What are Canine Allergies?

An allergy is an over-reaction to a substance that produces a reaction in some people or animals.

Dog stung by a bee
Photo courtesy of OakleyOriginals

If your pet is sensitive to an “allergen”, his body will produce antibodies when he is exposed to the substance that he is allergic to. This reaction happens every time he is exposed to the allergen, and, often the reaction gets worse over time.

Sometimes your dog can become allergic to an allergen—even when he is older. It’s a bit unusual, but old dogs can become allergic over time.

Most Common Allergens for Dogs

• Pollens and molds - These actually cause a hay fever-like reaction, similar to what you might experience. If your dog has this type of Canine Allergies that are Seasonal , her nose will run and she may have a discharge from her eyes.

  Dogs can get hay fever and have allergic reactions to the environment—just as you can!

• Flea saliva - Dogs are not allergic to fleas. A normal dog can be infested with hundreds of fleas and not be bothered by them. However, if your dog is sensitive to flea saliva, a small number of fleas can drive him crazy! The itching can be extremely intense for dog skin allergies ! Consider using a product like an herbal shampoo and conditioner to keep your dog's coat and skin healthy and to repel any possible invaders!

• Chemicals - Just as you can have redness, dryness and itching from contact with certain chemicals, your allergic dog can too! Some dogs are sensitive to soaps, waxes, carpets and even flea collars! This kind of canine allergy is called contact dermatitis.

• Insect bites and stings - This is a tough one! How do you teach your dog not to chase (and catch) insects and bees. The movement of the flying insect or crawling insect seems to trigger the hunter instinct in your dog. And hunters chase their prey! Dogs, like people, can be allergic to bites and stings.

  The truth is that your pet doesn't even have to antagonize the little critters. Insects like mosquitoes and gnats will bite your dog--just like they bite you. I've been very leary of using insect repellents on Skipper, my miniature schnauzer, (especially those using NEET--but also any other chemicals that she might lick).

  But--good news--I found that using an herbal defense spray can be used safely with Skipper, and it works! If your dog is bothered by insects, give an herbal insect repellent a try.

• Dog Food Allergies - Dogs can be sensitive to wheat, corn, gluten or, occasionally, milk. Other foods can be a problem also, and, like people, the more often your pet eats a specific food, the more likely it will become an allergen for him. The breed most commonly affected by canine food allergies is German Shepherds.

  If your dog is sensitive to foods and has digestive upsets, vomiting or diarrhea, try using a pet GI support product.

  And make sure you try some of our healthy, homemade hypoallergenic dog treat recipes if your dog is sensitive to foods:
  
  

  • Beefeater Wheat Free Dog Treats

  • Chicken Chompers Hypoallergenic Dog Treats Recipe

  • Hypoallergenic Dog Treats for training treats

  • Peanut Butter Hypallergenic Dog Bone Recipe

  There are a number of healthy, natural products for allergies on the market that will help your dog with treatment for canine allergies. And these products for canine allergies can help to make your life a whole lot easier, too!

  
  
  

  Does Your Dog Have Dog Allergies?

  Canine Food Allergies

  Dog Allergy Treatment

  Dog Treat Recipes HOME - from Canine Allergies