dog allergy symptoms

dog allergy symptoms questions and answers

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Q: what are dog allergy symptoms please?
Our nephew is 12 years old and his parents have just got a long haired german shepherd pup (pedigree). They have had the dog about a month and their son has developed coughing and watering eyes,could this be a reaction to the dog or non related. If you think this could be dog related can you please advise on the best way to help,his doctor has given him an inhaler to use twice a day but I think it would clear up if they get rid of the dog (I mean sell it not put it down) so,any advice would be apreciated. Thank you.

A: Hi it is probably the dog ,but its not the dogs fault, he might benefit from allergy tablets like childrens benadryl etc, which you can buy in the shops. If the child is really ill then maybe getting rid of the dog but trying medication first is a good start as it no fun having no pets when your young, cats make me itch but I have 6 of them and 4 dogs and have allergies probably caused by my animals but I wouldnt give them up for the world.

Q: Dog allergy Symptoms and reactions?
I have never dealt with allergies, but am wondering if that could be what is going on, more specifically a dog allergy. If you have dog allergies, could you please tell me how you react around them? How long does it take for the symptoms to come up? And how long does it take for the symptoms to go away once you are away from the dog? And what exactly are your symptoms? How do you know it's a dog allergy and not something else?

A: Pet allergies vary, just like any other allergy. Some people have itching, hives, asthma, shortness of breath, etc but there are other symptoms that might not just be respiratory. As for how long it takes to show up, sometimes it is right away, sometime it takes longer. For example, if it is summer and the windows are open some of the allergens might be dissipated but in winter with the heat on, they can be concentrated and blown around more. Try spraying a mist of water with an essential oil like lemon or lavender in the room to trap some of the allergens and drop them to the floor where they can be vacuumed up. Also, all dogs are not allergenic. Those with fur are often a problem but the one that have hair are not. Some "hair" breeds include poodles, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus and more so it does not necessarily mean you can't have a dog. The only sure way to know is allergy testing and that is expensive as well as frustrating. If you have symptoms when the dog is around but no symptoms say when you are away on vacation, you have just diagnosed it for yourself! Good Luck!

Q: is it possible for a dog allergy symptoms like skin rush to show up a week after a contact with a dog?


A: that sounds like it would be REALLY unusual. I am not an allergist, but that really does not sound like the dog, a week ago, is/was the source of the allergy. However, lets say the dog was lying on your jacket. and you wore the jacket all week, getting more exposure each time you wore the jacket. that could result in an allergy a week later.

Q: What are some of the symptoms of having a dog allergy?
I have never been allergic to dogs before but we just got a black lab who is 10 weeks old. I have a runny of stuffed nose, and a sore throte. If i have and allergy, how can i lessen it.

A: Sounds like you are allergic. If you can afford it, an ionic breeze from the sharper image will help a lot. Make sure you give your dog regular baths, vacuum your house a lot and don't forget to vacuum the couches/chairs also. I have found that taking children's benedryl helps lessen the symptoms and don't make me feel all loopy the way regular benedryl does.

Q: dog with allergy like symptoms?
I have a 1 year old jack russell, and recently her eyes have become red and slightly swollen,along with redness on her mouth. It only really occurs in summer, and keeping her indoors is a not very fair, being a jack russell an all. Has anyone else experienced this with their dog? what are the best methods to treat this?

A: Try children's benadryl but only use half a tablet. It works wonders. If this doesn't help I would recommend going to your local vet and discuss it with him. He might recommend an allergy test, but just to warn you they are slightly expensive.

Q: Allergy symptoms in my dog- red bumps, odor from skin, slightly swollen paws?
All of a sudden, my 5-year-old maltese mix had small, hard red bumps appear on his back. This area of his body is sensitive, and he reacts to the slightest touch. A strange, tar-and-horse-like odor began to get emitted from his back. He keeps scratching his ears and licking his feet. His paws have swollen up a bit and are more pink than usual. Whack-job vet told us to get the dog a flea collar and didn't do much else but charge us insanely for the "check-up." These symptoms seem characteristic of an allergy, but we're not sure if these are caused by his diet or fleas/ticks. Would antihistamines help my dog? What is exactly the matter with him?

A: This does sound like an allergy, though he should be tested for various forms of mange if he hasn't been already. If he doesn't have fleas, you should change his food. You should be sure his food has no wheat, corn, or soy, Like Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets. If you've already made this step, go completely grain free, like Solid Gold Barking at the Moon, or Innova Evo. It may take up to 8 weeks to see the effects of diet changes. Antihistamines don't often help dogs much, though some respond well. Your dog can take Benadryl, probably a pediatric dose for a dog that small, about 1mg/lb every 6 hours.

Q: How long will it take for my dog's food allergy symptoms to clear up after switching foods?
Much to my dismay, my breeder had my Bernese puppy on Purina Puppy Chow. Right when I got him we began weening him onto Natural balance by doing a 3:1 ratio of Purina to NB, then half and half. Since the day we got him his eyes had been very red - to the point where I was concerned about him developing cherry eye - and he was a very itchy boy. He was given a flea treatment just before we got him, so for the first few days we attributed the itching to that. I abruptly switched him to all Natural Balance a few days ago and gave him a hypoallergenic oatmeal shampoo bath. His eyes haven't been red since and his itching has slightly subdued. How long does it typically take for all food-related allergy symptoms to clear up? He has a vet appointment early this week for his last round of puppy shots. We've only had him for a week and a half now. Were debating giving him a half-dose of children's benadryl, but thought it best to wait for the vet's opinion. Thanks! Also - my parents feed their cats Purina - I've warned them time and time again about the low quality and side effects. Their older cat developed diabetes, and while we were house sitting their 2 year old cat had severe kidney problems the vet directly attributed to the food. It cost them $900 to save Booger (the young guy) and varying expenses every month to keep Chloe's diabetes in check. I don't think people realize by spending a little more on quality food, they could save countless money in vet costs and add years/quality to their pets life.

A: Thank-you for taking him off the CRAP food...It usually takes 4-6 weeks before the allergy symptoms disappear, depending upon the dog. I know of a Bull Mastiff who had allergies for 1.5 years and the owner kept going to the vet, etc, etc...he finally changed to a holistic food and...after 4-5 weeks the symptoms went away and HAVE NEVER RETURNED....he swore up and down that it was the food (in this particular case "Oven Baked Tradition" (Canadian made - not sure if it can be obtained outside Canada).... Natural Balance is a GREAT FOOD also...I am NOT trying to get you to change.... GOod for you...BAD ON THE BREEDER!!!! Good grief....Talk about trying to save money!!!!....A GOOD breeder would never have fed them that garbage in the first place. I am SO HAPPY that you realized it....Bernese are wonderful dogs (I groom a few)....children's benadryl won't hurt him unless you give him too much....I am sure he would thank you for taking away that awful itch.

Q: Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment?
I just got 2 new puppies, after only having outdoor dogs for brief periods in the past. We are keeping them pretty much indoors and have had them for a week or so now. Since getting them, I feel like I can't really breathe through my nose and it is itchy and I sneeze a lot. I usually only have these symptoms when I am sick, so I think it may have something to do with our puppies. Could I possibly have dog allergies? What are some ways I can reduce the stuffiness so I can breathe through my nose again? I appreciate any helpful advice or information, thanks! We have them outside throughout the day, in short increments to let them do their business and then for longer periods to let them play and hang out with us when we are out there. We don't let them stay out there when we leave the house because it is too hot and we have a gap in our fence that needs to be fixed to keep them from running away.

A: Time and an antihistamine. I have 3 dogs and 4 cats I am also allergic to all dogs and cats but the thing about allergies is that they are your body overreacting. Your nose thinks the pet dander is harmful and it is overreacting to it. Over time your body will come to recognize and ignore the specific proteins in your pets dander and you will no longer be allergic to that specific animal. This takes about 3 weeks to a month, during that time you should take an allergy medication such as Reactine, or Claritin.. (you can buy cheaper ones they are no-name but have the same antihistamine as the brand name ones) I like the Exact brand reactine best.. anyway you will still be allergic to any new dogs you encounter but pretty soon your body will get used to your dogs and you won't have that irritating nose itch anymore. :)

Q: Dog allergies but no symptoms? Possible?
I've had a dry cough for a couple of months and went to the allergist to try and track down the cause. I was allergy tested and the only thing that came up positive was dogs. BUT I've owned various dogs - all big, heavy shedders - for more than 20 years and volunteer with a humane society and never had an allergy symptom I can attribute to them. They sleep in my room (not on my bed), they are in the house and with me constantly. My recent cough is actually better in the morning than in the evening despite having dogs in my room all night. I was prescribed Singulair and it is helping the cough quite a bit. The test also doesn't explain the seasonal allergy symptoms I have each spring or the asthma reaction I once had to a moldy environment. In fact, none of it makes sense. Is it possible to be allergic to something you are constantly exposed to and have no symptoms at all? Even the doctor doesn't think this is the whole picture. I see him again next week. Can anyone explain?

A: Sometimes your body might just get use to is but its still allergies!

Q: Will this get rid of my dust allergy symptoms almost completely?
I'm slightly allergic to maple and dog. But my allergy to dust and mites are so severe, that they were unable to be scaled because they were so high. I use an air purifier, enclosed my mattress, I take Calritin D, Zyrtec, vacuum using wearing a mask (we have an HEPA Hoover), and use a neti pot every day to relieve my symptoms, but it's not enough. The symptoms bug me everyday and just get worse by the month. If I replace all my 20+ year old carpeting with hard wood flooring, will this make a drastic improvement in my allergies?

A: It should. Carpets are a biggy on the allergies. Keeping all windows shut and doors sealed help too. You don't want to let all the allergens into your house. Also covering your pillow case, vaccuum under the bed. I have the Dyson and it is much better than the Hoover for allergies. Also the Rainbow one is awesome, but very expensive. I think it is worth it in the long run. You still would want a vaccuum around for dusty areas on your wood floors. Excessive nick nacks are dust collectors. try to really get rid of things that collect any dust and clean out your home. Also cloth furniture is the worse, but I realize not everyone can get leather, but is has less problems. Vaccuum these too. Use cleaner that are environmental friendly.

Q: Why do my allergy symptoms come and go?
For about 10 days, I will experience: Post-nasal Drip (all day) Sore Throat (a few days before it leaves) Runny/ Clogged Nose (most of the time) But then it will just go away ALMOST completly for about 2 weeks. Then it'll come back. It came and went 3 times in a row. I have a severe allergy to dust, but I'm around it the whole time. I have slight allergies to dogs and maple but I'm around those for the same amount of time for the past few months. I take Claritin D, Zyrtec, and a Neti Pot. They help with the runny/clogged nose, but not with the nasal drip or sore throat. Why do they come and go?

A: You probably have a mold or pollen allergy that is in flux. I know there are days that are super bad for my allergies and there are days I have no symptoms at all. Check your weather.com page for the allergy alert. You can put your zip code in and it will tell you what is high in your area. If you are sensitive to some molds, even a low to moderate count will cause your symptoms to return. I dont know if you should be taking Claritin and Zyrtec together..they are both antihistamines. They do the same job. Also, if you have been taking them a season or more, they could NOT be working any longer. I cant take Claritin any longer...it doesnt do anything. Talk to your doctor about switching to one drug. This coming winter, see about allergy injections...they really do help a lot. Yes, its a pain in the arm to get a shot every week for a few months, but it will help so much in the long run. Feel better...and pray for FROST!

Q: Are these symptoms dog allergies or am I just getting a cold?
A few months ago my husband and I took in a stray dog(a pomeranian) and a few days after we got him i started to get sick. I went to the dr and she put me on antibiotics but it didn't help I went back 2 weeks later to a different dr and this one said I had fluid in my lungs, gave me a different antibiotic and steroid pills and that made me better. It also coincided with the dog's owner coming to claim him. Well now her it is about 2 months later and I seem to be having the same problems. We just adopted an new dog (a puggle) 3 days ago. Day one I was fine, day two i had a little stuffiness, day three I'm miserable again My symptoms are: sneezing(like crazy), stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing, and when I sneeze or cough my upper back and neck get really itchy(weird I know), shortness of breath, and i can hear a crackling sound when I breath(fluid in my lungs again?) I am planning on going to the doctor again but, I don't have health insurance so it make be a few weeks until i hae the extra money. Are there any things I can do, rather than getting ride of the dog, that can help me. I don't want it to get as bad as last time. I lost a lot of sleep for about a month because I couldn't breath, and here it is 4:30 am, I woke up around 3 and I can't sleep cause every time i lay down i fell like i can't breath.

A: Oh dear! I would say you are VERY allergic to dogs. Try to keep the little tyke very clean (without drying his skin out), and use a damp dusting cloth and vacuum frequently. While I normally don't advocate medicine, you might want to keep some OTC medicine on hand to control your symptoms until you can get to the doctor. Good luck!

Q: Are these symptoms of dog allergies?? Please help!!!?
I've had dogs for several years. I never had a problem with being allergic to them. Recently, I noticed after petting my dog (husky) my right eye got red. I had to wash it with water. Now I'm noticing the top of my hands have bumps and are it is itchy/burns. The bumps are slightly red, mostly my skin color. Are these symptoms of dog allergies? This is my first husky, had her for two years and I never experienced this before. I'd appreciate the help. Thanks

A: sounds very much like a dog allergy. keep your dogs out of your bedroom at all times. Go and see your doctor, and explain your symptoms. He may be able to tell you there, or he will sort out an allergy test for you. Allergies can come on any time in your life, no matter how long you have had your dog, but dont worry.

Q: How do I know if my Dog has allergies?
My dog has been snorting the last few days. Kinda like hyperventilating. He also sneezes the entire time we are going for his walks. He's never had this problem before. Is the snorting/breathing an allergy symptom? What other symptoms could be signs of allergies?

A: You should let the vet diagnose your pet. It does sound like allergies. Dogs can be allergic to things just like us.

Q: Canine skin allergy symptoms-how to help?
I have a dog with itching problem. I use canine advanitx on her and have also been giving her supplements for skin and coat. I understand that benadryl(diphenhydramine) helps provide relief. Drs Foster/Smith sells benadryl in 50 mg caps. That is plenty for a person, it seems like a lot for an animal. I am interested in hearing what other dog owners have had success with, in terms of treating canine skin allergy symptoms?

A: Switching to raw diet. I had my two-year old GSD allergy tested at six month intervals, went nuts trying to buy the best quality kibble with none of the forbidden ingredients, tried elimination diet, a few different medications, and holistic treatments. 18 months of all this for a baby two-year old dog. Well, switching to raw cleared it up within a week. I've heard this story repeated over and over from other people to the point where I no longer believe these skin problems are actually allergies but are in fact reactions to kibble, just as your face might break out in zits if you ate McDonalds for a week or two straight. Good luck in your search for a solution. I know first-hand what a frustrating process it can be.