A puppy allergy can be one of the most dangerous health risks that your young dog faces in his early months. While most canine allergies are mild and will result in minor disturbance to your pet's overall health and happiness, there are other severe allergies that might require immediate medical attention, or which could otherwise put your pet at risk of losing his life. Know both the symptoms of common allergies and those of more severe allergic reactions so that you're best prepared to deal with them in your puppy if they come up.
Irritated and Itchy Skin
Contact allergies are among the most common types of allergies for puppies. These can occur as a result of virtually any compound or object in your puppy's environment, although dust, pollen and certain chemical solutions are the most common causes of these reactions. The major symptom of a contact allergy is some sort of irritation on your pet's skin. Look for irritated patches of skin on your puppy's nose, paws and face, where he may have come into contact with an offending allergen outside. There can also be open sores, lesions or red, swollen patches and more. Your pet may rub at, lick, bite or paw at his irritated skin, so you may need to watch his behavior for signs of an allergy, too.
Hair Problems
Allergies can also result in problems with your pet's coat. He may shed additional fur or experience a general loss of the lustre and color of his coat. These can be due to contact allergies as well.
Coughing and Wheezing
More series allergies can result in coughing, wheezing and other respiratory issues. These are often due to more severe allergic reactions and should be dealt with as quickly as possible. If your puppy seems to have a difficult time breathing, chewing, swallowing or moving around, it may be a sign of either a serious allergy or, in some cases, another problem. Any blocked air passageways will have to be dealt with as soon as possible by a veterinary professional.
Yeast Problems
Some allergies in puppies can result in yeast infections of various moist areas in your pet's body. These can include the ears, nose and genitals. Look for thick white discharge from any of these parts of your puppy's body. These are typically signs of atopic allergies, which are those that are due to offending allergens that exist as particles in the air around your pet.
Excessive Scratching
If your pet displays certain compulsive behaviors, like scratching incessantly, you may be seeing a puppy with some sort of an allergy problem.
There are several other symptoms that can be signs of allergies in your young dog. If you notice anything unusual, it's best to take your puppy in to the vet right away. Even conditions that would otherwise be minor for older pets can be serious health concerns for puppies.