What are dog allergies?

An allergy is a hypersensitivity to exposure of a harmless substance, known as an allergen. Allergens induce the body’s immune system to “overreact”; usually causing skin irritation in the pet. In both humans and their pets allergies are becoming more common. Dog allergies can be respiratory allergies like humans; respiratory allergies are somewhat uncommon in dogs.

Dog breeds allergies as skin conditions are seen as redness, itching, recurring skin infections, and hair loss; sometimes called eczema, or atopic dermatitis. Some allergies can also manifest as ear infections.

Just as the humans suffer from allergic reaction, so do the dogs. There are varieties of reasons which lead dogs to develop allergic reactions. But the main perpetrators which weaken the immune system causing allergic reactions, are very few. And once the dog is hypersensitive, it will begin to react with normal things which normally a healthy and strong dog would be least bothered about.

Dogs react towards those allergens which also cause allergic reactions among humans. Therefore, to a certain extent, the symptoms suffered by dogs are almost similar to that suffered by humans except for the fact in human, it is respiratory process and in dogs, it is the skin that is mainly targeted.

Does my dog have food allergies?

A dog can develop food sensitivities over time, just like humans. People often assume that the allergy is related to something recently added to the diet. In reality, your pet may have been eating the same food for several years before an allergy develops.

The main symptom of dogs suffering from food allergies is inflamed, itchy skin. Some of the other possible symptoms include, but are not limited to: loss of appetite, persistent ear infections, hair loss, licking or chewing front paws, head shaking, and skin lesions.