Common Types of Dog Allergies

It is not uncommon for dogs to have allergies just like humans. Their immune systems can overreact to certain substances just like ours can. When the allergens enter their body they start to produce the antibodies which attach themselves to the immune cells in their skin and body tissues. The allergens penetrating these tissues are what cause the powerful chemicals to be released into the surrounding tissues. It's these chemicals, histamines that cause the itching and inflammation.

Many dogs can be affected by one or more allergies. The four ordinary ones are inhalant allergies, flea allergies, skin (contact) allergies, and food allergies. Most of the allergens are found mainly in the skin scales and saliva of dogs. Such allergens as tree, grass, weed pollens, molds, house dust, dust mites, animal and human dander, feathers, fleas, bacteria, chemicals and ordinary food can bother your dog.

You might be surprised to find out that 40% of dogs test positive for flea allergies. The most common allergy that dogs suffer from is food allergies. If your dog is suffering with ringworm, mange or any sort of fungal disease they could have a skin (contact) allergy. Golden retrievers, poodles and bull dogs have a high risk of suffering from this type of allergy.

Dogs can be allergic to more than one thing at a time. An allergy can manifest in different ways. If your dog has constant itching, chewing and licking discharge from the eyes or nose, frequent vomiting or diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, ear infections or chewing on their paws, chances are your dog is suffering from allergies. They can develop allergies at any age.

It can be hard to pin point exactly what your dog might be allergic to, but if you study your dog and start taking things away one at a time you can relieve their suffering.

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