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411 results for “dog allergy”
What to Do If Your Dog Coughs or Retches After Deworming
Dogs rarely cough after a dewormer, but when it happens the tablet may be lodged in the throat, offer water to help swallow it. Coughing or retching can also stem from excitement rather than allergy, and a correct dose seldom harms the dog. Other common reactions include worms in the stool, vomiting, and diarrhea. Overdose or a sensitive gut causes vomiting and diarrhea; observe for 1-2 days, fast briefly, and use a pet probiotic, but seek a vet if it's severe. Unvaccinated dogs with these signs need viral testing.
My dog keeps scratching and the fur is matted, including both sides of the face — does it need a vet?
Persistent scratching has many causes, so if it does not improve, take the dog to a vet to identify the underlying issue. It may be a fungal or bacterial skin infection, parasites or mites, or an allergy. Hair loss, red or swollen skin, and dandruff signal itch; treat fungal with antifungals, bacterial with antibacterials, and parasites with regular topical deworming.
Should You Shave a Dog With Skin Disease?
Whether to shave a dog with skin disease depends on the cause. Fungal ringworm, mange mites, severe inflammation and eczema often benefit from clipping so medicine reaches the skin and the area stays clean and observable. But allergy- or hormone-driven skin problems do not improve with shaving and may even weaken the skin's defences. Always have a vet examine the dog under a microscope first, then treat the cause, and keep the environment cleaned with disinfecting tools.
Keeping Your Dog Free of Skin Problems in Summer
Summer's heat and humidity breed bacteria and parasites, so skin trouble spikes. Bathe and dry the coat with a pet shampoo, avoid strong midday sun to prevent burns, and keep the living space clean and dry. Use a monthly topical preventive with selamectin or fipronil to block fleas, lice, mites and ticks, and feed vitamins and protein to lift immunity. See a vet for itching, hair loss or rashes.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Their Own Kibble?
Dogs can be allergic to kibble, and it is not rare; the usual trigger is grain. Descended from wolves, dogs are built to digest protein and fat, so too much wheat, rice, or corn can cause poor digestion and allergy, and tolerance varies by individual. Signs include hair loss, red itchy skin, spots, restlessness, breathing trouble, runny eyes and nose, swollen paws, and gut upset like vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog is allergy-prone, choose grain-free food and introduce any new food in small test amounts first.
Acanthosis Nigricans (Black Skin Disease) in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin syndrome of itching and friction leading to thickened, darkened skin, seen mainly in certain dog breeds. Causes include allergy, hormonal imbalance, and obesity, and care combines itch relief, diet, and anti-seborrheic care.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Care
Hair loss in dogs and cats ranges from localized patches due to friction or harsh shampoos to generalized shedding from parasites, fungus, or endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism. Identifying the cause guides the right treatment.
Eosinophilic Myositis in Dogs
Eosinophilic myositis is a recurrent inflammation of the chewing muscles in dogs (often young herding breeds), marked by sudden swelling, eye protrusion, and trouble opening the mouth. It is likely allergic or autoimmune. Anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory care, plus feeding support, are key.
Rheumatism in Dogs and Cats
Rheumatism is a non-suppurative inflammation of connective tissue in muscles, heart, and joints, often triggered by cold, damp, or strep infection. It causes shifting pain, stiffness, and lameness that eases with movement. Anti-inflammatory care and a dry, warm environment help.
Shock in Dogs and Cats
Shock is acute circulatory failure that leaves vital organs starved of oxygen. It can follow severe disease, trauma, or poisoning, and shows as pale gums, weakness, cold extremities, and collapse. Treating the underlying cause is the foundation of recovery.