Dog clearing throat

Question
QUESTION: I have a one year old female beagle. We got her about 6 months ago. About 2 weeks after we brought her home she started the following: licking everything, rubbing her face and back along the carpet, and scratching. She soon developed the habit of chewing. She still continues it all today. But she also clears her throat alot. It sounds like she hacks up a hair ball. She is due to go to the vet next Friday, and I plan to have her checked. But I was wondering if the clearing of the throat/hacking could be allergies?
ANSWER: Hi Tara,
Congrat's on your new beagle. I'm kind of partial to them :)

It sounds as if your little girl is having some allergy issues for sure, but the "clearing the throat" thing is most likely a reverse sneeze. It is quite common in beagles and can be quite worrisome for us. It sounds awful, but really doesn't hurt or harm your dog. An episode can be brought on by stress, excitement, or allergies (among other things) and will usually last less than a minute, but it seems like an eternity.
You should really mention these things to the vet so they can get this on her record and it may be a good idea if you can, to get some video of her "clearing her throat". This way, the vet can get an accurate picture (literally) of what you are trying to describe.

The allergies can be from food or caused by an environmental source. Inhaled allergies in dogs is a lot more common that a true food allergy, so I would start there. Many people use products in there home, such as carpet powders, air fresheners, and even their laundry detergent can cause some sensitivities in dogs, as well as, pollens. Pollens allergies seem to be evident only during the "season" and symptoms tend to wain during winter. Food allergies (or sensitivities) and household allergies will continue year round.

If you suspect your dog may be having seasonal allergies, try giving her a bath once a week. This will help to remove the pollutants from her fur and skin. If you think is food, you may want to try her on a food that is recommended for dogs with food allergies/sensitivities. There are many very good foods that have done wonders for many dogs and I would be happy to make some recommendations if you would like.

Please make notes on all the things you have noticed with your pup, so when you take her to the vet, you can get all your questions answered. Some times during a visit, we get so caught up in all the stuff going on, we forget to ask the important questions.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you this helps so much. I would love it if you could recommend some food types. I definately plan to talk to my vet, and thank you for the recommendation of taking video. I will definately do that.

Answer
My food recommendations would be (not in any particular order)

Natural Balance - several varieties (Fish and sweet potato, duck and sweet potato, venison and brown rice)

Eagle Pack Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine, and Salmon
Eagle Pack Holistic Select Duck and Oatmeal

California Natural Lamb and Rice (don't try this one if your dog is or has been on a lamb diet as it probably won't work)

Wellness Simple Solutions (any of their formula's)

Pinnacle Trout and Sweet potato

These are just a few suggestions and each food has their own website and most companies will send you samples or tell you where you can go to get them (and their food).

Good luck and let me know how it goes at the vet :)