Common Types of Dog Allergies And What To Do About Them?

It’s astonishing to know that dogs can not only be the reason behind the cause of allergies in humans, but they can also themselves suffer from dog allergies.

Allergies are known to be incurable, but the right knowledge about medication and avoidance of the source of an allergy can make their lives much better.

You must not get traumatized yourself as a dog owner, you should rather just understand that allergies are common both in dogs and humans and won’t make your dog go through any sort of existential crisis.

So, let me guide you on the common types of dog allergies.

7 Common Types of Dog Allergies

Generally, in humans, an allergy is caused due to our immune system hyper reacting with a daily substance like dust, gluten, fleas or pollen et cetera.

It can be in a similar way in dogs, it might not be due to similar substances but the trigger of allergies can be due to other substances in them.

1. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis can be inherited from of allergy in dogs.

It is a condition where a dog’s body doesn’t accept the indulgence of pollen, grass, and trees, dust mites or mold spores.

The dog begins showing symptoms slowly maybe by just pollen grains initially and then as time elapses, other substances also cause allergic reactions.

You can detect signs of skin irritations around the eyes, armpits, stomach and anal area.

They can also be prone to ear infections.

Consulting a veterinarian is recommended, even though she would run certain blood tests results of which won’t cure it, as inherited allergies are incurable.

The vet may inject your dog with some steroids for short-term relief and prescribe some medication to lower the itching in the long-term. 

2. Flea Allergy

The single most common form of allergies in dogs is the one due to blood-feeding fleas and at times, the reactive nature due to their saliva.

The worst part is it causes rashes or red bumps and spots at certain body areas due to flea bites.

The more dog is bitten, the more its condition worsens.

To reduce the suffering, steroids and antihistamines reduce the irritation.

But still, the best method would be a strict flea controlled environment.

There are many lotions and sprays available that repels fleas, you can consult your vet to guide you on what suits best.

3. Food Allergy

It is natural in some dogs to be allergic from various food elements, but what triggers an allergy majorly are chicken, beef, corn or wheat which are common ingredients in dog food.

The allergy tends to pop up in the form of skin abnormalities such as rashes, itching and red spots on the skin.

You can work with your vet in order to create a diet that’s created in order to find the culprit food element.

The veterinarian will provide you with a diet that will fulfill the need and slowly other food elements can be added in that food.

Just when your dog starts scratching its body excessively, you know what’s causing it and you can keep that food out of the bowl.

4. Seasonal Allergy

Just when you were into the misconception that seasonal allergies are more prominent in human beings, I would say dogs are equally prone and it’s not fun.

Even though, your dog might not show any signs of allergy throughout the year.

But during a particular season, he can be observed having rashes, irritated skin, loss of hair and boils at times.

Antihistamines are the most effective weapon against seasonal allergies.

Although, Benadryl works equally well.

But the treatment must be done under the supervision of the vet who knows the history and health aspects of your dog.

5. Home Allergy

There is no doubt that many substances that are consumed at households are artificial and dogs can be reactive to those substances.

It will be difficult to detect the source of it which can be: dust and dust mites, air fresheners, perfumes and deodorants, cigarette smoke, fabric, and rubbers.

You can take precautions by observing carefully what particular substance is causing the problem and limit the usage.

You should immediately go to the vet if the cause of allergy is undetectable.

6. Prescription Drugs

Allergies can be unpredictable and it is disappointing to know that your pooch is allergic to medications that are going to heal him.

Prescribed drugs are the most basic way to cure certain ailments, but maybe the drug itself or an ingredient present in it can be reactive.

Even though, allergies due to medications can be a rare case scenario.

It shouldn’t be ruled out of the book while detecting the root cause.

If your dog is showing allergic reaction while he’s on prescribed drugs, make a log on what all medications are provided and show the log to the vet while consulting him next time.

7. Medicated Shampoos

Some medicated dog shampoos can cause a minor allergic reaction in dogs, the reason being they promote the production of histamine that causes irritated skin and rashes.

Reactions due to shampoos occur shortly after exposing their bodies to it and at times due to over-usage.

Symptoms can be hives, rashes, bald patches, and swelling.

An appropriate dosage of Benadryl can help avoid the symptoms.

But one must stop the usage of medicated shampoos if this is the case.

You can always switch to natural-based products for dogs that work equally well.

Diagnosis Fo>Diagnosis For Dog Allergies

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