Dog Emergency Prevention
Pet Allergies | Common Allergies and When Your Dog Needs Emergency Care
Welcome back to the blog! Today, we’re going to go over some common allergies our pets can have, signs and symptoms, and when it can become an emergency. Many factors can cause your dog to have an allergic reaction, but they tend to fall into three categories; fleas, food, and Atopy.
Tests can be performed to determine which specific allergens are causing your dog’s reaction, and a customized solution containing trace quantities of the allergens can be developed and delivered to your pet. Plus, having the information about what your pet is allergic to is great information for your vet!
That raises a question though, how do you tell when your dog needs to see an emergency vet for their allergic symptoms and reactions? And what allergies can pets have?
As we mentioned, most allergies in pets are a result of fleas, food or atopy. Atopy occurs when allergens that are inhaled or come into contact with skin cause an allergic reaction. A noticeable symptom is your pet constantly scratching the itchy spot.
Many types of allergens can cause atopy to develop in your pet, namely pollens, grasses, dander, molds and house dust. Your pet could develop multiple allergies at one time, and the condition will continue as long as they’re around the source of the allergen.
So When Does My Pet Need Emergency Care for Allergies?
Swelling of the Ears, Eyelids or Face
If your pet is beginning to develop swollen eyes, ears, or other parts of their face, you should take them to an emergency vet near you as soon as possible. There could be many reasons that cause these symptoms, but it’s most commonly seen in insect bites and stings, plants, and new medication. In any event, if these symptoms are present, get your dog to an emergency veterinarian right away. The swelling could impact your dog’s airways and lead to difficulty breathing, so time is of the essence.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are also typical signs of allergies, mostly as a result of a food allergy. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and you should contact an emergency vet quickly for treatment options.
Discharge From the Eyes
If your dog has any kind of eye discharge, it’s essential to get them veterinary care as soon as possible. Your pet may have conjunctivitis, a condition that can cause green or yellow discharge from your dog’s eye(s). If you notice this symptom, you need to take your dog to a vet right away. If your regular vet isn’t available, then you need to go to an emergency vet so that more harmful causes like eye injury and tear duct problems can be ruled out.
Consistent Scratching and Shaking of Ears and Infections
Your dog may spend an increased amount of time scratching or shaking their ears. Doing it every now and again is fine, but constantly going after their ears can be a sign of an ear infection.
It’s common for ear infections to be a result of allergies, especially for dog breeds with floppy ears. The infections can be very uncomfortable and painful for your dog, so getting them care to alleviate the pain quickly is important. Ear infections can also lead to other, serious conditions that can cause permanent effects like hearing loss. Getting them to an emergency vet and not letting the infection develop further is key to preventing damage.
Get in Touch!
Here at Veterinary Emergency Clinic, we’re always here when you need us most. Being part of a pet emergency can be upsetting, knowing that a team of experts is available near you here in WNY allows you to rest assured that your pet always has somewhere to go.
Stay up to date with our blog for more helpful pet health hints and more information! You can also follow along with our Facebook and Instagram pages to see more. We’re always available via our 24-hour emergency line. Calling our emergency line could save your pets lives! We also have a contact form if you have questions regarding your pet. We’re happy to help!
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