Dog Allergies
Does Your Dog Have Them?

Pets with dog allergies have symptoms similar to people with allergies. Age doesn’t really matter. Canine allergies can develop at any time.

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

Dog allergies can show up in dogs in several ways. It all depends on which part of your dog’s body is affected.

Photo by Beatrice Murch

You might see any of the following in your allergic dog:

• 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

What is an Allergy?

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 pet 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.

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

• 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! Consider using a product like this 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 hypoallergenic dog can too! Some dogs are sensitive to soaps, waxes, carpets and even flea collars! This kind of 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!

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

  But--good news--I found an herbal defense spray that can be used safely on both cats and dogs. If your dog is bothered by insects, give this herbal insect repellent a try.

• Foods: 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 is German Shepherds.

  If your dog is sensitive to foods and has digestive upsets, vomiting or diarrhea, try using a pet GI support product like this one. It may be all you need to help your pet with his digestive upsets!

More Information on Dog with Allergies

In addition, make sure you read a copy of Shawn Messonnier's The Allergy Solution for Dogs.

Types of Canine Allergies Here are the most common types of dog allergies, their symptoms, and what observations you should record when you report to your pet’s veterinarian

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

Beefeater Dog Treat Recipe Try this wheat free dog treat recipe for your dog if you think she may have food allergies.

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

Peanut Butter Dog Bones Recipe Need a treat for a dog that’s on the go? Try these allergy dog bones with peanut butter for your allergic pet. Wheat free recipe with step by step directions and all natural ingredients.

Training Treats Recipe for Dogs with Allergies Looking for training treats for your dog with dog allergies? Look no further! Try this homemade dog treats recipe. It’s wheat free and uses healthy ingredients like barley flour and oat bran.

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