Is your dog licking or scratching excessively?
You checked and do not know why?
Maybe your dog has allergies.
Yes, like humans, dogs can have allergies from the same things that their owners do.
I have a Maltese mix and she is sensitive to things within her environment that cause her to cough and sneeze.
I have noticed that some foods have an affect her as well. I feed her grain-free food and that makes a difference in her well-being.
She gags and coughs far less when on this diet.
In the fall when the pollen is at it’s peak, we keep our dogs inside as this helps them deal with this time of year.
In this article we will discuss the different common types of dog allergies, what to look for in your dog, and what are the treatments both medically and home remedy that we can do to help our favorite pets.
So what is the best treatment for dog allergies?
What Are The Common Dog Allergies
Dogs can suffer from parasites, ingredients in some foods, and the surrounding environment. These are the most common places the dog can suffer from allergies.
Some breeds of dogs are more likely to contract dog allergies such as the flat face breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and some Terriers.
Hunting dogs such as Retrievers and Setters are susceptible to these allergies as well due to their need to be outside and roaming.
All of these dogs will suffer from three types of dog allergies. The Food allergy, the Flea allergy, and the Environment allergy.
You will be able to suspect that your dog has allergies if they exhibit any of these symptoms:
- Itchy skin
- Increased scratching
- Itchy or runny eyes
- Sneezing
- Ear infections
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Heavy snoring
- Paw chewing or constant licking
If you suspect your dog has an allergy, please seek help and advice from your Vet.
Food Allergies In Dogs
One of the most common reasons dogs have allergies is from the food we feed them. That’s right, you might be giving them food that has an ingredient that causes a reaction in your dog.
If your dog has a food allergy, they will exhibit an upset digestive tract that could result in vomiting or diarrhea.
However, they can also exhibit signs of itchy skin, irritated eyes, nasal discharge, coughing, or swollen paws.
Did you know that your dog can develop food allergy by eating the same food over and over. The dog, just like you, needs diversity in their diet.
Some dog foods have chemically traced protein and over time the dog will become sensitive to that protein.
Meat in dog food can have antibiotics and hormones in the meat ingredients and over time this can affect your dog as well.
Some dogs will show an allergic reaction to foods with high amounts of carbohydrates or grains. If you suspect that your dog has any of these allergies, a visit to your local Vet is warranted.
One type of diet that has become very popular is the raw diet for dogs. This allows you to pick the foods that your dog consumes and allows you to rotate foods with the protein or grains that allow a better balance for your dog.
Supplements have become popular to help your dog deal with common allergies.
Flea Allergies, Dermatitis
Flea saliva, yes that’s right, flea saliva can cause irritation to your dogs skin. It’s not the flea bite, but the saliva that causes all the trouble on your dog.
Dog Dermatitis is the sensitivity of the skin because of the flea saliva. This can be especially bad on the puppies.
Because it is the saliva, your dog can suffer from their itch days after the dog has been successful treated for the flea infestation.
During the flea season, you should check your dog at least twice weekly and sue a comb to make sure the fleas are gone.
Flea feces can look like dirt, so be careful when combing your dog and know what to look for.
Most dogs can be successful treated or prevented by using an effective flea and tick dog collar.
Bathe your dog often as the bathe can kill fleas on your dog. Clean dogs do not attract the flea as much as the dirty dog.
When bathing your dog, use a non-grain (no oatmeal) herbal shampoo. For dogs with excessive flea dermatitis, your Vet can prescribe Comfortis which is an oral drug for flea treatment.
Carefully discuss this with your Vet before giving it to your dog as it may have side effects as some drugs do.
Allergies Caused By The Environment
It can be what is around you or your dog that can cause the most problems. Your dog, either outside or inside, can become 
sensitive to something they are around every day.
If your dog spends a lot of the day outside and they develop an allergy, it could be seasonal related.
My Maltese mix is very sensitive to the pollen each fall. We live in a wooded area and the pollen is very thick.
Other outdoor irritants are ragweed and some grasses.
Although your dogs immune system will fight against these irritants, during a season the problem can get beyond what the immune system is used to protecting.
An inside dog can become sensitive to items inside your home such as the curtains or carpet. It is important to keep your house clean and well vacuumed.
Do not forget to replace your A/C air filters as well. A dirty filter is bad for you and your dog.
Below are some suggestions to keep your dog protected from environmental allergies:
- Keep the indoor areas for your
- Make sure your dogs water is always fresh
- Do not allow a Vet from over vaccinating your dog. This can adversely affect your dog’s immune system.
- Antibiotics can be good and bad. Too many antibiotics can result in antibiotics resistance in your dog.
- Some Vets will want to give your dog steroids, be careful on this as well.
- Bathe your dog regularly. Clean dogs attract fewer problems such as fleas and ticks.
What Can I Do AT Home?
It is easy to protect your dog and provide the prevention that they need to stay away from dog allergies.
So what is the best treatment for dog allergies?
- Keep your house clean and change out the A/C air filter regularly.
- Keep fleas out of the yard and off the dogs.
- Bathe your dogs regularly.
- Feed your dogs on a diverse diet and use a more natural approach to the diet.
I hope you have found this article of value and help.
I would like to know what you think of this subject by leaving a comment below. I will get back to you very soon.
