Canine Allergies

Does Your Dog Have
Dog Food or Dog Skin Allergies?

Canine allergies are very common, especially in some breeds.

The most common dog allergies are dog food allergies and dog skin allergies, but your pet could be allergic to many other allergens.

Dog allergies can develop at any age.

Knowing what dog allergy symptoms look like, can help you determine if you are dealing with simple dog food allergies, or a more serious medical condition.

The age of your dog doesn’t really matter. Canine allergies can become a problem for your dog--at any time.

Do you know how to tell if your pet has allergic symptoms?

Dog Allergy Symptoms

If you suspect that your dog has canine allergies, be alert for these dog allergy symptoms:

• liquid discharge from his nose and eyes

• digestive upset—anything from an upset stomach (not eating) to vomiting or diarrhea

• skin lesions or sores

• biting or scratching himself a lot

• hair loss

• ”dandruff” or flaking, dry skin

• coughing

• asthma-like breathing or wheezing

A Dog with Allergies

If your pet is sensitive to an allergen, his body will produce antibodies when he is exposed to the substance.

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 senior dogs can become allergic over time.

It seems that repeated exposure eventually makes your dog more sensitive to a substance--just like it does in people.

Here are some common canine allergies and allergens that cause them:

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

• Flea allergy dermatitis Dogs are actually 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!

  Consider using a product like this Pet Herbal Defense Spray for Dogs and Cats will help to repel any possible invaders!

  I like it because it does not contain DEET or any other pesticides.

• 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. If your dog is has this dog allergy, she will scratch and bite the itchy spots.

• 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!

  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 an herbal shampoo that can be used safely on both cats and dogs. If your dog is bothered by insects, give this 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 dog food allergies is the German Shepherd.

  If your dog is sensitive to foods and has digestive upsets, vomiting or diarrhea, you may need to use a pet GI (gastro-intestinal) support product . It may be all you need to help your pet with his digestive upsets!

More Help for Your Dog with Allergies

Dog Allergy Treatment - Easy dog allergy treatment suggestions that may help you. Tips on what you should do if you discover that your dog has allergies…

Your Dog with Allergies - Learn to recognize the most common types of dog allergies, their symptoms, and know what observations you should make. What should you report to your dog’s veterinarian?

Pet Doctor Online - If you want to get an expert opinion about your dog's allergies, for a fraction of the cost of going to the vet, this is the place to go...

Anise Hypoallergenic Dog Treats - Anise is to dogs like catnip is to cats. Your pet with dog allergies will absolutely love these wheat free dog treats.

Dog Seasonal Allergies - Does your dog have dog allergy symptoms all year--or just part of the year? Here’s how to tell if she has dog seasonal allergies...

Dog Food Allergies - Canine food allergies are more common than you might think. Does your dog have signs of dog food allergies?

Dog Skin Allergies - What are the signs of dog skin allergies? Do you think this is what your dog is trying to tell you?

Beefeater Wheat Free Dog Treats - Try this wheat free dog treat recipe for your dog, if you think she may have dog food allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dog Treats for Training Treats - Your dog doesn’t have to miss out on all the fun--with these tasty training treats, safe for dogs with allergies.

Chicken Chompers Hypoallergenic Dog Treats - Need a cute dog treat for a dog with canine food allergies? Try this chicken shaped hypoallergenic dog treats recipe. Wheat free and full of nutrition, they are super easy to make, especially if you use your bread maker!

Peanut Butter Dog Bone Recipe - Need a treat for a dog that’s on the go? Try these allergy dog bones with peanut butter for your allergic pet. This recipe for dog bones is wheat free, with all natural ingredients.

While canine allergies are very common in dogs, they don’t have to make your dog’s life, and your life, miserable.

If you know what kind of allergy your dog has, you can find dog allergy relief for her by avoiding the culprit allergens and by using natural products that are healthy for your dog.

Canine Allergies to Homemade Dog Treats