Pet health questions

Most people do not know that just like us, dogs can suffer from allergies. Approximately 20% of dogs have some type of allergy and exhibit symptoms through their skin, through their respiratory system, or even through their digestive system. Dogs can have allergies to many of the same things that people are allergic to, which can include food, inhalants, and even fleas.

Dogs most commonly tend to have some sort of irritating skin condition, which will cause them to scratch or lick part of their body obsessively. This irritation may even lead to loss of hair. They can also cough, sneeze, or wheeze, or, their digestive tract can be affected, which will show up in the form of diarrhea or vomiting.

Food allergies are difficult to identify as a cause because in dogs they do not come on concurrent with the introduction of the food. In fact, canine food allergies develop long after the dog has been eating the culprit food, as it takes several weeks for it to invade the dog's systems. The symptoms are diverse and a dog can exhibit a number of different problems, ranging from itching, red skin, to vomiting or diarrhea. The most common symptoms of a food allergy are vomiting and diarrhea, and the most common irritants are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, chicken eggs, corn, and soy products.

Inhalant allergies can be seasonal or year round, depending on what the exact offender is. Grass or tree pollen allergies tend to show up seasonally, while dust mite or mold allergies can be bothersome year round. Even though they can potentially be an issue year-round, the most likely seasons for this problem to arise are spring and fall.

Flea allergies are quite common in dogs and are likely to show up during flea season. Through allergy testing, you can positively determine if your dog has this allergy. the most common symptoms of a flea allergy are scratching or biting at the hind legs, tail and abdominal area. The best treatment for this allergy is to work to eliminate the source of the allergy and implement a strict flea control regime.