If your dog is presenting with uncontrollable itching and scratching or perhaps it is forced to lick itself at every opportunity, the reason could come down to a dog allergy. As the itching becomes more unbearable for your dog the problem will grow with sores developing on the skin. These sores can become infected and it will be very painful, not to mention become very expensive to treat.

At the first sign of itching, check the skin of the dog for raised welts or rash-like marks. It is always best to identify dog allergies in the early stages rather than in the latter. There are a few different causes of allergies in dogs and they will require different treatment depending on the kind of allergy your dog has.

The different causes of dog allergies include inhalant allergies which originate from the airborne particles such as dust, pollen or mold spores. Some dogs are allergic to the saliva produced by fleas and so when a flea infestation strikes the resultant dog skin allergy flares up. A third type of dog allergy is possibly the easiest to treat but could be the hardest to identify in terms of the cause. This allergy is a dog food allergy with certain components of the dog’s food causing a negative reaction in the dog.

Dog skin allergies can either come about through an allergic reaction to fleas or from airborne particles. In the case of fleas it is necessary to take quick and decisive action in order to completely rid them from the dog and the dog’s bedding. Dedicated grooming and brushing will help in removing fleas from your dog’s body and there are sprays and foggers available that will allow you to treat the dog’s bedding.

As for dust and pollen allergies in your dog, better known as atopic dermatitis, it will be necessary to vacuum and dust the surrounding environment. In both cases regular baths with soothing shampoos will help relieve some of the discomfort.

As mentioned earlier, it may be more difficult to identify the exact source of a dog food allergy. In order to pinpoint exactly what part of your dog’s diet is causing a reaction, you will have to remove one item at a time until there is a noticeable improvement in its demeanor. Alternatively, you can go the other way and change the diet to a hypoallergenic diet and then begin introducing foods until the culprit is pinpointed.

Identifying that you dog has a food allergy could be difficult because it may manifest itself in a variety of ways such as vomiting, diarrhea or even though a change in behaviour. A trip to the vet for confirmation should be considered if you have a suspicion that a dog food allergy is involved.

Dog allergy symptoms are wide ranging and may be difficult to diagnose as an allergic reaction in its early stages because it may appear to be what you might consider normal behaviour for a dog. Reactions such as itching, rashes, skin eruptions, hair loss, ear irritation and infections or dermatitis that oozes pus are all examples of symptoms from a dog allergy.

Further symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, poor behaviour or unusually quiet behaviour are also sympomatic of a dog allergy.

Treatment for a dog allergy will vary depending on the cause of the allergy. If you have identified that your dog is allergic to the food you are feeding it, but haven't been able to identify which specific food type, you will have to go through a process of introducing a different type of food each week until the symptoms are displayed.

If the dog's allergy is a skin condition, treatment may be one of more of the following:

• an aggressive flea removal treatment of shampoos, sprays and foggers. The dog should be thoroughly washed and groomed and an approved flea treatment applied as should the bedding and surrounding environment.
• skin sensitivity to dust and pollen will require frequent washing, up to several times per week depending on the season.
• advanced dermatological infections will require veterinary treatment with allergy testing to be conducted as well as topical medications.
• antigen therapy. After the necessary blood work has been conducted and it is known what your dog is allergic to a lab will be able to make an antigen therapy that will hopefully start the process of de-sensitizing the dog to whatever it is that is causing the allergy.

A dog suffering an allergic reaction is going to be in constant misery and will need it's owner to be sensitive to the discomfort it is in. The earlier treatment is found, the happier your do will ultimately be and the less expensive the treatment is going to be.