Allergies in Dogs

 Does your dog have allergies? It is interesting how dogs experience many of the health issues that humans do, including allergies.

Dog allergies can include skin allergies, dog food allergies (particularly corn and soy), house dust and dust mites, ragweed, molds, pollens and others.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Dog Allergies

Symptoms of dog allergies include your dog licking her paws, scratching her body or pawing at her ears (due to inflammation). In severe cases, you dog may have oozing hot spots on her body. Allergies may be seasonable or your pet may suffer all year round, depending on the allergen.

How to Avoid Allergens

Avoiding allergens should be the first step in treating your dog's allergies. If you suspect your dog may have allergies, see your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you dog is allergic to dust mites, vets suggest you use a plastic cover over your dog's bed, use a waterproof liner to keep mites from getting in the bed, avoid letting your dog on upholstered furniture and avoid stuffed animals. Dogs with dust mite allergies do best in uncarpeted rooms. Be sure to vacuum very frequently.

If you dog has allergic reactions to pollens, keep him out of fields and tall grasses. Keep your lawn cut short and keep your dog indoors during days with high pollen counts.

How Are Allergies Treated in Dogs?

Typically, mild allergies are treated with soothing shampoos liked oatmeal shampoo, vitamins containing essential fatty acids to help stop itching and keep skin from getting dry. Hydrocortisone spray or shampoo may also help to relieve itching. Check with your vet for other recommendations.

Best Dog Breeds If YOU Have Allergies

If you suffer from dog allergies, the following dog breeds may be a good choice for you because they don't shed much, or have hair rather than fur: Terrier, Chinese Crested (hairless), Italian Greyhound, Maltese (has coat similar to human hair), Shih Tzu (has hair rather than fur), Poodle (little shedding). Other popular low-breeds are crosses with Poodles such as the Cockapoo and Labradoodle. Keep in mind that no dog is completely non-shedding, except perhaps hairless breeds!
About the Author

Valerie Goettsch is web master of My Favorite Dog, a website featuring dozens of articles and information on where to find the best of everything for your dog, from flea meds to beds, training and designer clothes.

 Valerie Goettsch

More Articles 

Basic Dog Training - Amy Howells
If you have a new dog or puppy, you may be interested in getting some basic dog training. Dog training can be taught by an obedience instructor, or you can do the dog training yourself. Dog training with an obedience instructor can vary in price...

Unique Gifts For The Dog Lover - Dee Marie
Run out of ideas and trying to find that extra special gift for the dog lover in your life? Don't worry any longer. Have a look at these unique dog lover gifts and let them spark your creativity. You could even combine a few ideas and make...

17 Tips That'll Safeguard You and Your Family From Dog Bites or Attack - Robin Shortt
Did you know that more than one million north americans will be bitten by dogs this year, and about one million dog bites will go unreported. Its sad but most of the victims will be children. These dog bites will come from animals known to them....

Dog Grooming - John Moore
Dog Grooming & Routine Care All dogs need regular grooming. It improves the appearance of short coated dogs, and is essential for those with long coats. It also does much to stop unwanted hair on the furniture and carpets. Start as soon as you...

Best Dog Accessories - Jack Russell
People need accessories to accentuate the beauty of a certain thing. Though, there are times that they buy accessories in order to protect the product against harmful elements in the environment. All of these concepts go the same way when...

Thyroid illness in cats and dogs - Nick Carmichael
Common clinical signs of hypothyroidism in dogs include weight gain, lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance and poor coat quality. However, the disease affects almost all body systems and as a result a wide variety of signs can potentially be...

Making Your Dog Win In Sled Races - Jack Russell
So, you decided to train your dog win in sled races. Here are some tips to do it. 1. Provide dry and clean bedding. If you want to have a winning dog, provide him first with a clean and complete house. It is your duty and...

Wormy Dogs? - Understand Dog Worms Infestation and Their Symptoms - Moses Chia
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to be of a spontaneous origin, brought about by the influence of heat upon decaying vegetable matter, and it was and still is freely asserted that puppies are born with dog worms inherited from the...

Does Your Dog Have Allergies? - Mike Nalbone
Many people don’t realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United States alone suffer from one allergy or another, with flea allergy dermatitis being the most common...

Dog Health Advice: Fur Isn't Such a Good Sunscreen - Joel Walsh
You might think the most important bit of dog health advice would be to let your furry loved on spend all day enjoying the outdoors. But you'd only be half-right. You know we must protect our children and ourselves and from the sun....