You may be surprised to find out that your dog can suffer from many of the same types of allergies that you do, although they may be a little harder to diagnose. In some instances, the allergy may go undiagnosed, any may be treated as a separate problem, such as an ear infection, but in many cases, an allergy will be the underlying cause that led to the condition.

Most studies conclude that the most common type of allergies that dogs suffer from is airborne allergies, such as pollen and mold. Some dogs may suffer from seasonal symptoms, while others may seem to suffer non-stop, depending on the particular type of airborne allergy they have, and how severe it is. No two dogs are likely to experience the same allergy symptoms, but in general, you should look for the following:

• Scratching or shaking the ears, or even frequent ear infections
• Scratching or rubbing the nose and face
• Runny, yellow discharge from the eyes or nose, or red, watery eyes
• Biting, licking, or chewing on the toes or nails
• Skin rashes or pigmentation changes of the skin

Some dogs do some of these actions out of habit, so they alone may not be a definite sign of an airborne allergy, but if you see if frequently, it may be a good idea to mention it to your vet, just to be on the safe side.

The next category of allergies that your dog may have are foodborne allergies. Just as we may have reactions from certain foods, your dog may have the same problem. The most common triggers of foodborne allergies are tomatoes and fish, but many dogs are also bothered by soy, corn, and wheat, which can be found in many commercial dog food products on the market today.

The symptoms of a food allergy may not always be easily seen, since they are common dog behaviors, scratching, biting, and licking. Ear and skin infections are also common, and many may cause digestive issues, such as nausea or diarrhea. You may feed your dog the same brand of food for years, and all of a sudden he is unable to tolerate it anymore. If you suspect a foodborne allergy, talk to your vet, who will most likely put your dog on a special diet, to try and determine the exact allergen that is causing the symptoms. Once the triggers are determined, you will just need to learn to read labels on the foods that you purchase for your dog, to make certain they are safe for him.

Your dog could also be allergic to many common items in your home, such as cleaners, deodorizers, flea products, or even the filler in the dog bed he or she sleeps on. The symptoms of a contact allergy are much the same as the other types of allergies mentioned, but may be linked more towards skin irritations. Your vet may prescribe allergy medications for your dog until the exact trigger can be found, along with topical creams that can help alleviate skin symptoms.

Once the source of your dog’s allergies can be found, it is fairly simple to treat the symptoms. The problem is that in many cases, the symptoms are treated, but not the underlying problem, so that the dog repeatedly gets sick and suffers from the same symptoms.

by Cristy & David Giacomini - Holistic Dog (www.holisticdog.com)
For your dog’s mind, body & soul.

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