Does it seem like there’s a major uptick of dog allergies lately? So many dogs are itching and scratching, or licking their paws incessantly, throughout every season. It’s no fun for them … or you.
Dog allergies are one of the top reasons for vet visits and google searches. They can be tough to diagnose and even get rid of.What’s interesting is that dogs can be allergic to the very same pollen and other allergens as humans, but their symptoms can be different or even harder to spot.In some dogs, allergies worsen as they age (compared to children, who often outgrow their allergies over time).
Let’s look at some common types of dog allergies and causes for itch.
COMMON DOG ALLERGIES
Dog allergies can cause everything from skin symptoms to respiratory or digestive issues. Allergies themselves have many causes, even in dogs. The main ones in dogs are environmental allergies and food allergies.
Environmental Allergies and Atopic Dermatitis
Your dog can have an environmental allergic reaction to any substance they may encounter, such as grass, mold, pollen, and dust. These allergens are typically inhaled, although some dogs will develop contact allergies to things like shampoos, plants, or specific chemicals. Affected dogs are often very itchy and will lick, chew, and scratch all over.
