What Causes Dog Skin Allergy

If your dog has a skin allergy, he is miserable. The itching leads to biting and licking which in turn leads to infection and pain. So what causes dog skin allergy?

A dog tends to show its allergies on its skin. These can be allergies to pollen or other airborne particles, or allergies to food. Either way, the skin will usually be where the symptoms show up. The way it happens is that the dog's immune system will develop antibodies the first time it comes into contact with the substance. The next time the substance is around, the antibodies overreact.

The antibodies signal to the system to produce a chemical that in turn bonds to cells in the skin. The result is that histamines, chemicals that makes the body itch, are released. Therefore, the itching of a dog skin allergy is basically a disorder of the immune system. But because of the itching, the dog develops other skin irritations, inflammations, and infections.

So what causes dog skin allergy to flare up? What are some of the most common allergens for dogs? Pollen is at the head of the list, just like it is for humans. Dogs can also be allergic to mold, dust mites, and even cat dander. Some dogs have contact dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction that is set off by a particular substance touching the skin. Some fabrics and topical medicines are culprits.

Dogs can also be allergic to some food ingredients, but perhaps it would be more appropriate to call these food sensitivities than allergies. Protein foods, like beef, soy, and milk are often indicated when looking for foods that set off allergy symptoms. Sometimes certain foods can cause a dog digestive problems, too, like gas or vomiting.

It would be nice if a dog owner could simply eliminate the dog's exposure to the allergen. Sometimes this is the case, but often the allergen is all around, as in the case of pollen. Frequent vacuuming of the house can help, as can using an air purifier. Anti-itch shampoos and sprays make the condition more tolerable. Food supplements, like fatty acids or fish oil, can also help correct the problem.