Dog Allergies

Allergies in dog are common these days. If your canine companion seems to have an allergic condition, it is wise to get an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Some common allergies that are found in dogs are:

• Food Allergies

Some dogs have an allergy to something they eat. This allergy not only affects the digestive system of dog (gas, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), but it may also have several other symptoms such as:

• Red, irritated eyes
• Itchy or oozing skin
• Nasal discharge
• Inflamed ears
• Coughing or sneezing; asthma
• Swollen paws

If you suspect that your dog is sensitive to some foods like corn, beef, soy, wheat, eggs and/or milk (the most common antigens for dogs), discontinue that food immediately and refer your veterinary doctor. If you give same food every day for months or years to your dog, there is a good chance he is developed an allergy to it. Therefore, dogs need diversity in their diets just like humans do.

• Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

The flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a very common condition in dogs, which is actually sensitivity to flea saliva. It is not the bite of flea that causes the itching in dogs with flea allergy dermatitis, but it is the saliva of flea. The flea saliva causes irritation and the saliva of just one or two fleas can make your dog miserably itchy and uncomfortable for many weeks.

If your dog has flea allergy dermatitis, it is recommended to comb your dog at least once daily, every day during the pest season with the flea comb. You can do this on white towel or some other light colored clothes so that you can see what is coming off your dog. In addition to this, bathe your dog often, as a soothing bath kills any fleas on your dog and helps in healing skin irritation. You can also pick a non-grain (no oatmeal) herbal shampoo for your dog.

[How to Groom Your Dog-  Dog Grooming Basics Tips and Techniques ]

• Environmental Allergies

Your dog can be allergic to an infinite variety of irritants in the environment such as ragweed, grasses and pollens, as well as dust mites, mould, cleaning chemicals and even fabrics like cotton or wool. Your pet’s immune system is partly genetic; therefore, he can inherit a tendency toward the environmental allergies.

You should find the root cause of this type of allergy, because more your dog is exposed to an irritant, the more his sensitivity and reaction to it grows.  Furthermore, clean up your dog’s indoor air environment and do not allow smoking around your dog. In addition to this, you should switch to the non-toxic cleaning products and consider investing in air purifiers.