Identifying Dog Skin Allergies
When one considers skin problems they most likely think of those years as a teenager
where pimples such as acne swelled up in the most unfortunate places. We were all victims to it, too. Getting that terrible pimple right before school picture day or the big dance was a high school kid's worst nightmare. However, when one thinks of skin problems they probably are not focusing on the different types of allergies out there. And, if that's the case, then they are certainly not focusing on dog skin allergies.And that's the truth of the matter that many do not realize, and that's that dog skin allergies can be just as critical a concern as human's.
Not to mention the fact that dog skin allergies have symptoms that might actually just appear to be regular dog behavior. Let's be honest, when was the last time you looked suspiciously at a dog scratching its ear? With all that hair covering up their actual layer of skin, it can be a difficult game to detect rashes.
Unfortunately, this is exactly how dog skin issues present themselves. A dog could pick up an allergic reaction from absolutely anywhere while day after day goes by and no owner realizes. Actually, it would an odder circumstance for the dog to not be scratching themselves. Why should there be anything wrong if this is happening?
However, dog skin allergies can surface from a range of factors.
First of all there is the ever popular intrusion of fleas. These usually cause the greatest form of scratching for a dog. As well, this is the assumed problem for most dogs. That said, one might just go ahead trying to treat an allergy problem as if it is just another flea problem.
How did those reactions occur? Simple, from allergens in house dust, in pollen outside, or just grass outside that the dog was rolling around in. It's almost impossible to tell what triggered it.
Lastly, there are your basic food allergens. These can result from the brand of food you have your dog on, whether it is wet food or raw food. Or, they can result from giving your dog that table scrap he or she begged so intently for.
Of course, just to give a swift overview of some particular symptoms to these reactions, we'll mention the big ones. First there is the increase in scratching in a particular spot, possible swelling around the eyes, and lastly hives, which often appear like rashes.
And that's it. Now, we know this means you have a whole other can of worms to work with, but it is for good measure. By having a handle on dog skin allergies, one can hopefully prevent distress for their dog and bolster the kind of life he or she leads. We think that is something that counts.
by: jennifergretson