Dog Allergies

If a dog starts scratching or there is a red rash on the dog’s skin, it may be due to a dog allergy. Just like allergies in people, dog allergies can be triggered by numerous substances at any age. Allergic dermatitis in dogs is an inflammation of the dog’s skin due to an allergic reaction. A dog which never had canine allergies may become allergic to a food ingredient, dust, medication, or natural or synthetic fibers, or normal bacteria on the dog’s skin. Flea saliva is a common trigger for allergies of dogs.

Allergies of dogs occur when the body becomes hypersensitive to a substance and mistakes the substance for a foreign invader. The dog’s immune system responds by attacking the substance. During this immune system defense, the dog may develop symptoms of the allergic reaction.

Behavioral signs and symptoms of dog allergies include excessive biting and scratching the skin. By inspecting the area the dog is scratching, the dog owner may see a sign and symptom of dog allergy such as flaking skin, redness, or inflammation of the skin. If the dog is biting and scratching their skin, it may cause further skin damage and discomfort.

Dogs can also develop dog food allergies. Even if there has not been a change to the dog’s diet, a new hypersensitivity to an ingredient in the dog food can trigger an allergy of dog food. Signs and symptoms of dog allergy to a food ingredient could include diarrhea and vomiting, but may also include skin irritation. If a veterinarian suspects that dog food is the cause of the dog allergy, the veterinarian may put the dog on a special hypoallergenic dog food diet to pinpoint the ingredient causing the canine allergy.

Because signs and symptoms of dog allergies can be caused by a wide variety of substances and the symptoms can cause significant discomfort, the dog owner should have the dog examined by a veterinarian. The veterinarian may perform blood tests to determine what is causing the dog allergy.

The veterinarian also needs to rule out Sarcoptic mites as the cause for the allergy of dogs. Treatment may include an oral antihistamine medication and medicated or soothing ointments or baths. Canine allergies cannot be cured. If the substance causing the dog allergy is identified, the dog owner can limit the dog’s exposure to that substance.