Common Dog Allergies and How to Spot Them

Common dog allergies include allergies to food ingredients, airborne irritants and contact dermatitis. Here's some of the more common dog allergies, and their symptoms:

  • Seasonal Allergies appear for three to four weeks during the spring and fall. They are characterized by sneezing, coughing and a runny nose, all of which clear up on their own once the allergy season ends.
  • Food Allergies are allergies resulting from certain food ingredients. Some of the common ingredients are beef, corn, wheat and soy. Food allergies are usually characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, and may be accompanied by hair loss.
  • Contact Dermatitis is a contact allergy to substances such as cedar chips, wool and even plastic. These allergies are characterized by hives and rashes that appear in the area where a dog's skin made contact with the allergen.
  • Inhalant Allergies result from a dog inhaling airborne irritants, including dust and mold. These allergies are characterized by chronic sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose that does not meet the above descriptions of a seasonal allergy.
 

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