If you have a dog, it’s important to be aware of dog allergies that can affect their eyes. Symptoms include excessive tearing, redness, and inflammation. There are several causes, and treatment options vary depending on the cause. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for dog allergies that affect their eyes.
Dog eye allergies can be caused by a variety of things, including environmental allergies, food allergies, and contact allergies. Treatment for allergies can vary depending on the severity of the allergies and the cause of the allergies.
What are dog allergies
Dog allergies are caused by a reaction of the dog’s immune system to a foreign substance, such as pollen, dander, or food.
Allergies can affect any part of the dog’s body but the most common symptom is itchiness. It can also affect the dog’s respiratory system, causing difficulty breathing, and the digestive system, causing vomiting or diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening reaction.
Symptoms of dog allergies affecting the eyes
The most common symptom is excessive tearing. This is caused by the dog’s body trying to flush out the allergen. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms in your dog, including:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Red, swollen eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Crusting around the eyes
- Squinting
Itchy, watery eyes
Itching is the most common symptom, and it can affect any part of the dog‘s body. The dog may scratch their skin raw, which can lead to secondary infections.
And it can be very uncomfortable for your furry friend. If their eyes are constantly itching and watering, they may try to relieve the irritation by rubbing them against furniture or the ground – which can further aggravate the problem.
Red, swollen eyes
Allergies can cause the blood vessels in your dog’s eyes to become dilated and inflamed, resulting in red, swollen eyes. This can be accompanied by itchiness, watery discharge, and excessive tearing.
Crusting around the eyes
If your dog’s eyes are crusty or have a thick discharge, it could be a sign of allergies. This crusting can be caused by excessive tearing and rubbing, which can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes.
Squinting
If your dog is squinting or holding their eyes closed more than usual, it could be a sign that they’re experiencing allergies. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as itchiness, redness, and swelling.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to have them seen by a veterinarian. Allergies can be a serious problem for dogs, and they can often be managed with medication
Causes
There are several causes of dog allergies that can affect their eyes. The most common cause is environmental allergies, such as pollen or dust. Other causes can include food allergies, medication allergies, and contact allergies (such as to a shampoo or cleaning product).
- Pollen from the trees, plants, grasses and weeds
- Mold – kind of fungus from the wall
- Mildew (White, Brown, Grey colored fungus from moist area)
- Cigarette smoke and other chemical smokes
- Fleas
- Dust and dust mites
- Colognes and perfumes
- Dander
- Animal hair
- Bird feathers
- Food allergens from Dog foods
- Medications
- Shampoos
- Household cleaning products
- Colognes and perfumes
- Certain fabrics and clothes
Reference https://topdogtips.com/dog-eye-allergies/
Treatment options
The treatment for dog allergies depends on the cause of the allergy. For environmental allergies, the most common treatment is immunotherapy, which involves giving the dog shots of the allergen over time to help them build up immunity. For food allergies, the treatment is usually a special diet that eliminates the allergen. And for contact allergies, the treatment is avoiding exposure to the allergen.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Your veterinarian may prescribe diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that helps to relieve the symptoms of allergies, such as itchiness and inflammation. It comes in both oral and topical forms, and your veterinarian will help you decide which is best for your dog.
Natural Saline Eye Drops
Another one treatment option is using natural saline eye drops. Saline eye drops help to flush out the allergen and relieve the symptoms of redness, swelling, and inflammation. They are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies, and it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before using them to make sure they are safe for your dog.
Topical steroids
If the dog’s symptoms are severe, your veterinarian may prescribe a topical steroid to help reduce the inflammation.
Allergy drops
There are a number of over-the-counter allergy drops that can help to relieve the symptoms.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can help to relieve the itchiness and inflammation.
How to prevent dog allergies from affecting their eyes
There is no sure way to prevent dog allergies, but there are some things you can do to reduce your dog’s exposure to allergens. If your dog has environmental allergies, try to keep them indoors on days when pollen levels are high. For food allergies, be careful about what you feed them and always read labels carefully. And for contact allergies, avoid using products that contain the allergen.
In short follow these tips,
- Keeping them indoors on days when pollen levels are high.
- Feeding them a special diet that eliminates the allergen.
- Avoiding products that contain the allergen.
- Giving them allergy shots to help build up their immunity.
Conclusion
Dog allergies affecting their eyes can be frustrating and uncomfortable for both you and your dog. But with some careful avoidance of allergens and treatment options, you can help to keep your dog’s symptoms under control.
After treatment, you should see your vet for proper followup. As a result, your veterinarian will be able to evaluate how well the medications are working.
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