A respiratory allergy in dogs
Respiratory allergies are not common in dogs. In many cases, an allergic reaction manifests as skin problems. However, when a respiratory allergy is involved, it often affects the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, throat and windpipe). You can compare a respiratory allergy in dogs to hay fever in humans. A dog may be allergic to, for example, pollen or grass seeds; in this case, the allergy is seasonal. However, a dog may also be allergic to, for example, house dust mites; in this case, the allergy is not seasonal.
If your dog coughs occasionally or has nasal discharge, there is usually nothing to worry about. This can happen from time to time. However, if it becomes a recurring or persistent problem, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian. Together with your veterinarian, you can determine whether your dog has a respiratory allergy and identify or rule out any other health problems.
Symptoms of a respiratory allergy in dogs
Inhaling dust particles and pathogens can irritate a dog's airways. If your dog is otherwise not ill but suffers from sneezing, panting, watery eyes or watery discharge from both nostrils, they may have a respiratory allergy. Try to find out what is causing the allergy and avoid it as much as possible.
Is your dog prone to ear infections and also suffering from skin problems such as itching on the head, paws, armpits or groin, hair loss and skin rashes? These symptoms may also indicate a food allergy or intolerance. In such cases, it is best to consult your veterinarian to rule out certain conditions.
Treatment of a respiratory allergy in dogs
If you are unable to determine the cause of the allergy, visit your veterinarian. They can perform an allergy test to try to determine what is causing the dog's respiratory allergy. The veterinarian may then prescribe immunotherapy, also known as hyposensitisation. This often makes dogs less sensitive to the substances that cause their symptoms. However, this therapy will never completely cure the allergy. Therefore, always make sure your dog is resilient by supporting the immune system with vitamins and minerals, for example. In addition, try to keep the causes of your dog's allergies away and use suitable natural products to support your dog's airways.
