Should I Take My Dog to the Vet for Allergies?

The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests bringing your pet in for allergy treatments. Sometimes, the level of discomfort can be intolerable for your dog. Seeing your vet as soon as possible can ensure your pet’s health and safety. Here are the signs you must bring your canine friend to the vet for allergy symptoms. 

Head-shaking and Ear Scratching

These are signs that there is something wrong with your dog’s ears. This may affect breeds with floppy ears more than those with erect ones. Many dogs sometimes shake their heads or scratch their ears to remove some sediments or insects. But if you notice constant scratching or shaking, you must bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible. 

Shaking or scratching this much is a definite sign of an ear infection. Allergies are common triggers for ear infections in dogs with droopy ears. A bath may also cause an infection if the ears are not dried enough. You should not dismiss your dog’s ear infection. Bringing your dog in for immediate treatment can end the discomfort and pain. It can also prevent serious medical conditions or even permanent ear damage. 

Facial, Ear, or Eyelid Swelling

Significant swelling in your dog’s muzzle, eyes, or ears needs emergency vet care. Many factors contribute to inflammation. Your dog may be having a bad reaction to toxic plants, an insect bite, or any other environmental factor. The swelling may close up your dog’s airways if you dismiss it. Bring your dog to your vet right away. 

Eye Discharge

Any type of discharge coming from your dog’s eye is a reason to see your vet right away. Allergies can cause conjunctivitis, which can lead to yellow or green discharge oozing out of your dog’s eye or eyes. Bringing your dog in for emergency vet care can determine the true cause of the discharge. It can rule out tear duct issues or an eye injury. The visit can provide the solution to your dog’s allergies right away.

Diarrhea and Vomiting

These may be signs of an allergic reaction to certain foods. Persistent diarrhea and vomiting are enough reasons to take your dog to your vet. These signs can lead to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Your vet can alleviate your dog’s diarrhea and vomiting. This will allow your dog’s body to recover right away. 

Hair Loss

Alopecia or hair loss is another sign of allergies in dogs. Shedding is natural to them, but losing hair to the point of developing bald spots is something else. Losing this much hair is the result of constant licking or scratching of itchy spots on the skin. The allergic reaction can also result from the presence of mange. That is why you must bring your dog in for emergency vet care as soon as possible. 

Knowing when you should bring your dog to the vet for allergies can bring your pet comfort and good health. It can even save your dog’s life. At Santa Monica Pet Medical Center, we encourage our pet parents to bring in their pets for regular health checks or emergency treatments for their furry companion’s health and safety. 

Please visit our medical center in Santa Monica, California, for a one-on-one consultation. Call 310-393-8218 to set an appointment or ask questions about our canine allergy treatment packages.