Did you know, just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies too? It's something that we don't think too much about as we believe allergies is a human affliction but true enough, dogs are prone to allergies as well. A whopping twenty percent of dogs in the US suffer from one form of allergy or another.

Common dog allergies can be broken down into three categories: skin allergies, food allergies, and inhalant allergies

The most common type of dog skin allergy is flea allergy dermatitis. The signs and symptoms to observe would be persistent itching from the dog and discoloration of the skin. With inhalant allergies, be on the lookout for coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and mucus discharge. For food allergies, the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and lethargy.

Pet owners can get over the counter medications in pet shops to treat their dog allergies but it is best to consult a veterinarian first to ensure the actual cause of the problem. The allergic reaction might be a sign of a more serious ailment or perhaps a more potent remedy is required. Or, another scenario could be that it's not an allergy at all. The last thing you want to do is misdiagnose your dog and cause it more harm than good.

The best course of action if you suspect your dog has allergies is to consult your vet. The vet can provide a variety of tests to determine if an allergic condition exists, the degree of severity and provide a course of treatment. For instance, if a dog has an allergic reaction to certain foods, a new diet will need to be prescribed with the culprit foods would be banned from daily consumption. And, if your pet suffers from fleas and ticks, the vet can recommend a dog flea treatment. Moreover, and perhaps just as important, a flea prevention program would be discussed as well.

Having allergies is something that humans can relate to. It is not a fun experience to have skin allergies, inhalant allergies or food allergies; the itching, the runny nose, the upset stomach and the general malaise. If this is the case, we would expect proper medical treatment for ourselves so how can we deny man's best friend any different? Take your dog to see a veterinarian for their professional opinion and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your dog will be happier and thank you for it.