Differentiating The Many Differnet Kinds Of Canine Allergies

Canine allergies usually cause symptoms in the skin. The primary symptom is itching, but seborrhea, skin infections and hair loss are also common. Canine allergies are basically symptoms manifested as a result of a dog’s immune system working hard to get rid of outside substances.

Canine allergies are a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system of a pet to a particular substance called an allergen. Most allergens are proteins.

Skin problems are the most common reaction to allergens but it can also affect their respiratory and digestive systems. The dog may develop, round, raised hives and could develop face swelling(typically injected).

Skin allergies have been linked to vaccinations, environment, food, and other pets around them. Sneezing, runny eyes, rough patches of skin and refusal to eat or play, could all be additional signs of a canine allergic reaction. Skin or serum (blood) testing for different allergens may then be performed to help pinpoint the exact cause.

Allergies are responses to a vast array of outside influences on the dog which the dog becomes unable to cope with, resulting in food or skin allergies. Obviously stings and flee bites do not come under this category.

Allergies cannot be cured but allergy symptoms can be treated and controlled. This may require making changes in your environment or behavior to avoid or reduce your exposure to certain allergens. Allergic signs may be seasonal, depending on the cause of the allergy.

Treatment: The majority of dogs with flea allergy dermatitis can be cured by eliminating fleas on the dog and controlling fleas in the environment. All pets in the household, even those who are not affected, must be treated simultaneously to eliminate fleas.