Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergy symptoms can be quite confusing to some pet owners, as some humans will confuse the type of allergy symptoms they have in comparison to dog allergy symptoms.  If you think, as a pet owner, that your dog may be struggling with dog allergy symptoms, then it is important to familiarize yourself with the common signs of dog allergy symptoms. Depending on what type of dog allergy symptoms your dog suffers from, the signs and symptoms may vary slightly. Here are some of the more common dog allergy symptoms and signs to be on the look out for:

Dog Allergy Symptoms Broken Down

Dog allergy symptoms can be particularly distressing to a dog if untreated.

Dog Allergy Symptoms #1 — Itching

Itching is a common sign of dog allergies, flea allergies and/or dog food allergies. If your pet is abnormally itchy, then you will observe your dog chewing, biting, licking or gnawing at certain parts of his or her body. The location of the biting may help pin point if your dog is suffering from some form of dog skin allergies or dog food allergies. The most common areas where a pet struggling with dog allergy symptoms will be located near the:

- Abdomen
- Paws
- Face
- Ears
- Hindquarters and groin

When it comes to dog allergy symptoms, dogs do tend to naturally lick the affected or “allergic” areas. Flea allergies usually result in the dog attempting vigorously to itch and scratch his back and hindquarters. Contact allergies will result in abnormal levels of itching in areas where the pet has less hair coverage, such as the arm pits (where the inside of the legs join the main body) and the abdomen. Atopic allergies will typically result in your dog scratching his face, feet and chest.

Dog Allergy Symptoms #2 — Raw Paws

Some dog allergy symptoms are often mistaken for something else.  For a dog that has been gnawing on his or her paws, you will notice that the paws usually have a reddish brown color, and they may appear raw or, in more severe cases, they may even be bloody.  If there is no visible cut on the foot, or noticeable cause of irritation, then don’t forget about the possibility of dog allergy symptoms.

Dog Allergy Symptoms #3 — Sneezing

Of all of the dog allergy symptoms, sneezing is typically the number one sign of any sort of atopic (inhalant-related) allergies, though in rare cases it can be a sign of your pet suffering from contact dog allergy symptoms. Sneezing is usually accompanied with a clear discharge that may be coming from the eyes or the nose.  The eyes may show signs of excessive tearing.

Dog Allergy Symptoms #4 — Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be a tell tale sign of many different dog diseases and illnesses, but it can also be a one of the most telling of the dog allergy symptoms that will tell you that your dog is suffering from food related dog allergy symptoms. If you suspect your dog is suffering from dog food allergies, switch to a more bland type of food and see if that makes any difference to his stools. Dog food allergies also are usually accompanied by itching and scratching, and occasionally lethargy and fatigue.

Dog allergy symptoms are easily mis-understood by the novice pet owner, and interpreted as something all together different.  Take time to hone up your knowledge base on dog allergy symptoms so you can find quicker relief for your pet should they struggle with allergies.