Unfortunately allergies affect dogs and their owners alike. They are a lot more common than people believe. From food allergies, flea allergies, and even allergies to grass, pets today are exposed to a wider range of potential allergens in their environment.

The way in which allergic reactions are presented can and will vary between each dog. However, the majority of allergic reactions will take the form of dermal itching. In severe cases dogs might develop upper respiratory reactions in the form of sneezing, coughing, and discharge from their eyes and nose. Dogs who fail to receive adequate treatment for their allergic reactions could develop a more severe cough coupled with a wheeze that could ultimately develop into pneumonia. Dogs with skin reactions to their allergens are prone to hair loss and almost obsessive chewing that can leave them with open sores in an effort to ease the itchiness. Dogs with large ears that fold over, like Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Shih Tzus are known to develop an increased buildup of yeast in their ears, as a reaction to an allergen, which will oftentimes develop into an infection.

Your first course of treatment should be a visit to your veterinarian who can perform a range of simple blood or skin tests to determine the type of allergy involved. In the case of a suspected food allergen, your veterinarian may suggest a restricted food elimination diet for your dog and place him on a prescription non-allergen food until you can determine what the allergen is. Once the allergen has been identified, it is then a matter of removing it from your dog’s environment or food. Treatment can include over the counter antihistamines to help provide relief from the itchiness; in more severe cases your veterinarian is likely to suggest a course of treatment that involves steroids.

Whatever the cause, the best course of treatment for your dog is one that will provide relief from the misery caused by allergies.