Like humans, dogs can get allergies, too. As a reaction, humans tend to sneeze, while dogs tend to itch. Allergies are relatively common in dogs. Dogs can be allergic to various substances, which are called allergens. Allergens, when absorbed or inhaled through the skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, stimulate the immune system resulting in inflammation, with signs such as reddening of the skin, skin itchiness, or swelling.
Allergic reactions in dogs may be triggered by several environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, grass, dust mites, feathers, chemicals, pests, cigarette smoke, medicines, etc.
Signs that you need to watch out for to know if your dog is having an allergy may include itchy skin, scratching, licking, face rubbing, loss of fur, recurrent skin and ear infections, and gastrointestinal signs.
The most common causes of allergies in dogs are flea allergy, food allergy, and contact allergy. However, allergies can also be hereditary. So, it’s always a good thing to ask your breeder before getting a puppy or a dog. Some allergies may also develop later in life when your dog’s immune system becomes sensitized to a particular allergen.
Frequent allergy flare-ups must be brought to the attention of your veterinarian Kerrville TX.
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