Dog Skin Allergies

Dog skin allergies are a serious issue that can lead to a very unhappy pet, not to mention further medical and behavioral problems down the road. A lot of people seem to think that allergies are something that occur only in humans, but contrary to that belief, our pets - and particularly our dogs - can be allergic to everything from ingredients and food additives, to seasonal allergens. Thankfully there are a number of symptoms that you can look out for when determining whether or not your pet suffers from dog skin allergies. And your veterinarian will have a number of methods and suggestions for dog allergies treatment.  Read on to learn more about the signs to look for and how to treat canine allergies effectively.

The first thing you'll notice when your pet is suffering from dog skin allergies is that they will be scratching at their skin much more frequently and for longer durations of time. Although all pets will groom and scratch themselves periodically throughout the day, it will be apparent when the scratching is due to itchy skin and other irritations. Another sign is that your dog may be chewing at various body parts - particularly its feet and paws. If you notice this kind of behavior, the next step is to check your dog's skin for further evidence of allergies and inflammation. Here are some things to look for:

• Sores and cuts caused by biting and scratching

• Flaky and or peeling patches of skin that looks similar to dandruff

• Inflammation and redness on the skin that appears to be like sunburn

• Patches of hair loss or missing fur

If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be indeed dealing with a case of dog skin allergies. The next step will be to determine the cause of the canine allergies symptoms. These can include:

• An allergic reaction to ingredients and/or additives in your dog's food

• A reaction to mold spores that are present within your home

• Skin irritation that is brought on by contact with other animals or people

• Seasonal allergens such as grass and pollen

• An allergic reaction to parasites including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes

Dog allergies treatments most often include a prescription for anti-histamines, or topical sprays and shampoos that are applied directly to the skin. For severe dog skin allergies, they may require veterinarian supervised allergy shots or steroids. Any kind of dog allergies treatment should always be prescribed by and supervised by your veterinarian to ensure that the treatment is doing its job and is not adversely affecting your pet in any way.

If any of these symptoms or factors sound familiar to you, be sure to take your dog to your family's veterinarian as soon as you possibly can. Dog skin allergies can certainly be cured, and treatments are most effective if the canine allergies are identified at the earliest possible stage. Follow these guidelines and speak your veterinarian about the best options for your pet.