do dogs get allergies?

Question

my sister says no ,I say yes, what do you say?

Answer 1

Dogs And Their Allergies


A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching and scratching incessantly. So much so, he had worn away a lot of his fur. She took him to the vet suspecting fleas; as it turned out, he was allergic to wheat which is in many dog treats and foods.

When we started our dog treat business, we gave out some samples to dog owners we know and she had to turn them away so her beloved Snoopy wouldn't get sick.

Many dogs have problems with wheat, onions and garlic. If your dog has any strange behaviors or illnesses following consumption of a new food or treat, you may wish to consult your veterinarian to rule out an allergy.

Other items that your dogs should NEVER EVER eat, but would if given the opportunity, is CHOCOLATE! Chocolate contains harmful chemicals theobromine, caffeine and theophylline. If consumed, death is not certain but a trip to the vet will perhaps be necessary. We use carob or yogurt chips to offer a sweet and safe alternative.

In the meantime, we at Abby's Dog Treat Bakery have developed several wheat, garlic and onion free treats as we believe all dogs should have access to delicious, wholesome, home-baked treats.

J.R. Mercier is a freelance writer and is co-owner of Abby's Dog Gift Baskets and Abby's Dog Treat Bakery. Abby's is web-based business founded on a healthy, happy, dog and dog owner.

Answer 2

Yes dogs do get allergies.



Allergy
Contents


Allergies and the Itchy Pet




Overview of Allergies in Dogs


What Are Allergies, and How Do They Affect Dogs?
Aren't There Several Types of Allergies?




Inhalant Allergy

What Is Inhalant Allergy
What Happens When a Dog Inhales Something to Which It Is Allergic?
What Is Causing My Dog's Allergy?
What Is Meant by 'Seasonal Allergy' and 'Year-Round' Allergy?
Can My Dog's Seasonal Allergy Become Year-Round?
How Is Inhalant Allergy Treated?
My Dog Has Fleas. Couldn't That Be Causing the Itching?
My Dog Has a Terrible Odor. Is That Related?
The Itching Did Not Stop as Expected. What Does That Mean?




Flea Allergy

What is Meant by the Term 'Flea Allergy'?
What Does This Reaction Do to the Dog?
What Is the Proper Treatment?




Food Allergy

What Is Food Allergy?
What Foods Are Likely to Cause an Allergic Reaction?
Isn't a Lamb-Based Food Supposed to Be Hypoallergenic?



Skin Parasites (Mange)


How Does a Parasite Cause Ringworm?
How Prevalent Is Itchiness Due to Mites (Mange)?
Can Serious Cases of Demodicosis Be Treated Successfully?
Are There Any Other Mites That Cause Mange?



Copyright ©1996 HomeVet

Allergies and the Itchy Pet


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Pets that scratch excessively may be allergic to something. Some pets are affected at certain times of the year, while others have problems all year. Pets may be allergic to such things as flea bites, pollens, molds, grasses, trees, wool, tobacco smoke, certain foods, and even other pets. [For the latest pollen count in your area, see the National Allergy Bureau Report . Use your browser's BACK BUTTON to return to this page.] Regardless of the offending agent (allergen), the main signs are scratching and chewing the skin, which may result in extensive skin damage. The damaged skin is then highly susceptible to bacterial infection.

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What Are Allergies, and How Do They Affect Dogs?


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One of the most common conditions affecting dogs is allergy. In the allergic state, the dog's immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed. These overreactions are manifested in three ways. The most common is itching of the skin, either localized (one area) or generalized (all over the dog). Another manifestation involves the respiratory system and may result in coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be an associated nasal or ocular (eye) discharge. The third manifestation involves the digestive system, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.


Aren't There Several Types of Allergies?


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There are five known types of allergies in the dog: contact, flea, food, bacterial, and inhalant. Each of these has some common expressions in dogs, and each has some unique features.

Answer 3

Yes, absolutely. Dogs get skin allergies, etc. Some breeds are more allergy prone than others. The breeds that are lower to the ground (smaller pooches) tend to suffer from allergies more often. Some can even have allergies to certain foods.

Answer 4

I have worked as a vet assistant for awhile and yes dogs and cats can have allergies to anything from food to everyday things just as dust, etc ( just like humans). Most of the time they are on a special food and some even require daily injections to help keep them under control.

Answer 5

Yes indeed they can have allergies. We rescued a little shih tzu mix that had terrible allergies both to foods and enviroment. He had such bad food allergies, which often manifests in constant licking of the paws and rubbing face on floors, furniture etc that we tried almost every type of dog food and finally had to go to a barf diet of strickly raw foods, veggies and fruits in order for him to be symptom free. He also had to have seasonal shots to help him through the summer time when the pollens were high.

Answer 6

Yes they can. Some can be mild where you give benadyrl or some can be very bad that require cortisone shots and a lot of medications to control them. Pets with severe allergies smell bad all the time. There are some pets that don't suffer from allergies but when they move to Texas (where i work) it flairs up. It can be from plants, trees, or food allergies. Food is very common.

Answer 7

They can suffer allergies the same as us. To fleas and flea bites, dust mites, bee stings, foods, trees, grasses, molds, and cats (truly), etc. Basically, anything that we can be allergic to. They also can have many other human ailments such as cancers, thyroid, liver disease, musculoskeletal disease such as arthritis, joint problems and knee ligament tears, and dental disease.

Some signs of allergy are excessive scratching and licking, redness ( I like to call this pink dog syndrome) and hairloss. Other causes of these symptoms such as fleas, mange, and thyroid issues should be ruled out.

Some allergies can be controlled by dietary changes or omission of some foods completely. Some times antihistamines (Benedryl) and steroids are needed. Mild shampoos rather than harsh brightening ones are helpful. Severe allergies may require the expertise of the veterinary specialist. Testing can be done to determine the largest contributors to the allergic reaction and a cocktail, deliverable by injection, can be custom-mixed to help build up the dogs tolerance of these environmental allergens.

Answer 8

Dogs can most certainly get allergies. Some of the most common allergies are to food. Ask your vet for more inoformation on what allergies in dogs are like and what signs to look for. Themost common sign of allergies ina dog is red paws, they will lick at their paws a lot and even sometimes chew on them causing hotspots.

Answer 9

I know for a fact that dogs can get allergies. I know of a dog that has seasonal allergies.

Answer 10

Absolutely. My dog is on two meds for seasonal allergies. Food allergies are pretty common too.