Common Types of Allergies in Dogs
Allergies aren’t just something that humans experience; dogs can react to allergens as well. Allergies are unfortunately common in dogs of all different breeds and backgrounds, but the majority of dogs affected are over age one or two. Here are the most common types of allergies that affect dogs.
•Flea or Insect Bites
-An exaggerated inflammatory response to an insect bite or sting (mosquitoes, ants, bees, etc.)
-Flea saliva is the most common insect allergen, causing flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
•Inhalant Allergy
-The main inhalant allergens are tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, molds, mildew, and house dust mites
-Causes itchy skin in dogs on the face, feet, or the underarms
-Treatments: anti-inflammatory therapy, shampoo therapy, hyposensitization or desensitization therapy
•Food Allergy
-Most commonly develops in response to a particular food origin: dairy products, beef, wheat gluten, chicken, chicken eggs, lamb, soy
-Symptoms: itching, digestive disorders, respiratory distress
-Treatment requires identifying the offending dietary components & eliminating them
•Contact Allergy
-Results from direct contact to allergens (pyrethrins in flea collars, pesticides on lawns, materials in carpets or bedding)
-Symptoms: skin irritation & itching at the points of contact, usually feet or stomach
-Treatment requires identification & removal of the object
