Can you recognize some of the most common dog allergies?

Let’s see together what the symptoms to watch out for can be.

Normally allergies of our 4-legged friends can be of three types:

-of the respiratory system which can cause difficulty in breathing, bronchitis, rhinitis, pneumonia.

-of skin that can cause itching, skin or contact dermatitis, hives, food allergies.

-gastrointestinal diseases that cause vomiting, diarrhea, colitis and gastritis.

In dogs, the allergy develops as a result of prolonged contact with an allergen which in itself can be a harmless substance. If the animal predisposed remains exposed to it for a long time, an allergic reaction may occur.

Some breeds of dogs are more subject and exposed to develop certain allergies than others.

For example, white-haired dogs like the West Highland White Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the English Setter seem to be more sensitive to skin allergies. The Golden Retriever, on the other hand, has a high incidence of gastrointestinal allergies.

If you notice that your quadruped friend often sneezes, vomits, has diarrhea or cough, a visit to the vet is advisable. It will be subjected to a test by which it will try to trace the allergic substance that disturbs the animal.

Veterinarians try to examine the family history, using skin and blood tests, introducing a new or altered diet and sometimes, temporarily removing a dog from its natural environment.

Finding the specific cause that causes dog allergies is not always easy. To give immediate relief, therefore, veterinarians prescribe antihistamines and essential fatty acid supplements.