Types of Dog Allergies

Just like people, dogs have allergies too. Since dogs are man's best friend, dog allergies almost share the same symptoms with human allergies. Humans have different types of allergies and so are dogs. Listed below are some types of allergies that dogs may have or encounter.

Food Allergies

This type of allergy is uncommon to dogs and cannot be remedied through medical intake. Although it cannot be remedied with medicine, still, this can be treated by following a specified diet and correction of food intake. Now, food allergy can be obtained from ingredients found in dog food. It can also be manifested in the form of gastrointestinal disturbance and form of skin irritation.

Inhalant Allergies

The most common victims of this allergy are female dogs and certain breeds (Shnauzeres, Boston Terriers, Irish Setters and Boxers). This is a very common allergy yet not as common as flea. Inhalant allergy is also known as atopy which is due to the inhalation of pollens or molds that are floating in the air. You'll know that your dog has this kind of allergy when its eyes are watery; it experiences skin itching as well as paw licking. Though this is common, inhalant allergy is seasonal. This usually occurs during spring or fall.

Flea Allergies

This is the most common allergy that attacks the dogs. This is the main culprit as to why your dog is experiencing skin itching whole year round. To know whether your dog is having flea allergy is very simple. If you notice that your dog is itching, biting and scratching its legs, abdominal area or tail, then, it is easy to say that your dog may have suffered from flea allergy. Yet, do not panic though because this can be treated. You can treat this kind of allergy by applying dog dermatological products and anti-flea products. Usually this comes in shampoo, soap and sprays.

These are just some of the allergies that your dog may suffer. There are some allergies that may affect the dog's skin upon contact; that of which when it occurs, itching and irritation occurs. The most common culprit of this irritation and itching are wool, nylon carpets, insecticides, grass, flea collars and soaps. If your dog does not have any flea problems, perhaps he is irritated with these things. Yet, this can be treated by removing or placing it away from direct contact with your dog.

There are also bacteria that thrive in the dog's skin but do not show any sign of adverse reaction while it is present on your dog. This is the Staphylococcus bacteria that certain types of dogs do develop allergies to it. The symptoms of this are dog's hair lost as well as patches of ringworm like formation are marked on the dog's skin where the infection has developed. When this happens, go to your veterinarian immediately and ask for an antibiotic to treat the bacteria infesting on your dog.

Since dogs are man's best friend, they can also have allergic reactions based on the caretaker's emotions. It has been said that dogs and its human caretakers have direct link to the man's personal life and what he/she is going through. The allergic reaction usually happens when the human caretaker is having a stressful or emotional phase in life.