As the name suggests, ragweed is a type of weed. During the summer, the plant releases pollen, which can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. While there is no way of predicting whether your dog will experience allergy symptoms, certain breeds such as Scottish terriers and Schnauzers are more susceptible to developing them than others. The reaction is similar to the hay fever that humans experience and, like humans, the condition is treatable in dogs.
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Identification
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A ragweed allergy might be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms are very similar to those caused by other allergens, says vet Jeff Feinman, VMD. While humans usually experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and other respiratory problems, allergic reactions manifest as itching in dogs. A dog experiencing the symptoms of an allergic reaction might scratch, lick or chew different parts of its body. It also might have orange or red-colored fur from saliva stains, especially on his paws.
Significance
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While a ragweed allergy in itself isn't harmful to your dog, its effects can be very uncomfortable and produce secondary symptoms, including skin infections and painful wounds. If your dog is itching constantly, she may lose hair and suffer skin damage. Besides the potential health problems an allergic reaction to ragweed might cause, it also will leave your dog in discomfort and pain.
Causes
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Aztec Animal Clinic explains that allergic reactions are caused by the same things in people and dogs. They occur when the immune system over-reacts to a foreign body. In response, it produces a substance called histamine, which causes the itching reaction in dogs. Ragweed allergies occur during the summer, as it is the pollen that is the allergen. A reaction happens when the dog inhales pollen particles.
Prevention/Solution
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It is difficult to prevent a ragweed allergy when there is pollen in the air. Your vet might prescribe anti-inflammatories or anti-itching shampoo. Sometimes, they may even try a method called hyposensitization, where the dog will be injected with small doses of the allergen each week. Aztec Animal Clinic explains that this is designed to train the dog's immune system to accept the allergen without reacting. It might also help your dog to keep him indoors and trim long hair during the summer months.
Considerations
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Jeff Feinman, VDM, remarks that as dogs age, they become allergic to more substances. Therefore, if your dog currently has a seasonal allergy, there is a high probability that it might develop further allergies in the future. A dog that has one inhalant allergy (a reaction caused by an allergen that is inhaled), it is more likely to react to other inhalants too, such as different types of pollen.
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