Dog Allergy Symptoms

We humans are not the only ones who are troubled by allergies. Our best friends, dogs, also fall prey to such problems. We show allergy symptoms when our immune system begins to recognize everyday allergens as substances that would harm our health. It is no different for canines. It is true that any kind of environment, whether indoor or outdoor, would have several kinds of allergens, and most animals do not get affected by them. However, when they affect dogs, consequences may be severe. Some allergens make their way into the animals' body through ingestion or inhalation, while some by merely by coming in contact with the skin. It is important to understand what trigger these symptoms. As I have mentioned, when the immune system of the animal detects the intrusion of allergens into the body, it begins its fighting process to get rid of the substances. While the system is doing so, the body experiences a variety of allergy symptoms which may be associated with the skin, digestive system and respiratory system of the body.

Symptoms of Allergic Reaction in Dogs

Depending upon the types of allergens affecting the dog, the symptoms be of different types. The list below gives you the general ones that are noticed more often than not.

• One of the noticeable skin allergy symptoms is scabbing skin, which remains moist, and red. Itching is also common
• Watery eyes and increased instances of scratching
• Allergy from a flea infestation is commonly indicated by a severely itchy back or base of tail. More often you would see your pet biting his back or tail.
• Ear infections and itchy ear
• Sneezing, vomiting, digestive disorders like diarrhea, swollen paws, constant licking, are also some common symptoms that might indicate an allergic reaction in dogs.
• The allergen may cause the throat of your pet to swell up, and this might be evident by abnormal snoring.
• If you happen to notice hair loss, scabs or crusts on the skin, then you may suspect a secondary bacterial or yeast infection in your pet.

Many owners remain dubious about food allergies. In fact, this problem is the third most common kind of canine allergies. Foods like eggs, chicken, fish, beef, potatoes, soy products, etc., are the common food items that may trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. Common symptoms and signs include severe itching, which may be accompanied by skin rashes appearing behind the ears, back of the legs, underside of the body and on the feet. Small red bumps, pustules, and raised patches of skin, are also common.

What Triggers Allergy?

One important step towards preventing all such symptoms or treat the condition, is to be aware of the agents that behave as allergens for the animals. These are as follows:

• Mold spores, dander, feathers and even cigarette smoke
• Substances like trees, grass, pollens, etc.
• Different food stuffs, as mentioned above.
• Flea infestation.
• Cleaning products, certain shampoos, perfumes or fabrics used around the house.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause. If the cause is a flea infestation, then get set to begin a flea infestation program right before the season. Cleaning the bedding material of your pet once a week, and vacuuming his house and your house, will take care of the dust. For itching, bathing once a week is recommended. In some cases, you may need to resort to the use of medications prescribed by the vet, in order to deal with the allergy symptoms. For instance, for flea control, prescription strength products may be applied, injections to build an immunity against air-borne allergens, and shampoos which may reduce itching.

The allergy symptoms mentioned above may make your dog's life miserable, if they are not taken care of on time. They become worse when they start interfering with the animal's respiratory system, and his feeding. So at the slightest hint of any such symptoms, make way for the vet and fix the problem while it is still mild.