Canine Allergies - Five Types of Allergies in Dogs

Humans aren't the only ones that can develop allergies because dogs can too. There are five common types of canine allergies. They include flea, food, contact, inhalant, and bacterial. Let's take a look at these different types of allergies in dogs.

Food

One of the first things that your dog can be allergic to is food. Most allergic reactions to food cause diarrhea and vomiting. However, skin reactions can occur in some cases. Some of the common foods that dogs can be allergic to include wheat, corn, dairy, beef, lamb, and oats. This type of allergy can take a while to become a problem.

Fleas

One of the most common types of canine allergies is to fleas. Instead of being allergic to the flea itself, your dog will be allergic to the flea's saliva when bitten. The affected area will swell, itch, and turn red. This will prompt your dog to scratch at the area constantly which causes hot spots and hair loss. As most dog owners know, controlling fleas in the environment can be extremely difficult, so this type of allergy can be very troublesome.

Contact

Allergies in dogs can also occur when something touches their skin. Common culprits include topical medications, carpet, and bedding. Some dogs can also have a reaction to flea collars. This type of allergy usually causes redness and pus-filled welts. It can be prevented by recognizing the problem material and keeping your dog away from it.

Bacterial

Canine allergies can also be caused by bacteria. Dogs have various species of bacteria present in their bodies that normally causes no harm. However, some dogs can develop an allergy to this bacteria and be prone to infections. The main symptom is hair loss that looks very similar to canine ringworm. Treatment involves giving your dog antibiotics.

Inhalant

One of the final types of allergies in dogs is the inhalant variety. It is characterized by a reaction to something that your dog breathes in. Common substances include mold, dust mites, and pollen. Since some of these substances only occur seasonally, your dog will only have problems at certain times of the year. Other substances are present throughout the year, so they can cause problems anytime.