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There are a number of symptoms that are indicators of dog allergies. Allergic reactions can be caused by a variety of environmental factors, and it can be difficult to tie the symptoms to an exact cause. If you notice a change in your dog’s coat or appetite, it may be caused by the presence of an allergen. Discuss any symptoms you have noticed with your vet to decide if allergy testing is right for your dog.

If your dog is itching more than usual or if the thickness of the fur has changed, get in touch with your vet to talk about the possibility of dog skin allergies. Other common signs include frequent ear infections and paw licking, and the presence of either is cause for a visit to the vet. Familiarize yourself with aliments that are common to specific breed to aid in finding a cause.

The presence of dust or mold in a dog’s environment can be the root cause of the symptoms. Take special care to ensure your dog’s favorite spots are free of dust, and install an air cleaner to remove airborne particles. Wash a dog’s bedding frequently to rid it of dust, and check regularly for flea or tick bites, which can also cause irritation.

Options for dog allergies treatment include allergy shots. They can be expensive, but give good results and may result in a symptom free dog in a few months. Before going forward with shots, a vet will prescribe an allergy panel to isolate the specific allergen affecting your dog to tailor the treatment.

If skin allergies are not the issue, dog food allergies may be the problem. Lethargy, reduced appetites, and digestion problems are common indicators of allergies to food ingredients. Ear infections and itchy patches could also be caused by a food, not skin, allergy. Allergies can show up at any age, so even if your dog’s diet is the same as it has always been, it could be the source of the problem.

Elimination diets are the most common way to diagnose food allergies. A dog will be fed a restricted diet, with each ingredient in the food catalogued and controlled. Many of the ingredients present in commercial dog foods are also known allergens. Dogs can be allergic to proteins such as fish, beef, lamb or chicken and grains like corn, wheat, or soy. Vets often start an elimination diet by giving dogs lean meats like venison, duck, and slowly reintroducing ingredients that are more common. When the dog allergies symptoms start again, you have found the offender.

Hypoallergenic dog food is available commercially, and may be recommended for dog allergies treatment. A vet is the best source for procuring this food and it can often be ordered directly through your doctor. This food is typically more expensive than standard food options, and often features organic ingredients. If cost is a factor, use online recipes designed for dogs to make food from scratch. Though time consuming, it can be the best way to known exactly what your dog is eating. For persistent symptoms, talk to your vet about steroids or antibiotics to help in the treatment of dog allergies.

If you’d like to learn more about dog allergies, visitDogTipsDaily.com now. Dog Tips Daily has lots of helpful tips and information on raising and caring for a well-adjusted and healthy dog.