Like all dogs, Pugs can be allergic to things around your home, food, skin problems, and other things. Pugs are more susceptible to allergies than other breeds, and it’s not uncommon to ask yourself what are Pugs allergic to? We’ll break down the most common dog allergies your pup can face.
What Are Pugs Allergic To?
Due to their brachycephalic nature, Pugs are prone to allergies. Every dog is unique, and some will be more allergic than others. However, here are the most common dog allergies your dog can face.
- Home Allergens
- Environmental Allergies
- Seasonal Allergies
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis
- Dog Food Allergies
- Human Food Allergies
- Shampoo (medicated) Allergies
- Prescription Drugs
No pet parent wants their dog to suffer from allergies or any other type of skin problems. Unfortunately, several dogs and cats suffer from allergies each year. That’s why you need to know what to look for and what can make them allergic.
Here’s what to do if you’re allergic to your Pug. Unfortunately, around 33% of people are allergic to cats and dogs in the United States. Some dogs are even allergic to cats that live in the same home.
Home Allergens
We use everyday products in our homes for cooking, cleaning, etc. Some of these products can contain harsh chemicals or ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction to your pets. Some known allergens in everyday household products are; ammonia, bleach, phthalates, formaldehyde, glycol ethers, and Dioxane.
If you’ve noticed your dog itching excessively after you clean the house, it may be time to switch up your products to safe pet products or make your own cleaning products. If you’re not sure if the products you’re using are toxic to your pup, check out the Environmental Working Group’s Guide To Healthy Cleaning to look up the products.
Some of the most common substances dogs are allergic to that can be in your home right now are:
- Plastic
- Cigarette smoke
- Perfumes
- Fabrics
- Dust
- Mites
- Air Fresheners
- Candles
- Essential Oils (check out these essential oils for Pugs)
- Dog Bed Stuffing
- Indoor/outdoor plants
Unfortunately, there are so many products that can trigger allergies in your canine friend. If your dog is suffering from allergies and you can’t pinpoint the problem, contact the veterinarian.
They will run preliminary tests to find out what’s triggering the allergic reactions.
Seasonal Allergies
Atopy are also known as seasonal allergies, are pet allergies that are triggered by substances in your backyard, home, or anywhere your dog spends time outside.
Allergic reactions are triggered when your pup comes into contact with grass, pollen, weeds, flowers, etc. You may notice your dog licking their paws excessively after you’ve mowed the lawn.
Most people, dogs, and cats are allergic to Bermuda grass. Grass allergens are triggered when the grass pollen scatters in the wind, making it much more likely to breathe it in and develop symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Like us, Pugs can get a runny nose, especially if they come into contact with something that triggers allergies.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common causes in most Pugs that suffer from allergies. When fleas feed, they inject small amounts of saliva (flea spit) into the skin.
A flea’s saliva contains antigens or proteins that cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. If ignored, it can cause skin infections.
Common signs your Pug is plagued with flea allergies are; hair loss, skin damage from excessive licking and itching, chewing and biting at their hind legs or tail, open oozing sores. Here are some of the best flea prevention for Pugs.
Most Pugs will spend most of their time indoors. However, like all other breeds, Pugs can still get fleas, especially when they spend time outside sunning on warm sunny days.
Dog Food Allergies
Food allergies are one of the leading causes of allergies in Pugs. The most common food allergens in dogs are triggered when your dog negatively reacts to a particular ingredient (or ingredients) in their commercial dog food.
Food allergy symptoms can range from skin conditions to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. True food allergies will trigger an immune response that can cause a swollen muzzle, hives, and itchiness.
Some dogs will have severe reactions resulting in anaphylaxis can occur in some rare cases, which can cause them to have difficulty breathing and may be cyanotic. Be sure to check out some of the best dog foods for Pugs with skin allergies.
If you’re not sure what type of food to feed your Pug, consult with your veterinarian. They will recommend a high-quality dog food.
Human Food Allergies
Several foods are a big no-no for your Pug. Just like people, cats and dogs can be allergic to a wide range of human foods. Pugs of any age or sex can have allergies to certain foods.
Pugs will eat pretty much anything you feed them. However, certain foods such as grapes, raisins, caffeine, chocolate, xylitol, onions, garlic, etc. can be fatal for your dog. As a pet owner, it’s important to know what Pugs can and cannot eat.
Symptoms to watch for are watery eyes, coughing, facial swelling, hives, ear inflammation, itching, excessive licking, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, other gastrointestinal issues, and restlessness.
Shampoo Allergies
Shampoos for dogs contain many ingredients that can cause dander, skin irritations, and even allergic reactions. Several medicated shampoos contain ingredients that will trigger a histamine release from the immune system that will cause allergic reactions such as skin irritations.
The adverse reactions occur almost immediately after exposure and will become worse with repeated applications. Shampoo allergies are triggered by the shampoo’s protein ingredient that causes an adverse reaction to the immune system’s cells.
Symptoms to watch for are; hives, head shaking, face rubbing, blister-like lesions, swelling (especially around the face), skin rashes, and obsessive licking. If your dog shows any of these signs, stop using the shampoo immediately.
Contact the veterinarian or animal emergency clinic, as the contact allergies can progress to anaphylactic shock.
Prescription Allergies
Even a medication prescribed by your dog’s veterinarian can trigger an allergic reaction.
For example, if your dog gets infected by roundworms, threadworms, or other parasites that can infect dogs, veterinarians will prescribe an antiparasitic.
Your dog may not start showing any adverse effects until a couple of days later, especially if given the wrong dosage. Anaphylaxis or severe symptoms such as; low blood pressure, trouble breathing, or anaphylactic shock.
Other less severe symptoms will vary from diarrhea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hives, swelling, lethargy, and respiratory changes.
Drug allergies are not as common as some of the other types on this list. Still, they shouldn’t be ruled out, especially if your dog has suddenly started showing signs of allergies while on veterinarian prescribed medication.
If your Pug is showing adverse negative reactions, contact your pet immediately. They will want you to bring your pet back in to find out what’s causing the problem. They will likely prescribe a different medication similar to the current but doesn’t have the ingredient responsible for the adverse reaction.
Conclusion
Pugs are prone to allergies. Like humans, dogs can be allergic to many things. If you have two Pugs, one may be allergic to everything, while the other shows no allergic reactions to anything.
While most allergies are not fatal, they can be uncomfortable for your pet. No one wants to see their dog suffering from allergies, and while most will go away on their own, you’ll likely have to take some steps to help your pup get some relief.
Many people will use natural remedies to treat their dog’s allergic reactions.
However, if you can’t get your dog to stop itching, licking, or they start developing ear infections, or skin irritations, it’s time to contact the veterinarian.
Sources
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/allergies-in-dogs