Dog allergy - What are Dog Allergies?
Just as the humans suffer from allergic reaction, so do the dogs. There are varieties of reasons which lead dogs to develop allergic reactions. But the main perpetrators which weaken the immune system causing allergic reactions, are very few. And once the dog is hypersensitive, it will begin to react with normal things which normally a healthy and strong dog would be least bothered about.
Dogs react towards those allergens which also cause allergic reactions among humans. Therefore, to a certain extent, the symptoms suffered by dogs are almost similar to that suffered by humans except for the fact in human, it is respiratory process and in dogs, it is the skin that is mainly targeted.
Dust mites are another cause of allergy among dogs. It causes the same reactions that are common among humans and so it is important for the dogs to be kept in a dust free environment.
There are several environment substances that trigger allergy among dogs such as the seasonal allergens (grass, tree, weed pollens etc), molds, insects and other materials that are prevalent in the house atmosphere. Flea allergy is also a common form of allergy. When the saliva of the fleas is deposited on the skin of the dog, it produces a reaction which causes severe itchiness and leads the dog to chew and bite the infected area.
One of the major causes of dog allergy is the commercial food that is being fed. Various types of fillers, proteins, fibers etc. are added to the dog food and are rarely taken care of. And only some dogs respond to food allergy. It is as difficult for the dogs to deal with it as humans find it difficult to deal with the food allergies.
Inhalant or atopy allergy is another common type of allergy which is caused by the allergens such as pollens, molds and house dust mite. But unlike the symptoms that it produces in humans, in dogs it causes severe itchiness.
Bacterial allergy, which is usually, caused by the staph bacteria, causes hair loss in the affected area and develops ringworm like structure on the skin. And finally is the contact allergy which is not very common. It occurs very rarely and makes the dog to develop allergic reaction when they are in contact with the collar belt or bedding or cotton or any sort of synthetic material.
Allergies are a major source of discomfort among humans, so imagine how would the dogs cope up with such a discomfort? Thus, it becomes a must do task to take care of your dog and get it treated from allergic symptoms, which you can easily do it at home by taking a little extra care of your pets.
