Dog Allergies

Just as you are susceptible to allergies, your pets are also prone to them.



Your pet is often allergic to the same substances as you. Allergies occur when the immune system of a dog overreacts to an antigen.

Dogs are more prone to developing skin allergies, while humans are more susceptible to food and other kinds of allergies. However, this does not mean that dogs are not allergic to foods and other allergens.



Dogs may also be allergic to airborne allergens like pollen and lint. A dog that is suffering from an airborne allergy may be seen coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Other dog allergies symptoms may include watering of the eyes, nasal discharge, and other allergies. When a dog suffers from food allergies, there may be symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.



In an extreme case of dog food allergies, they may even lose consciousness or in the worst case scenario, die.

Dogs often have contact allergies. This is because their skin is extremely sensitive to parasitic attacks. Flea, ticks, and other small parasites may cause several symptoms on the skin. Mange is an allergic condition which is caused due to microscopic parasites known as mange. These mites may cause loss of fur from the dog’s body and are most apparent on the face, elbows, and the ears. Allergies caused due to flea and ticks may cause unusual itching and continuous scratching by the dog. The dog may be seen scratching itself vigorously at all times of the day. Such an allergy can usually be treated by bathing the dog with a medicated shampoo. A dog may also get an allergy from the material of the bedding, especially wool. Flea collars, if made from inferior quality material, may also cause an allergy.

Dog Allergies Treatment

Dog allergies treatment usually includes a trip to the vet. However, simple contact allergies can be cured by simply removing the allergen from close physical contact of the animal. In case of mange or other parasitic infections and allergies, the dog may have to get a shot from the doctor.  Antibiotic treatment may be necessary if the dog is allergic to a bacterial attack or has formed a bacterial rash.

The doctor may perform a physical examination and a series of other tests to check for the exact cause of the allergy. The treatment of the dog largely depends on the cause of the allergy and the extent to which the allergy is affecting your pet.