There are various types of allergens that can trigger an allergic response in your dog. You will learn more about each of the common dog allergies as we move through this series. Today let’s take a look at some of the most common types your dog might suffer.
First, let’s define what an allergen is:
Allergen – an allergen is anything that can trigger an allergic reaction
Common Dog Allergies
Seasonal Allergies
This is the most common cause of itching and scratching in dogs. The culprit is usually the pollen floating around in the environment, and mostly tree and grass pollen. Pollen from flowers do not seem to be much of a problem. Seasonal allergies usually appear three to four weeks in the spring and about the same amount of time again in the fall. During these time you may find your dog sneezing more often.
Food Allergies
Your dog can develop an allergy depending on the diet she is being fed. It can be caused by a particular brand of dog food, or by individual ingredients in the dog’s diet. One of the more common dog allergies from food is a reaction to protein. The symptoms are usually vomiting and diarrhea, although food allergies in dogs can trigger hot spots and other skin problems as well, including hair loss.
Food is usually one of the first things people think causes their dog’s allergies. But only about 15% of dog allergy cases are actually caused by food.
Fleas and Other Parasites
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in the spring and summer months, chances are that she will be bitten by fleas and insects. Dogs can develop a reaction to an insect bite which will cause to bite and scratch their itchy skin. These bites are usually from fleas, but they can be from mites as well as other types of insects. Dogs and mosquitoes can also be a problem.
Mold
Living in a hot and humid climate, or a rainy and wet climate can cause your dog to suffer from allergies. This is because moist climates usually causes mold, and dog can be allergic to mold, which usually causes them to itch and scratch.
Allergies to Other Animals
Just like how you and I can be allergic to a cat or a dog, so too can your dog be allergic to another animal. They can be allergic to cats, and even other dogs as well. Birds and other furry pets can also cause dog allergies. This is something that can easily be overlooked, but remember that it can happen.
Contact Allergy
This type of allergy is known as contact dermatitis. It usually manifests as hives, rashes, or other spots in the area where the skin made contact with the antigen. Substances such as cedar chips, wool, and even certain plastics can trigger an allergic reaction. One of the most common culprits is your dog’s bed, because of the filling inside. Sometimes, your dog can also be allergic to the material your carpet is made from.
These are the most common dog allergies that you will encounter. Of course, there are so many more things that can trigger an allergic reaction in your dog, but there are way to many to mention.
Dogs and Allergies is a series of articles discussing the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various types of dog allergies. Move on the next article, Symptoms of Dog Allergies, or go back to the previous article, My Dog Has Allergies.
Our dog seems to have allergies but is vomiting as well. She vomited in the fall and we changed her food. That seems to be under control but this week she is acting off and vomiting small amounts of water and phlem. She is eating grass, which is funning because it seems her trouble started right after we mowed for the first time this season. If anyone has any suggestions please help. Our vet puts her on prednisone each time I complain of issues. which seems to help some but I am really trying to figure this out.
Interesting list. I never thought about my dog being allergic to another dog. I’d be pretty sad if Stetson was actually allergic to my other dog Linus.
I wonder if people are ever allergic to other people…
Hey Colby,
Nice to see you stopping by again. Pretty interesting when you think about your dog being allergic to another right? But yeah, they can be allergic to the dander from other dogs.
Now my wife does say she may be allergic to me sometimes, but that’s a story for another day and another blog
.
Omar