When your dog is outside during allergy season, he or she will most likely get some pollen in their system. Pollen stimulates the release of histamine from mast cells, which could get into blood vessels and cause severe dilation. When blood vessels dilate, blood flow heightens. The constant blood flow can result in swelling, congestion, and redness. Histamine can also get into the lungs resulting in constriction, which can lead to wheezing, sneezing, and other unfavorable problems.
If these allergy symptoms are left unmanaged, it can cause tissue swelling, which can obstruct the throat. With an obstructed throat, air and oxygen will not be able to properly enter the system. Because of this, your dog may have trouble breathing, which requires an immediate trip to the vet.
Other dangerous complications of allergies are bacterial infection and shock. Histamine can cause severe pruritus and itchiness. When your dog keeps scratching, their claws can rip through their own skin. The open wound would make him or her susceptible to bacterial infection.
Bacteria can get through the wound and into the bloodstream, causing shock. With a shock, your dog may experience low blood pressure, severe fever, shakes, and chills. If left unmanaged, these complications can be very life-threatening for your four-legged companion.
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