For anybody that has ever suffered from an allergy, you will know just how frustrating it can be. It not only puts a downer on your mood, it can also impact you on the outside. The same goes for our furry friends.

What are some of the most common dog allergies?

Our dogs can be allergic to a lot of things. The most common allergens are fleas, bites, stings, beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit and fish. It isn’t unusual for your pet to be allergic to more than one of these things.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

Some symptoms that may be shown are itchiness, hives, swelling, red and inflamed skin, diarrhoea, vomiting, sneezing, continuous licking or itching ears and paws etc. If you notice any of these symptoms, there are a few things you can do in order to try and treat them.

How do you treat an allergy?

The best way to treat an allergy is to find out what it is that it is causing it and avoid your dog coming into contact with the substance. However, this isn’t always easy – if at all possible.

If you think the allergy could be diet related, you will need to start off by reviewing your dog’s diet and making some small changes. Eliminating various foods until you notice a change in your dog’s behaviour can often treat food allergies.

However, the allergy doesn’t have to be food-related. For example, if your dog has fleas, you will most likely need to apply a gentle but effective flea killer product.

Herbal treatments can be great for dogs that are suffering from allergies. They are great for treating allergic reactions to bites and stings.

Remember, just because your dog has any of the symptoms listed above, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is an allergy. You should seek veterinary advice if they do not improve or get worse.