Dogs can indeed cough from seasonal allergies, but it's not just allergies that can cause this symptom.
Seasonal allergies can trigger coughing in dogs, especially if they have a pre-existing respiratory condition.
Dogs can develop allergies to pollen, dust, and mold, which can lead to coughing and other respiratory issues.
Some common allergens that can cause coughing in dogs include grass, weeds, and trees.
A dog's cough can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, such as kennel cough or chronic bronchitis.
Kennel cough, for example, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause a persistent cough in dogs.
Respiratory issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and pre-existing medical conditions.
In some cases, a dog's cough can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, such as heart disease or pneumonia.
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Causes of Dog Allergies
Dogs secrete proteins that end up in their dander, saliva, and urine. An allergic reaction occurs when a sensitive person's immune system reacts abnormally to the usually harmless proteins.
Different breeds produce different dander, so it's possible to be more allergic to some dogs than others. This is because the allergen eventually finds its way into the animal's fur, collecting in carpets, on clothing, on walls, and between couch cushions.
Pet dander can remain airborne for long periods of time. It can eventually find its way into your eyes or lungs.
The proteins in a dog's dander, saliva, and urine are the main culprits behind dog allergies. Understanding this can help you take steps to minimize your exposure to these allergens.
Symptoms and Treatment
If your dog has a respiratory allergy, you might notice symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. These symptoms can be accompanied by eye discharge, wheezing, and panting. Your dog may also appear more tired than usual.
In addition to respiratory problems, your dog may exhibit other signs of an allergic response, such as itchy or inflamed skin, ears, and paws, which can be evidenced by excessive licking and scratching.
Treatment for respiratory allergies in dogs usually involves prescribing an antihistamine, and in some cases, corticosteroids to boost the dog's immunity and provide quicker relief.
Related reading: Respiratory Allergies in Dogs
Dog Allergy Symptoms
Dog allergy symptoms can be sneaky, but there are some common signs to look out for. Your dog may exhibit a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, which can be accompanied by eye discharge, wheezing, and panting.
It's essential to pay attention to your dog's behavior, as they may appear more tired than usual. In addition to respiratory problems, your dog may be showing other signs of an allergic response, such as itchy or inflamed skin, ears, and paws, which can lead to excessive licking and scratching.
Some dogs may exhibit a respiratory response to allergens, like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing, although this is relatively uncommon. Your dog's respiratory system is divided into two parts, and allergies typically affect only the upper respiratory system.
If you suspect your dog has a respiratory allergy, look for symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing. Some dogs may be more sensitive to allergens than others, and those with a weakened immune system may react more severely.
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Here are some common dog allergy symptoms to watch out for:
- Scratching and biting their coat or skin
- Red, inflamed, or infected skin
- Excessive shedding
- Compulsive paw licking in dogs
- Boot scoots or licking their anal glands
- Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears
- Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing
Keep in mind that some dogs may not exhibit respiratory symptoms at all, and their allergies may manifest as skin inflammation, particularly around paws and the belly.
Dog Allergies Treatment
If your dog has allergies, your vet will likely prescribe an antihistamine to help control symptoms. In some cases, corticosteroids may be administered to boost their immunity.
Symptoms can be managed, but a cure is usually not possible. Your vet can discuss the possibility of an immunotherapy program, also known as allergy "shots", for your pet.
To minimize your exposure to allergens, you can try to reduce the amount of dander and allergens in your home. Regular grooming and bathing can help, but be sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:
- Scratching and biting their coat or skin
- Red, inflamed, or infected skin
- Excessive shedding
- Compulsive paw licking in dogs
- Boot scoots or licking their anal glands
- Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears
- Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing
If you're experiencing respiratory issues or other severe symptoms, it's essential to consult with your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal allergy symptoms in dogs can be a real concern, especially during peak pollen seasons. Your dog's respiratory system is divided into two parts: the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, sinuses, throat, and trachea, and the lower respiratory tract, which involves the lungs and airways.
Respiratory allergies in dogs generally affect only the upper respiratory system, causing symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. You may also see eye discharge, wheezing, and panting in your dog. In addition to these respiratory problems, your dog may be showing other signs of an allergic response, such as itchy or inflamed skin, ears, and paws.
If your dog is experiencing respiratory symptoms, it's essential to look for these signs and consult with your vet. Some common symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, eye discharge, wheezing, and panting. Your dog may also appear more tired than usual.
Here are some specific symptoms to watch out for:
- Scratching and biting their coat or skin
- Red, inflamed, or infected skin
- Excessive shedding
- Compulsive paw licking in dogs
- Boot scoots or licking their anal glands
- Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears
- Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing
If you suspect your dog has a respiratory allergy, consult with your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Respiratory Issues in Dogs
Respiratory issues in dogs can be a real concern, especially during allergy season. Most dogs exhibit skin inflammation due to allergies, but some can experience upper respiratory symptoms like a runny nose or sneezing.
The upper respiratory tract in dogs includes the nose, sinuses, throat, and trachea, but respiratory allergies generally don't affect the lower respiratory system, which involves the lungs and airways.
Dogs with respiratory allergies may show symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing, eye discharge, wheezing, and panting. They may also appear more tired than usual.
Respiratory allergies can be more common in dogs with weakened immune systems or those who are more sensitive to allergens. Make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, particularly the Bordetella and all strains of the Dog Flu.
Here are some common symptoms of respiratory allergies in dogs:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Eye discharge
- Wheezing
- Panting
In some cases, respiratory allergies can be treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids to boost your dog's immunity and provide quicker relief. However, a "cure" is usually not possible, and your vet may recommend an immunotherapy program (allergy "shots") for your pet.
Treating Respiratory Allergies in Dogs
If your dog has a respiratory allergy, you'll likely notice symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Your vet will prescribe an antihistamine to help alleviate these symptoms.
In some cases, corticosteroids may be administered to boost your dog's immunity and provide quicker relief. This is especially true if your dog is experiencing severe respiratory problems.
Symptoms can be controlled, but a "cure" is usually not possible. However, with the right treatment and care, your dog can learn to manage their allergy symptoms.
Here's a summary of common treatments for respiratory allergies in dogs:
It's essential to work closely with your vet to determine the best course of treatment for your dog's specific allergy symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an allergy cough sound like?
An allergy cough is typically dry and non-productive, often described as having a "barking" or "hacking" sound. If you're experiencing this type of cough, it may be related to an allergic reaction to common allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
How do you rule out kennel cough?
To rule out kennel cough, our veterinarians may perform diagnostic tests if the dog shows signs of depression, fever, nasal discharge, or abnormal lung sounds. A characteristic cough, however, can often be easily diagnosed through a simple examination.
Sources
- Treatment, Symptoms & Tips for Respiratory Allergies in Pets (holidaybarn.com)
- Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment (akc.org)
- Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment (petmd.com)
- Signs your pet has seasonal allergies — and what you can ... (animalhumanesociety.org)
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (aafa.org)
- Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (nih.gov)
- http://acaai.org/allergies/types/pet-allergy (acaai.org)
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/basics/treatment/con-20028932 (mayoclinic.org)
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.04032.x (doi.org)
- http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/treatments/allergy-shots-(immunotherapy).aspx (aaaai.org)
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