Allergy Sensitive Dogs

Like people, dogs can also have allergies.

You probably know someone who is allergic to dogs, or you might be allergic yourself. Allergies are common in humans. Many people don't know that dogs get allergies, too. Dogs don't react the same ways as humans to allergies (typically allergies in dogs are restricted to their skin), but they do suffer from them.

Signs of Allergies

Dogs suffering from allergies will frequently bite or lick themselves.

If your dog has allergies, you might not realize it. Itching and licking or biting at themselves can be the sign of an allergy. This can have other causes (parasites for example), but allergies are a likely reason. The nibbling can lead to the animal biting off sections of his own body. Allergies can have a negative impact on your dog's coat and can also cause chronic ear infections.

Common Allergies

Pollens are a common allergen for dogs.

Airborne irritants that cause allergies (such as dust mites, molds and pollens) in humans can be problematic for dogs, too. Food allergies, like in humans, are another common problem with dogs. Unlike many human foods, though, dog foods are typically a combination of many ingredients, so isolating a single ingredient might not be as simple. Although flea bites can also trigger allergic sensitivity in dogs, that is more a symptom of a parasitic infestation.

Diagnosing Allergies

Veterinarians can do blood testing to determine allergic triggers in dogs.

Diagnosing allergies in dogs might be just as difficult as recognizing the problem. Dogs who have allergies to airborne irritants are likely to have more problems with their paws. Food allergies tend to be more widespread. The best idea, though, is to take your dog to the veterinarian. The vet can do blood testing and determine exactly what triggers your dog's allergies.

Home Treatments

There are some home remedies that can help allergies in dogs.

When your dog seems especially bothered with allergies, there are some steps you can take without going to a veterinarian. First, use antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) to temporarily relieve the symptoms. Consult your vet for the proper dosage. Baths without any form of soap (just cool water) can often sooth itching, too. Adding an oatmeal solution is also recommended.

Treatments

A veterinarian can offer more long-term relief for your dog.

Your veterinarian can provide other methods of relief for your allergy prone dog. Just like with humans, a course of shots to reduce sensitivity can be performed, but this is a long process, not a quick fix. Corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone) can be given to dogs in a shot. These tend to relieve symptoms for a few weeks, but can have serious effects if overused.

References

• Skin and Allergy Problems in Dogs