What Are The Main Symptoms Of Dog Skin Allergy?

Dogs react to different conditions as their immune system responds to body contact with foreign substances which are exposed to them. This reaction process that affects them is what we call dog skin allergy. It is one of the most common conditions that affects many dogs and is usually manifested by itchiness but if it involves the respiratory system, it may result to coughing, sneezing or wheezing. This sometimes can also be accompanied by nasal or ocular discharge or in the digestive system whereby vomiting or diarrhea may occur.

There are five types of allergies in dogs namely

1. Contact Aversion
2. Flea Aversion
3. Food aversion
4. Bacterial aversion
5. Inhalant Allergy

Contact Dog Skin Allergy

If your dog is suffering from itchiness, it is most likely suffering from contact hypersensitivity resulting from reaction of the skin to flea collars or to some kinds of bedding like wool. This will leave your dog with skin irritation and itching in different areas.

Flea Allergy

Usually dogs experience minor irritation due to flea bites which might pass without scratching. However dogs react severely when flea saliva is deposited to the coat where it produces an extremely itchy sensation. If your dog then scratches or chews on itself, this will lead to removal of large amount of hair. This in turn will leave open sores or scabs on the pelt, indicating flea aversion. Flea hypersensitivity further invites another bacterial infection which occur especially on the tail.

Bacteria Allergy

Bacteria Aversion is another common occurrence in dogs. This is caused by Staphylococcus (Staph) bacteria. There are many species of this bacteria that live on normal dog hides. When your dog develops an aversion to this bacterium, the dog will experience hair loss which looks much like ringworm infestation and is often between a half and two inches in diameter.

Inhalant Allergy

Dogs can be allergic to inhaled allergens that also affect humans like pollen from trees such as ash, cedar and oak, etc. Grass pollen and especially Bermuda, weed pollen, molds, and mildew in the house. Many of these reactions occur seasonally when there is a lot of pollen. Others occur all the time especially if caused by molds, mildew, and house dust mites. If your dog inhales any of these allergens, it might experience severe but generalized itching. This is why this dog pelt aversion is referred to as inhalant.

Can food cause Dog Skin Allergy?

Your dog can develop aversion to food even when it has taken it for a long period of time. Such an aversion is caused by your dogs response to the protein component of the food such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Dog skin allergy from food also produces the symptoms previously mentioned including itching, digestive disorders and respiratory distress.

Identifying the dog skin allergy will require careful observation. If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, there is a high possibility of an allergic reaction. You should therefore take it to a vet or call one and describe all the symptoms you have noticed. Remember, preventive care is often better than finding a cure when it is too late.