Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to certain environmental elements and even foods. Our furry friends may not know how to communicate with words, but there they sure show signs of discomfort like itching, fever, and hair fall. A responsible pet parent should keep an eye out for such signs of allergies in their pets to ensure timely treatment. Here are some of the most common types and causes of allergies in dogs.
- Skin allergies
Also known as allergic dermatitis, this is one of the most common types of skin allergies in dogs, and the three main causes are:
- Flea allergy dermatitis due to fleabites
Flea saliva can cause an itchy reaction on the dog’s skin, causing your canine to develop inflamed, red, and even scabby skin. You may even see the fleas on your pet’s skin and fur in the case of a severe infestation. - Food allergens
Food allergies are caused by certain ingredients in your dog’s food, which can cause itching or trigger gastrointestinal symptoms. - Environmental allergens
Dust, pollen, and mold can also cause itchy and inflamed skin. They can trigger seasonal allergies as they are present in high levels in the air at specific times of the year, but excessive exposure can also lead to other types of allergies like yeast and bacterial infections due to exposed wounded skin.
- Food allergies
While food is among the most common causes of allergies in dogs, it is not the same as food sensitivity or intolerance. Allergies trigger an immune response that results in hives, facial swelling, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea, or a combination of more than one of these symptoms in dogs. In severe cases, food allergens can also trigger anaphylaxis.
Pet parents should notice any signs of allergies when feeding their dog as mild cases can often go unnoticed. It is important to know the ingredients that don’t sit too well with the dog. The best way to understand your dog’s allergies is to keep an eye out for any signs and immediately consult a vet for treatment.
- Acute allergic reactions
An acute allergic reaction is the most alarming kind of allergic reaction. Dogs can experience an anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen.
The most common causes of these allergies in dogs could be bee stings or vaccine reactions, so pet parents should keep dogs under observation after administering a new medication or vaccine. Fortunately, this kind of allergic reaction is rare among canines, but it’s best to monitor them for any signs as it could be fatal if left untreated.
Dogs may also develop hives or facial swelling after coming in contact with an allergen. That said, swelling of the throat, lips, eyelids, face, or earflaps is rarely fatal and can be treated with an antihistamine.
