Symptoms That Your Puppy Has Allergies

Owning a puppy can be a joyous experience, but once it starts exhibiting allergy symptoms, any pet owner can become worried. A visit to the vet is always recommended, but allergies can be spotted by a pet owner who knows its puppy well. Knowing what you̵7;re dealing with ahead of time will provide needed information for your vet.

  1. Food Allergies

    • Puppies allergic to food may experience diarrhea and vomiting, according to Jan Grey and Gail Smith in ̶0;Puppy Parenting.̶1; A puppy may also scratch any part of its body. It may also exhibit classic signs of an allergy such as rubbing the face and licking a paw. If your puppy shows signs of these symptoms outside of allergy season, it may have a food allergy, according to veterinarian Betsy Brevitz in her book, ̶0;The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook.̶1; Your vet will usually place your dog on a special diet to determine what food or ingredient is the culprit. Only about 1 to 5 percent of dogs have food allergies, according to Brevitz.

    Inhalant Allergies

    • If your puppy is scratching its face on the floor or licking its paws excessively, it may be suffering from an inhalant allergy--an allergy caused by something it breathes in. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to dust, ragweed, pollen and grass. Puppies will not develop any allergies until they are at least six months old, according to Diane Delmar in ̶0;The Puppy Owner̵7;s Book. This type of allergy will usually begin during allergy season, but may develop into a year-round condition. Your vet will usually prescribe an antihistamine, but allergy shots are also available. Topical products do not work. About 15 percent of dogs suffer from inhalant allergies, according to Brevitz.

    Skin Allergies

    • If your puppy is scratching, biting his paws, or suffering from hair loss, blisters or abscesses, it may be suffering from skin allergies. These symptoms won̵7;t appear until your puppy nears its first birthday. According to ̶0;Puppy Parenting,̶1; your vet may prescribe cortisone or antibiotics and suggest that you remove the irritant from your home.

    Flea-Bite Allergies

    • Some dogs become tolerant of fleas if they are around them all the time. However, dogs that only occasionally get bitten may develop an allergic reaction, according to Delmar. The puppy will usually scratch its lower back, tail or stomach. Your vet will usually prescribe twice-weekly medicated baths, antibiotics or cortisone tablets until the itching stops.