Seasonal or year-round, allergies often affect many people. It’s not just us who suffer, however. Our furry friends can be just as affected by common outdoor allergies. So when spring and summer come along, it’s not just you and your kids you have to worry about, Fido may be enduring the allergy season too.
We wanted to find out more about how our furry friends are affected by allergies, so we went to www.sniksnak.com, where our friends from Pawprints & Purrs, Inc. had some helpful information. In short, this is what we learned:
What are allergies, and how do they affect dogs?
One of the most common conditions affecting dogs is allergy. In the allergic state, the dog’s immune system “overreacts” to foreign substance (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed. These overreactions are manifested in three ways. The most common is itching of the skin; either localized (one area) or generalized (all over the dog). Another manifestation involves the respiratory system and may result in coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be an associated nasal or ocular (eye) discharge. The third manifestation involves the digestive system, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.
Aren’t there several types of allergies?
There are five know types of allergies in the dog: contact, flea, food, bacterial, and inhalant. Each of these has some common expressions in dogs, and each has some unique features.
What is inhalant allergy?
The most common type of allergy is the inhalant type, also known as atopy. Dogs may be allergic to all the same inhaled allergens that affect humans. These include tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens (especially Bermuda), weed pollens (ragweed, etc.), molds, mildew, and the house dust mite. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens. However, others are with us all the time, such as molds, mildew and house dust mites.
What happens when a dog inhales something to which it is allergic?
When humans inhale allergens, we express the allergy as respiratory problems. These include coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. The dog’s reaction, however, usually produces severe generalized itching. He will chew, lick or scratch almost any area of the body, including the feet. Chewing and scratching produce hair loss and inflamed areas of the skin. Saliva will stain light colored hair, so dogs that lick excessively will have an orange or reddish brown hair. This is often seen on the feet. Although most people think that itching is related to fleas, the most common cause of itching in the dog is inhalant allergy.
The System Pavers Solution to Allergies
When it comes to allergies, wouldn’t you want to do anything to minimize the impact on you, your family and pets? SP Turf is the perfect solution to minimizing the common grass pollen allergies. Our synthetic grass looks and feels as good as the real thing without the worry of itching, runny noses and watery eyes. With the antimicrobial infill, SP Turf keeps clean and fresh 365 days a year, so it’s safe for families with pets and children. Not to mention, when our four-legged friends make a mess, it’s quick and easy to clean without the worry of damage or burn spots. SP Turf is the smart, eco-friendly solution to allergies and high monthly water bills. Save on vet bills, utilities and tissue use! Visit www.systempavers.com for more information.
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