Last Updated on May 1, 2023 by Kunthida
Dog Allergies – What Causes Them
Allergies are getting more and more widespread with people and dogs, especially food and scent allergies.
What are some signs your dog might be allergic to something? Common dog allergy symptoms can include:
- constant licking;
- scratching, itchy back, or itching around the base of the tail;
- itchy and runny eyes;
- itchy ears and infections; sneezing;
- vomiting and/or diarrhea;
- swollen paws or paw chewing;
- snoring (due to an inflamed throat);
- itchy skin which can become red, moist, or scabbed.
The most problematic of these is scratching since a dog can scratch herself raw, which can potentially lead to secondary infections, excessive shedding, and hair loss.
What Can Dogs Be Allergic To?
- Tree, grass, and weed pollens
- Cleaning chemicals
- Prescription medication
- Dust mites Mold spores
- Dander Feathers
- Rubber and plastic materials
- Cigarette smoke
- Food products
- Fleas and flea-control products
- Perfumes
- Fabrics
- Shampoo products
How to Tell What Your Dog Could Be Allergic to
Are your dog’s allergies seasonal or do the allergies for your dog seem to happen year-round?
If the symptoms are all year round, one method you can try is to switch out your dog’s food.
The most common symptoms of dog food allergies are licking, scratching, and different types of skin problems.
Have you made a recent change in your dog’s routine since the allergy problems started?
You may need to sort through the above allergy list one by one and try to make changes until you have narrowed down the cause.
Remember, even though your dog could have the above symptoms, he may not have allergies.
He may be suffering from any number of other possible medical conditions, such as fleas, worms, or hormonal disorders. Contact your veterinarian just to be safe.
Is your dog having problems with dog allergies? Is your dog showing symptoms of an allergy problem?
VIDEO – Dog Allergy and Itchy Skin Solutions
⇑ Go to the Table of Contents – Dog Allergies ⇑
Identifying Dog Skin Allergies
When one considers skin problems they most likely think of those years as a teenager where pimples such as acne swelled up in the most unfortunate places. We were all victims to it, too. Getting that terrible pimple right before school picture day or the big dance was a high school kid’s worst nightmare.
However, when one thinks of skin problems they probably are not focusing on the different types of allergies out there. And, if that’s the case, then they are certainly not focusing on dog skin allergies.
Only, dog skin allergies are really just as severe as a human’s problem and can be a burden.
Not to mention the fact that dog skin allergies have symptoms that might actually just appear to be regular dog behavior. Let’s be honest, when was the last time you looked suspiciously at a dog scratching its ear? With all that hair covering up their actual layer of skin, it can be a difficult game to detect rashes.
Sad to say, that is exactly how it works for dogs. One day a dog can be amid a terrible reaction and no owner could possibly understand. It would just appear like an odd act of a dog.
However, dog skin allergies are brutal to attend with and unbelievably common overall.
First of all, there is the ever-popular intrusion of fleas.
These usually cause the greatest form of scratching for a dog.
As well, this is the assumed problem for most dogs.
That said, one might just go ahead trying to treat an allergy problem as if it is just another flea problem.
Next, we have the weirder, less obvious allergens that come in from dust mites left behind, weird bugs in the grass, or just regular pollen.
There is no telling what they can do at an exterior level considering dogs don’t have to ingest a potential allergen for it to cause a serious reaction.
With the latter under one’s belt, one must also consider the food option.
Was the dog fed a scrap of table food they were not supposed to get?
Or, did they simply not like their new brand of dog food.
Dog skin allergies are not picky enemies.
Now, this is simply a plain survey of what one should look out for in terms of possible allergens. One should also know that symptoms go beyond scratching, resulting in swelling or hives. So always lookout for that.
And that’s it. Now, we know this means you have a whole other can of worms to work with, but it is for good measure. By having a handle on dog skin allergies, one can hopefully prevent distress for their dog and bolster the kind of life he or she leads. We think that is something that counts.
Jennifer is a canine health expert who specializes in all-natural pet skin products.
VIDEO: Dog Yeast Infection (Home Remedy) Conway’s Journey To Health
Providing Relief from Dog Allergies
Like humans, dogs can suffer from the effects of allergies. Specific Breeds are more prone to have allergies. Among these are Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, and Terriers. These allergic reactions are usually caused by ingredients found in food.
Food allergies usually cause the dog’s skin to become itchy and irritated on and around the face, feet, ears, forelegs, armpits, and near the dog’s sphincter. Frequent inner ear infections, loss of hair, extreme scratching, hot spots, and skin infections that may respond to antibiotics but return after the antibiotics are completed are all common effects of dog allergies.
If your dog displays an increased incidence of bowel movements it may also be a sign of food allergies. In general, dogs have around one and a half bowel movements per day, whereas food allergies usually increase the amount to three or more daily.
Ingredients in dog food such as preservatives, additives, peanut butter, and tomatoes cause allergic reactions. Peanut butter is sometimes an ingredient in dog biscuits, while tomato paste is sometimes an ingredient in dry dog food. Dogs can also be allergic to the protein, such as chicken, beef, or carbohydrates such as wheat and corn. Veterinarians recommend a diet of lamb and rice for dogs with allergic reactions.
What most people don’t realize is that you can prepare allergy-free pet food for dogs at home. Remember, dogs love fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Bear in mind that vegetables not only prevent allergic reactions but also provide added benefits that will provide your dog or cat with longer healthier life. A gradual transformation between diets is recommended to avoid stomach problems.
Some dog allergies are caused by environmental factors. Pets are frequently allergic to trees, grass, pollen, and fabrics made of wool or nylon. Other environmental causes include plastic, rubber materials, mites, flea bites, or insects. After their body’s become exposed to these substances, they respond to these allergens by becoming itchy.
If dogs scratch at the irritant too much, they may develop sores which create an ideal place for a bacterial infection. When dogs are not in direct contact with the allergen but still experience symptoms, Atopy is usually the reason. Atopy is dermatitis caused by inhalation rather than physical contact. This normally occurs as a result of inhalation of pollen, dust, mold, or any allergy substance in the air.
Dog paws, ears, and face are likely to become inflamed by allergies. Talk to your veterinarian about controlling pet allergies. Some treatments such as fatty acid supplements, hypoallergenic shampoo, and hydrocortisone creams are used to heal sores on a dog’s body.
Antihistamines are also used in veterinary medicine to relieve the dog’s itching and make life more comfortable. Since there are side effects when using an antihistamine such as sleepiness, hyperactivity, constipation, dry mouth & lack of appetite, be sure you have consulted your vet.
When dogs have allergies, the allergy usually presents itself in the form of a sore on the dog’s back or belly. These sores often time force the dog to lick or claw at the area causing the hair to fall out. Food allergies as well as environmental culprits can make your dog’s life unbearable. Zeroing in on the cause of the allergy will improve your pet’s quality of life!
Similar to people, dogs can experience the effects of allergies. By contacting your veterinarian, they can be controlled. In addition, Joanne Gallagher suggests visiting Jakes Dog House for all-natural, holistic dog treats, glucosamine dog food, and organic dog biscuits.
VIDEO: How to Cure Dogs Itchy Skin! 8 Natural Remedies for Itchy Dogs, Cure Skin Irritation!
Hypoallergenic Dog Food And The Greater Lesson
The majority of dog food brands in the US don’t worry about pets that have diet allergies. Sure, they may dedicate maybe 1 or 2 product lines to the issue but for the main part what matters is everybody else… The dogs have no problems processing protein.
Yet, in the midst, they fail to realize the larger lesson behind hypoallergenic dog food. Yes, easier protein consumption is a major objective of hypoallergenic dog food, but what is done to succeed in this goal? And should these techniques be considered by other dog food makers, who do not have to worry as much about the hypoallergenic nature of their product?
Well, first off, if a hypoallergenic dog food company is legitimate, the probabilities are no meat derivatives are going to be employed in their ingredients. They will also hold off on fillers, eg bone or other ‘foods ‘ that hold little if any calorific value.
Some hypoallergenic dog food companies will take things a stage further and produce their food through organic techniques. This means the animals utilized for the beef portion of their product will usually be freed from expansion hormones, and the vegetables will be freed from pesticides.
Finally, most valid hypoallergenic dog food corporations will be very concerned about the calorific value of their product. They will make sure they’re using an appropriate quantity of animal protein… Regardless of if they are limited to the sorts of animal protein they can use.
In conclusion, the practices of hypoallergenic dog food firms should not be ignored by both the public and other players in the dog food industry. Even though they do not need to fret about allergies, they still have to stress over whether dogs are getting an acceptable amount of nutrition from their product.
This factor alone should be adequate to get manufacturers to start changing their business practices. If it’s not perhaps patrons could do more rallying to persuade such action thru legislation.
Visit Dog Food for Dogs With Allergies for more info that will help you to know more about High fiber dog food
VIDEO: Food Allergies In Dogs: Holistic Answers
⇑ Go to the Table of Contents – Dog Allergies ⇑
Solutions to Allergies Caused by Dogs
Dogs are probably the most loved pets, as they are faithful companions with boundless energy. Unfortunately, for certain individuals, establishing a bond with a dog can be a challenge due to the onset of dog allergies which can result in unexpected complications.
A significant minority of the populace are afflicted by dog and pet allergies which can often be so severe that the sufferer may be compelled to rehome their dog. This outcome is, however, undesirable and can be quite distressing. Luckily, there are other alternatives to be considered.
Dog allergens can originate from three main sources – dander (shed skin cells), saliva, and urine. These allergens usually elicit an allergic reaction in individuals with hyperactive immune systems. Note that hair is not one of the sources. It is a common misconception that hairless dogs do not cause allergies. Although these dogs produce far less allergens, they still shed skin cells, drool, and excrete.
Typically, allergy symptoms are similar to those experienced by everyone, such as itchy eyes, runny nose, breathing difficulties, red itchy skin, or a rash. While these symptoms can be bothersome, there are various ways to mitigate them.
Maintaining a clean home is the most effective defense against dog allergies and allergens. Regular vacuuming, the purchase of furniture that does not absorb allergens, avoiding clutter, and using air purifiers will reduce the quantity of dander present in your home.
Bathing your dog regularly will also help to eliminate any allergens that might be present in its fur. It is crucial to wash your dog’s bedding as well, as neglecting to do so will negate the benefits of the bath.
Alternatively, you could take the easy route and purchase products that are specifically designed to reduce allergens. For instance, Allerpet D is a shampoo that helps to keep the dog’s skin hydrated without overly drying it out. Lowering the likelihood of dog allergies is as simple as adopting good habits and behaviors!
If allergies are too severe, seeking the assistance of a professional might be the best option. There are potent medications available, both prescription and over-the-counter, that can alleviate symptoms such as runny noses and itchy eyes. For severe cases, allergy shots may be necessary, especially if the sufferer has severe allergies. However, relegating your dog to a shelter should only be considered as a last resort.
VIDEO: Honey For Stopping Dog Allergies
⇑ Go to the Table of Contents – Dog Allergies ⇑
Learning About Dog Allergies Treatment
In our daily lives, we have a good deal of hustle and bustle, which can sometimes make it a challenge to be on top of our own health. However, when you figure in the situation of your own pet’s health, the equation gets even trickier.
While we do our best to check them over when they get sick or are acting oddly, it can be difficult to miss the smaller angles. For example, dogs, such as humans, have very common problems with allergies. When these allergies surface, it is extremely imperative we care for them with a dog allergy treatment that will get the job done.
Allergies, in particular, are important, because it can be pretty hard to control where our dog’s nose ends up. That means we need a dog allergies treatment that is going to be working before that schnoz ends up in a risky spot.
In fact, some dogs can be allergic not just to foods, but things they may come in contact with outside, and one cannot expect to keep their favorite dog cooped up on a leash. When they are running free then, it is important to equip them with the right protection for the job.
Take your average public park, for example. In that area alone, there are too many things to count that your dog may encounter.
You have a whole bunch of different kinds of grass. And in that grass you have tiny bugs carrying possible allergens, then medium bugs carrying possible allergens eating the tiny bugs that have them, then large bugs eating the medium ones, and so forth!
Should your dog lift his head out of the dirt where this grass and insect food chain exists, then they find themselves around perfect strangers, pavilions filled with the smell of cookout food, lake water overrun with algae, or even just potential scams of nature in berries and mushrooms. The possibilities of where they could end up are endless.
That said, it is best not to be too lenient as well.
Being lenient with your animal’s health and care can lead to a whole host of problems, but when you throw in the unpredictable nature of allergies, you can see where the dangers double.
As stated previously, just like humans, dogs can have similar allergic reactions when not helped along with a dog allergies treatment on a regular basis. For example, they can be prone to swelling, to hives that cause bouts of itching or just rashes, as well as encumbered breathing making it difficult for your dog to get around as he or she once did. This is not even bringing up the fact that untreated conditions can grow and develop into far worse problems, ones that will not be so easily treated.
Hopefully, you found this spiel informative whether you are looking into becoming a dog owner, or if you already are a dog owner. And regardless, we very much encourage you to seek out a vet and discover a proper dog allergies treatment, even to just have on hand for emergencies. Your dog would probably do the same for you, don’t you think
Jennifer is a canine health specialist who specializes in treatment for hot spots in dogs.
Puppy Training Videos – German Shepherd Training – Beagle Training – Bulldog Training
