Allergies in Dogs:
Learn the Triggers

Allergies in dogs are chronic and ongoing. They can be triggered by many things, including:

• Flea saliva
• Vaccine reaction
• Food (especially milk products, beef, corn and wheat)
• Herbicides and pesticides (including topical flea and tick preventives and weed killers used in your yard)
• Air-borne allergens such as pollen, ragweed and dust
• Household cleaners

An allergic reaction (an immediate, extreme response such as hives and difficulty breathing) can also be triggered by any of the above, but is most likely to be caused by:

• Bee, hornet or wasp sting
• Spider bite

Allergies in dogs often develop by the age of three and worsen with age, if left untreated. If you have allergies, you know firsthand there is no cure for them; the goal is to control them. That's where your veterinarian comes in. You will need to work closely with your vet to determine the cause of your dog's allergies. Once the cause has been determined, your vet can offer suggestions for treatment.

If your dog's scratching is seasonal, veterinary dermatologists suggest bathing your dog weekly during spring and summer to wash allergens such as pollen from the coat and skin before they cause an allergic reaction.

If your vet determines your dog suffers from airborne allergies such as dust, you can reduce the likelihood of triggering a reaction by dusting and vacuuming your home weekly and invest in an air filtration system if you can afford it.

Visit the following pages on this web site for additional information on canine allergies, including treatment. The information on this web site is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a professional veterinarian.

Dog Allergy Symptoms
Dog Food Allergies

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