Skin issues are one of the most common reasons for a dog to be brought to the veterinarian. In dogs, allergies are displayed through various skin problems. This can be confusing for owners, as most people associate allergies with sneezing, hives or watery eyes.
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Allergens
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Just like their human companions, dogs can be allergic to just about anything, from a specific food ingredient or dye to environmental elements such as pollen, trees or grass. Dogs can also be allergic to rubber, plastic, fabrics, insect bites and dust.
Symptoms
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In dogs, allergies cause skin discomfort in the form of excessive scratching, rubbing the face against furniture or chewing on the skin or paws to relieve itching, hair loss and mutilated skin.
Blood Tests
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There are two tests used to diagnose canine allergies, one of which is a blood test. With a blood test, a sample of the dog's blood is subjected to potential allergies until the blood produces a reaction.
Intradermal Tests
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The other type of test is known as an intradermal test. In this test, your vet shaves a patch of skin and injects allergens into the skin to test for a visible reaction.
Treatments
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Since allergies in dogs are relatively common, there are a variety of treatment options available, including antihistamines, fatty acid supplements and various topical itch relief solutions.
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