Dogs with Allergies

Dogs with allergies are comparable to humans with allergies since they produce effects similar to human allergies. The five major types of dog allergies are flea allergy, contact allergy, food allergy, atopy and bacteria allergy.

Dogs with allergies will display the following symptoms:

1. Rubbing their faces on the mattress
   
   
2. Hair loss
   
   
3. Scratching
   
   
4. Mutilated skin
   
   
5. Persistent ear infections

Dogs with allergies will always have some skin problems and pruritus itching. If a dog is allergic to certain pollen grains, it will suffer from a runny nose. Food allergies such as to beef will cause the dog to vomit, and dogs allergic to hives (nettle rash or urticaria) will develop a swelling on the bite mark.

Dogs with allergies will have a mild to harsh itching sensation all over their body along with a constant ear infection since wax-producing glands present in the ear often overproduce as a reaction to allergy. Yeast and bacteria also thrive in the excessive debris and wax.

In addition, dogs with allergies will sometimes chew their feet until they are red and irritated. This is because dogs have sweat glands only in their feet, which respond to allergies. The skin lesions observed in dogs with allergies are normally skin damage through scratching and chewing.

At times, there is hair loss that can be inconsistent or patchy, leaving a blotchy coat on the dog's body. Depending on the dog, the skin itself may be reddened, dry and brittle or oily. It is quite natural to get minor bacterial skin infections because of these self-inflicted wounds.

Diagnosing Dogs With Allergies:

Specific molecules known as allergens affect dogs with allergies. These allergens come from:

1. Grass
   
   
2. Trees
   
   
3. Fabrics such as nylon or wool
   
   
4. Milk products
   
   
5. Flea bites
   
   
6. Weed pollens
   
   
7. Dust mites and house dust

There are two basic methods for the initial diagnosis of causes for allergies to the dog:

1. Allergy testing which might be blood or intradermal testing
   
   
2. Eliminating things individually from the dog's territory until an actual cause for allergy is isolated, especially for food allergies

In cases where the allergy is mild, but there is a growth of bacteria on the skin, an all-purpose antibiotic gets rid of infecting organisms and the dog's skin will gradually return to normal. Veterinarians may sometimes choose to treat dogs with allergies using either injections or tablets.

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