Top Ten Dog Health Guides

Allergies in Dogs

Allergies

Overview and Facts

What is

Allergies in Dogs: An Overview

Allergies in dogs are a type of immune reaction that occurs when the dog is exposed to a type of allergen. An allergen is an agent which causes a hypersensitive reaction in the dog, and as a result allergy symptoms occur. Most allergies in dogs are the result of flea or tick bite allergies, contact and inhalant allergies, and in some cases dogs are allergic to an ingredient in their food.

Prevention

Preventing Problems Caused by Allergies

Allergies happen when the body is tricked into thinking that harmless particles are dangerous invaders. The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid coming in contact with the particles causing the allergic reaction.

Symptoms and Types

Symptoms

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

Our canine friends can experience allergies just like we can, but allergy symptoms in dogs do not involve watery eyes and constant sneezing. Instead, allergy symptoms in dogs appear most often as skin problems, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset.

Types

Skin Allergies in Dogs

Skin allergies in dogs are the result of immune reactions to allergens in the dog’s environment or food. Skin allergies are classified as atopic, parasitic, food allergies, or contact. Allergies in dogs can occur in any breed, at any age, but some groups of dogs are at a higher risk for developing allergies.

Food Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies in dogs are responsible for only 5-10 percent of all allergies in dogs, but food allergies can be some of the most frustrating types of allergies. Food allergies are not easy to diagnose, and the diagnosis procedure for food allergies requires a lot of time and patience. Many different types of foods can cause a food allergy in dogs, and the symptoms for food allergies can occur at any age.

Types of Allergies in Pets

Some examples of animal allergies: Drug Allergies, Food Allergies ,Parasite Allergies, Contact Allergies...

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Allergies in Dogs

Anyone who has ever seen a dog scratching at its body or chewing on its feet has likely seen a dog with allergy problems. Whether caused by inhalants in the air, flea or other bug bites, or food, allergies can be simply irritating to the skin or even develop into infections on the skin or in the ears.

Treatment and Care

Treatment

Treating Allergies in Dogs

Once allergies are diagnosed in a dog and the cause is determined, then treatment can begin. It’s important that owners rely on veterinarians to try to diagnose and cure the allergy rather than simply treating it, because symptoms will simply reappear once the initial treatment wears off.

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