Human beings are not the only ones who suffer from allergies, dogs do too. If you are close to your dog, whenever it is sick, you feel its pain also. Dogs are commonly affected by allergies, which comes in many forms. Although there are many warning signs and symptoms, unfortunately, many pet owners doesn’t automatically recognize these. Your dog may show different symptoms, depending on what type of allergy she has. Learning to recognize these signs will help you to quickly provide the help that your pet needs.

Types of Dog Allergies

There are various types of allergies that typically affect dogs. Some of the symptoms that are obvious are scratching, chewing of the legs, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, skin patches and constant licking of the skin. The allergies that are at the top of the list include atopy or environmental allergy, contact dermatitis and food allergies. It is possible for your dog to have more than one allergy at a time. Bringing your dog to the vet is the best way to determine the type of allergy that your pet is suffering from.

Environmental Allergy

Dogs are affected by the same allergens that affect us, whether is indoor or outdoor allergens. The allergens that typically affect dogs from inside the home are dust mites and molds. These can bring out more severe symptoms during the winter months. The most common outdoor allergens are ragweed or pollen from trees. You may notice that there are certain times of the year when your dog show more allergy symptoms. For example, during the months of April and May, certain trees release large amount of pollen into the air, which can travel long distances.

Food Allergies

There are certain types of food that can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. This type of allergy is usually more difficult to determine than the others. Your veterinarian will inform you of the type of diet to feed your dog. By gradually eliminating certain foods, you are more likely to find out which foods are not safe for your dog to eat. Dogs suffering from food allergies often have frequent bowel movements, accompanied by vomiting. Other symptoms include itching of areas such as the feet, the face and other parts of the body.

Contact Dermatitis

Some dogs are allergic to things such as carpets or certain types of cleaners. A dog that is allergic to these may show signs such as uncontrollable scratching, bumps and loss of hair. As soon as you suspect or notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet to get her evaluated. Taking quick action will save your dog from these unbearable discomfort.