ALLERGIES

   Allergies are the Immune system’s reactions to a substance that enters your dog’s body.

So your dog will usually need to come into contact with this substance more then once to have an allergic reaction.

Dog’s immune system, like our own, is there to protect us from things like viruses and other irritants that get into our bodies. The immune system fights or builds a resistance to these substances. The immune system releases histamines that will cause your dog’s allergic reaction. The reaction can be instant or delayed.  Your dog could have allergies to food, fleas, or environmental allergies which could be either an inhalant or contact.

The most common symptoms of allergies, are itching, and chewing themselves incessantly. Allergies cause most of the skin ailments in our dogs.

The allergen is the substance that has invaded your dog’s system and is what your dog is reacting to. An allergen could be anything from bacteria, bug bites, dust, foods, molds, pollen or viruses.

There have been many studies on inhalant allergies. This type of allergy usually occurs in dogs one to three years of age. Certain breeds seem to be more susceptible, like  Chocolate Labradors, West Highland Terriers, Border Collies, and Dalmatians. But any breed of dog can be affected. Dogs that have allergies due to breathing in pollens are called Canine atopy. Atopy is an extra sensitivity to inhaled allergen. Typically your dog starts scratching around the same time every year; usually late July early August through September. Atopy is a harder allergy to deal with because you can’t easily eliminate the offending allergen. The uses of Antihistamine therapy may prove useful.

You can booster your dog's immune system with omega fatty acid also Vitamin E to promote  healing and Evening Primrose helps with some allergy symptoms. Talk with your vet for the best options for you and your dog.