Allergy Relief Center

Dog Allergies

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There are a lot of similarities between dog allergies and human allergies, including the symptoms. Dog allergies can be of five types, flea allergy dermatitis, food allergy, bacteria allergy, atopic dermatitis allergy, contacts allergy, and inhalant allergies.

Dog allergies may vary in indications and symptoms but the most common ones are constant itching and skin discoloration typical of skin allergies, coughing, sneezing, wheezing and mucus discharge associated with inhalant allergies and nausea, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea that suggest food allergies.

Food allergies: In food allergies most frequent symptom is scratching caused by skin irritation. The variety of ingredients present in dog foods may cause allergic reactions in dogs. Such ingredients may be meat like beef, pork, chicken, lamb, eggs or fish, milk and diary products, grains like wheat and whey and corn.

Flea allergies: It isn’t the flea itself that causes this type of allergy in dogs but its saliva. Flea allergies cause the common symptom of scratching the tail area resulting in hair loss, scabs and sores.

Bacterial allergies: Staph bacteria is usually present in a dog’s skin. While not all dogs are affected by this bacterium, some develop sensitivity to it resulting in an allergic reaction. The skin may develop crusts and patches of hair losses due to scratching as in cases of ringworm.

Atopy: Environmental factors like dust mites, house dust, molds, human dander, pollen or feathers are the primary allergens in this most common type of dog allergies. Indications comprise excessive, licking, chewing, and scratching the face, paws, abdomen, genital area, and armpits. Examine these areas to confirm the behavior. Excessive licking may result in reddish brown stains. In dogs that have dark coats it may be difficult to identify the symptoms.

Contact Allergies: The least common among dog allergies, this condition leads to swelling, redness, itching, and hair loss. Common allergens are flea collars, plastic food bowls, pet sweaters, plants, grass and wool bedding. In order to diagnose this allergy, observe if symptoms persist once all other allergies have been ruled out. Then the allergen needs to be identified and removed from the dog’s environment.

Finally, when you are convinced your dog is suffering from an allergy, visit your vet.