Dog allergies 101

Dog allergies are more common than many owners realize, and they can make your pet completely miserable!

Any of these symptoms could indicate that your pet is reacting badly to an allergen of some sort:

• Red, irritated skin
• Constant itchiness
• Hair loss
• Ear problems.

An allergic dog is usually a very uncomfortable dog, and `if Fido ain`t happy, then nobody ain`t happy`!

So giving youthe information you need to help him feel better fast is my firstpriority.

Just like people, dogs can have an allergic reaction to lots ofdifferent things, including food ingredients, seasonal allergens such aspollen or dust, insects, chemicals and more.

On this page I`m going to take a look at the `big picture`.

You`ll find general information on dog allergy symptoms, treatment optionsand a list of the breeds which are most prone to this type of problem.

You`ll also find helpful links to other pages on my website whichhave more in-depth and comprehensive information on symptoms and treatment.

All About Canine Allergies

Dog allergies can be triggered by a number of different things, but regardless of the `trigger`, the majority of allergy symptoms show up as skin irritations and problems. You canfind lots of information on the types of reactions that are commonlyseen on my Canine Skin Allergies page.

The first and most important step is to find out what`s causingthe problem!

This is because although allergies can be treated and controlled,the only way to totally eliminate the problem is by removing thetrigger.

Although any dog breed can have experience an allergic reaction,there are certain dog breeds that seem to be predisposed to canineallergies, these include :

• Beagles
• Boxers
• Bulldogs
• Cocker Spaniels
• Collies
• Dalmatians
• Golden Retrievers
• Irish Setters
• Labrador Retrievers
• Lhasa Apsos
• Poodles
• Pugs
• Rottweilers
• Schnauzers
• Shih Tzus
• Terriers

Allergies are more likely to be seen in dogs who are over ayear old, and the likelihood of them suffering from allergies tends toincrease as they grow older.

The main exception to this is when the allergic reaction is in response to vaccination. Puppies need a lot of puppy shots in the early months and so they are more at risk of having an adverse reaction than older dogs are.

Research has shown that puppies tend to `grow into` theirallergies as they mature due to their increasing exposure to allergensin dog food ingredients, their environment, vaccinations etc.

Theybecome sensitized to these substances as their exposure to themincreases.

Video: Dogs 101- Samoyed

It makes sense to try to minimize your puppy`s contact withallergens as much as possible, although of course you don`t want him tolive in a `bubble`!

Two big steps towards reducing Fido`s chances of developing canine allergies are very simple for you to take ;

• Feed your puppy a high-quality, natural dog food to help prevent dog food allergies. My Best Puppy Food Choices page has lots of information on the very best, premium foods on the market. For older dogs, or those with food sensitivities, organic dog food is also a good choice.
• Maintain an effective flea treatment/prevention routine, by applying a superior, topical flea and tick preventative such as K9 Advantix, and continuing to do so throughout flea season (which could be year round depending on where you live).

If you`re not sure how to tell if your dog has fleas, or justwant to know more about dealing with these nasty little critters, checkout my Fleas And Ticks page.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

If you do notice that your puppy or dog starts to clean/lick himselfcompulsively, don`t just put it down to his super-hygienic nature...it`s much more likely that he`s suffering from allergies!

Many canine allergy symptoms are characterized by red, itchy, irritated skin or scabby areas, brown-colored patches or hair loss.

There can also be a range of other signs that your itchy puppy ordog is suffering from allergies, such as sneezing, runny or wateryeyes/nose, rashes, swelling, frequent head-shaking or ear infections andmore.

Visit my Dog Allergy Symptoms page to find out everything you need to know in order to figure out if allergies are what are causing your dog`s discomfort.

Dog Allergy Treatment

Luckily there are lots of things you can do to help your allergy-prone pooch!

There are many ways to treat allergies in dogs. These include:

• `Topical` products such as shampoos, dips or creams/lotions
• Medications such as anti-histamines or corticosteroids
• Special `hypoallergenic` dog foods such as those with asingle protein source, or ingredients designed for dogs withsensitivities and allergies
• Natural products and supplements

Your veterinarian can help if your dogs` allergies are severe and there are several different options available in terms of allergy-testing and desensitization.

You can find a detailed look at how to treat canine allergies on my Dog Allergy Treatment page.

Left untreated allergies will only get worse, and it`smuch easier, and more effective, to treat them earlier rather thanlater.

Along with the above treatments, you can help your puppy or dogfeel more comfortable by using bathing and grooming products that havebeen especially formulated to reduce itching and soothe his irritatedskin.

Video: Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Related Pages......

Video: Allergies 101

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