An allergy is simply a reaction the dog’s body has to a protein called an allergen. Most allergens that affect […]
An allergy is simply a reaction the dog’s body has to a protein called an allergen. Most allergens that affect dogs are from pollen, other animal dander, plants, and insects. When the dog’s body is exposed to one of the many allergens, the immune system reacts, or in most cases overreacts, and causes a hypersensitive state.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
- Excessive itching and scratching
- Excessive grooming
- Mild to moderate rash on belly
- Watering eyes
- Scratching ears
- Rubbing face to itch eyes
- Sneezing
- Chewing feet
- All areas of skin become pink and inflamed
- Hair loss
Your veterinarian will most likely do the following: skin allergy panel, IgE allergy test, food trials.
If your dog has specific flea allergies, the best prevention is monthly flea control. If your dog has food allergies, the obvious prevention is a permanent diet change. If your dog has environmental or seasonal allergies, the only real prevention is the use of allergy injections that will desensitize the dog to the environmental allergens and decrease reactions.