Pet Skin Doctor

An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to allergy-causing substances known as ‘allergens’ or ‘antigens.’  Many skin diseases seen in dogs are caused by an allergy and like people, it is common for dogs to develop allergies at any age. 

Though dog allergies are common, they need to be taken seriously and diagnosed as quickly as possible.  Your dog’s case history will help with diagnosis as well as the intensity and location of the itching and / or lesions. Trials of special hypoallergenic diets may be used to diagnose a possible food allergy. Response to flea control treatment may be used as a method of diagnosing a possible flea allergy.  Blood tests are also available to diagnose allergies, but their use is more controversial. Ask your veterinarian for current recommendations.  Remember, also like people, allergies may be controlled in most cases, but rarely ‘cured.’