Excessive paw licking
• Rashes and redness of the skin
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Hair loss in certain areas

An important feature of food allergy in dogs is that symptoms do not necessarily occur during a particular season of the year but may be present year-round.

Environmental Allergies in Dogs

Environmental allergies or atopic dermatitis is when a dog is allergic to something in the environment. The allergies are especially prevalent in cities in India where pollution is high.

Common Environmental Triggers

• Tree, flower and grass pollens
• Dust and dust mites
• Air pollution and smog
• Mold and mildew
• Weeds and outdoor plants

Environmental allergies can sometimes deteriorate during the changes of the season, particularly in the spring and monsoon months when there is a higher concentration of pollen and mold in the air.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Environmental Allergies

• Frequent scratching
• Red, inflamed skin
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Ear infections
• Lots of licking or chewing paws

As per expert dog breeders in India, pollutants present in the air can cause more symptoms in dogs living in an urban setting.

Contact Allergies in Dogs

Contact allergies are reactions to direct contact with a substance that is irritating to the dog's skin. They are less prevalent than food or environmental allergies and may be less likely to be responsible for the discomfort, but they can still be a cause of discomfort.

Common Contact Allergens

• Harsh grooming products
• Plastic feeding bowls
• Synthetic bedding materials
• Mulch lawns and surfaces with chemicals

Symptoms of Contact Allergies

• Localized redness
• Skin rashes
• Bumps or irritation
• Loss of hair in affected areas
• Itching under the paws, under the belly or under the chin

Contact allergies tend to show up in the place where the allergen came into contact with the skin.

Dogs More Susceptible to Allergies

Allergies are a natural susceptibility of some breeds. These include:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Shih Tzus
• Pugs
• German Shepherds

Also, puppies that have a compromised immune system and dogs that have experienced any skin issues are at risk. You can even buy these breeds but you've to make sure to reach out to reputed dog breeders in India such as Doggywala. We follow the best, and ethical practices as prescribed by the Animal Welfare Board of India. We've pure bred puppies for sale in India.

How to Diagnose Dog Allergies?

Allergies are a difficult diagnosis to make since symptoms mimic other skin diseases. Your vet may suggest:

• Physical examinations
• Skin allergy testing
• Blood tests

If there is a suspicion of a food allergy, elimination diets can be used. Elimination diets can be used if there is an allergy suspected.

Strategies for the Prevention of Dog Allergies

Allergies are not always curable, but they can be controlled.

Follow best practices to keep your work area clean and tidy

• Wash bedding regularly
• Regularly vacuum furniture and carpets
• Keep dust to a minimum inside the house

Keep a regular grooming regime

• Bathe your dog every 2-4 weeks with pet-safe shampoos
• Brush often to get rid of the allergens from the coat
• Keep ears clean and dry
• Remove ear hair and keep ears dry

Monitor Diet Carefully

• Don't feed "table scraps"
• Start introducing the new foods slowly
• If recommended by your vet or dog breeder in India, use hypoallergenic or limited ingredient food.

Avoid triggers, limit exposure

• Remove dirt from paws when outside
• Clean with products that are free of harsh chemicals
• Do not go to heavily polluted areas during high pollution times

Conclusion

Allergies in dogs are a serious problem among dog owners in India. If not properly managed, it may cause your dog to suffer from poor health and happiness due to their effects on the body (caused by food components, environmental triggers or direct contact with irritants).

Early detection and treatment by the veterinarian is key to successful allergy management. With knowledge of common allergy causes, a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet, you can help your dog live a healthier, itch-free life.

Keep in mind that your dog can't tell you what is wrong but they can tell you with their symptoms. It's all about observing how they're acting and their skin condition, so that they can live a comfortable and happy life. To buy pure breed puppies who remain allergy free contact Doggywala. We have healthy puppies for sale in India.