Sheltie Dermatomyositis & Coughing, Sneezing

My 6 1/2 yr old Sheltie was diagnosed with dermatomyositis when he was about 6 months old. He exhibits hair loss on his face, I give him a natural supplement antioxidant tablet daily & it controls the hair loss very well.

Recently, he has started sneezing every time I take him outside & also "coughs" sometimes..the cough is non-productive & sounds like he has something stuck in his throat.

Are these things related? Has he developed an allergy to pollen that will go away?
Suggestions??

Editor Suggestions for

It's possible that your Sheltie's sneezing and coughing are related to an allergy, but it's also possible that they are unrelated to his dermatomyositis. To determine the cause of his symptoms, you should consider taking him to a veterinarian for a physical examination and evaluation.

The veterinarian may recommend allergy testing or other diagnostic tests to identify the cause of your Sheltie's symptoms. They may also prescribe medication to alleviate his symptoms if they are due to an allergy or another condition.

In the meantime, you can try to minimize your Sheltie's exposure to potential allergens by keeping him inside during peak pollen times, wiping his paws and face after being outside, and using an air purifier in your home.

It's also important to continue giving your Sheltie his antioxidant supplement to help manage his dermatomyositis. Keep in mind that supplements should always be given under the guidance of a veterinarian, as some supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects.

Best to you and your dog.

Jeff
Editor
Dog Health Guide