Canadian dog owners don't know the signs of seasonal allergies in their dogs

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GUELPH, ON, April 24, 2014 /CNW/ - With spring, we welcome new flowers, bulbs, and leaves. Unfortunately, for allergy sufferers, pollen, grasses, and weeds also come with it. While the symptoms of seasonal allergies are well-documented in humans, could you identify them in our four legged companions? If you're like the majority of Canadian dog owners, the answer is no.

A new poll conducted by Ipsos Reid found the majority of Canadian dog owners don't know the signs of seasonal allergies in their own dogs.

In fact, half of the poll's respondents (50 per cent) incorrectly believe that the signs of seasonal allergies are the same in both dogs and humans. A further 27 per cent could not identify any signs at all.

"In truth, the symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs and humans can be different," says Dr. Alison Turcotte, a veterinarian with Royal Canin Canada. Signs of seasonal allergies in dogs can include excessive scratching or chewing at their paws, red or irritated skin and ear infections.

Dr. Turcotte adds that if a dog is showing any of these signs, pet owners should seek the advice of their veterinarian. Treatment options can include topical therapies, oral medications, soothing shampoos, immunotherapy, and veterinary diets.

The Ipsos Reid poll also revealed that there is still education needed when it comes to using diet to treat seasonal allergies — to reduce reliance on medication such as steroids. Of those dog owners polled, 45 per cent don't know that a dog's diet can have an impact on seasonal allergies.

"Research has shown that certain diets, formulated specifically for environmental allergies, play a key role in increasing the skin's ceramide production and helping form a protective barrier against allergies," says Dr. Turcotte.

In dogs, allergens are mostly absorbed through the skin – even more so if the skin is dry or unhealthy – so a healthy skin barrier plays a vital role in protecting dogs from seasonal allergies.

More information about seasonal allergies in dogs can be found at www.royalcanin.ca/itchypetseeyourvet or on Twitter by following #itchypetseeyourvet.

Conducted online in March 2014 by Ipsos Reid, on behalf of Royal Canin, the poll sought the opinions of 608 Canadian dog owners. It is considered accurate within +/- 4.5 percentage points.

Royal Canin is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of the most nutritionally precise, high quality cat and dog foods in the veterinary, pet specialty and breeder channels. Its headquarters are in France and production operations exist in 12 countries around the world, including the Canadian plant based in Guelph, Ontario. Royal Canin offers a comprehensive veterinary exclusive line of therapeutic and life stage formulas.

http://www.royalcanin.ca/index.php/About-Us

SOURCE: Royal Canin

Media Contact: Jessica Danelon, BSc, MSc, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Royal Canin Canada, Phone: [phone], [email protected]