Dogs can suffer from allergies just like people do.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer skin, food and inhalant allergies, although their symptoms may vary. Since dogs can't talk and tell us what the problem is, the key to treating canine allergies is to investigate each symptom until a cause is found.
Seasonal Allergies
In canines, seasonal allergies can last between three and four weeks in the spring and the fall, and they typically resolve themselves without human help. The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs are coughing, sneezing and watery eyes. Parasite allergies are also categorized as seasonal allergies, since they usually occur in summer. Parasite allergies are usually brought on by bites from fleas and ticks and symptoms in dogs can include chewing, itching, tail biting, inflammation and hair loss in the area of the infestation.
Food Allergies
Symptoms of food allergies in dogs include chronic or recurrent ear infections, hair loss, hot spots, skin infections and itchy skin. Some food allergies can also cause vomiting and diarrhea as the dog's body tries to eliminate the allergen. Diagnose a food allergy by feeding a diet with just a few ingredients until your dog seems symptom-free, and then introducing other foods one at a time until the trigger food is identified.
Skin and Contact Allergies
Skin allergies and contact allergies occur when the body comes in contact with an allergen, which can be anything from a plant to another animal. Some dogs have allergic reactions to plastic food and water bowls, for example. Symptoms of contact allergic reactions include darkening of the skin, thickening of the skin, hair loss, blisters, rashes and hives around the area of contact.
Inhalant Allergies
Inhalant allergies are caused by breathing in an allergen such as dust mites, pollen or mold. Dogs can be allergic to many of the same inhalants as humans. The most common symptoms of inhalant allergies in dogs are constant licking, scratching, chewing at the feet and biting. Irritation from obsessive chewing and licking can cause hot spots and infection, worsening the problem. Dogs with inhalant allergies may also rub their face on the floor or furniture. Inhalant allergies can be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are similar to seasonal and contact allergies, and may require a trip to a veterinarian.
