Allergies in Dogs

Dogs can have a variety of allergies, each causing different problems for the dog. Treatment of allergies in dogs will depend on the cause of the allergic reaction. Once the culprit of the allergy is known, then proper treatment can begin.

The most common type of allergy in dogs is an inhalant allergy. This type of allergy is caused when the dog inhales an allergen, which in turn causes an allergic reaction. Causes of inhalant allergies may be from outside factors such as grass or tree pollens. These canine allergies may also be triggered from allergens that the dog is exposed to on a daily basis - such as dust mites, mold or mildew.

Dogs can have seasonal allergies like humans, except that they experience severe itching all over their body as a primary symptom. Treatment for inhalant dog allergies may include a prescription for an anti-inflammatory which helps reduce the allergic reaction to the allergen. Steroids and anti-histamines may also be prescribed to help control the allergy and treat the symptoms. Other treatments for these types of allergies in dogs may include hypoallergenic shampoos and even special vaccinations.

A dog skin allergy - typically caused by a reaction to fleas - is another type of canine allergy. Flea-based dog skin allergies occur when your pet is allergic to the saliva of fleas. It can take only a single flea bite to cause your canine to have a severe reaction, which includes intense scratching and chewing. The persistent chewing and scratching can eventually cause open wounds, which can in turn lead to skin infections. Treatment for flea related dog allergies include continual use of flea control on the dog. It's also highly recommended to treat the dog’s environment for fleas as well. Antibiotics may need to be given if your pet has a skin infection from the scratching.

Another type of dog allergy often found in canines is a dog food allergy. Food allergies in dogs are usually caused by a reaction to the protein (pork, chicken, beef, or turkey) that is found in the pet’s food source. Dog food allergies may cause hair loss, itching, chronic ear infections, and digestive issues. Testing for food allergies in dogs is done by placing the canine on a hypoallergenic diet for at least eight weeks. After this period of time, your pet will be evaluated to see if there are improvements in the dog’s conditions.

Although caring for a dog that's suffering from canine allergies can seem daunting, being informed about the possible allergens that may affect your pet is an excellent step toward providing quality care for your pooch. Consult with your vetrinarian if you notice dog food allergies, dog skin allergies, or any other type of allergies in dogs.