Allergies in Dogs

by E-NewsCast Team
November 29th, 2009

Does your dog have allergies? It is interesting how dogsexperience many of the health issues that humans do, includingallergies.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 AllergiesSymptoms 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 yearround, depending on the allergen.How to Avoid AllergensAvoiding allergens should be the first step in treating yourdog’s allergies. If you suspect your dog may have allergies, seeyour vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.If you dog is allergic to dust mites, vets suggest you use aplastic cover over your dog’s bed, use a waterproof liner tokeep mites from getting in the bed, avoid letting your dog onupholstered furniture and avoid stuffed animals. Dogs with dustmite allergies do best in uncarpeted rooms. Be sure to vacuumvery frequently.If you dog has allergic reactions to pollens, keep him out offields and tall grasses. Keep your lawn cut short and keep yourdog indoors during days with high pollen counts.How Are Allergies Treated in Dogs?Typically, mild allergies are treated with soothing shampoosliked oatmeal shampoo, vitamins containing essential fatty acidsto help stop itching and keep skin from getting dry.Hydrocortisone spray or shampoo may also help to relieveitching. Check with your vet for other recommendations. Best Dog Breeds If YOU Have AllergiesIf you suffer from dog allergies, the following dog breeds maybe a good choice for you because they don’t shed much, or havehair 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 theCockapoo and Labradoodle. Keep in mind that no dog is completelynon-shedding, except perhaps hairless breeds!

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