Allergy is a common phenomenon in humans as well as animals. Immune system’s (negative) response to a foreign matter triggers an allergic reaction. While dealing with dog allergies, you should keep in mind that allergies in dogs can not be cured completely. Though, symptoms of dog allergies can be managed to a great extent. This adverse response can be manifested in the form of respiratory symptoms, digestive problems, skin irritation, or systematic effects.
Most of the allergens that cause allergic reactions in dogs are similar to those that cause allergies in humans. For instance, dust, pollen, molds, chemicals, wool and so on. Basically, there are five types of dog allergies. Dog allergies could be caused by hereditary or environmental factors. Purebred dogs are more susceptible to skin allergies.
Moreover, dog allergies symptoms showing on the skin tend to become worse with the passage of time and lead to secondary infections. Effective dog allergy treatment depends on the cause of the allergy. Identification of the cause can also help in avoiding particular types of dog allergies in the future.
Common dog allergies can be classified as:
Flea Allergies
Dogs with allergies from fleas are actually allergic to the saliva of fleas, to be more specific, the protein in flea saliva. Even a single flea bite can trigger severe itching which in turn causes open sores and secondary bacterial infections.
Fortunately, flea allergies in dogs are easy to identify as fleas are generally visible on the dog’s coat. Fleas strive luxuriously in warm and humid climates. In such cases, specific flea control steroids are administered to control dog allergy of this kind. In fact, dogs are more resistant to the side effects of such steroids as compared to humans.
Atopy or Inhalant Allergies
Atopy refers to inhalant allergy. This is one of the most common dog allergies. Dust, mold, human dander, ragweed, mildew, pollen and similar airborne environmental factors are largely held responsible for causing inhalant allergies of dogs. Such allergens are generally seasonal and cause severe itching in dogs. Dogs having allergies of this kind are difficult to treat because inhalant allergies are difficult to identify.
Food Allergies
Usually, dogs are not allergic to foods in general. Though, they may develop allergies to foods that they have been taking over a period of time. The protein component in wheat, soy, corn, beef, chicken, turkey, dairy products etc tends to trigger common dog allergies to food.
Food allergies result in skin irritation and scratching. You can easily make out that your dog seems to have become obsessed with scratching. It may also be accompanied by symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Dog allergy solutions for food related allergies call for an elimination diet to identify the specific food or food component causing the allergy.
Bacterial Allergies
Bacterial Allergies are less common dog allergies. They are caused by a bacterial hypersensitivity to Staphylococcus bacteria. Moreover, flea allergies, inhalant allergies and thyroid disorders tend to worsen the situation. These bacteria are normally present on your dog’s skin. Thus, most of the dogs are normally immune to these bacteria. But, the ones who are not immune require antibiotics from time to time to control the problem.
Contact Allergies
This is yet another less common dog allergy. Dogs with allergy of this sort usually develop itchy rashes on the skin. It common culprits for this type of allergy in dogs are flea collars, certain ointments, plastic food bowls, pet sweaters, bedding materials, metals, chemicals etc.
The site of allergy is generally the back of the paws, lips, abdomen, muzzle or other sparsely haired areas that are directly exposed to the irritant. Once the cause of contact allergy is determined, then the allergic reaction can be stopped and prevented in the future by removing the cause from the dog’s environment.
