When many of us think of the phrase "dog allergies," a human allergic reaction to dogs is often the first thing that comes to mind. Yes, some individuals can suffer from dog allergies, but that same phrase can also be used to describe allergies that plague dogs. Yes, your beloved pet may be suffering from allergies. What are the most common dog allergy symptoms and can you provide your pet with relief?

Itching. There are many different types of dog allergies, including those brought on by food, airborne allergens, and flea saliva. Although the symptoms can sometimes vary depending on the type of allergy in question, itching is always common and present. Seasonal scratching in dogs is common, but constant out-of-season scratching is not. In fact, your dog itches themselves so much that a rash forms. A noticeable rash is another one of the many dog allergy symptoms you should be on the lookout for.

Rashes. As previously stated, rashes are brought on by constant itching. These two dog allergy symptoms go hand-in-hand. Where the rash appears will typically depend on the type of allergy they are suffering from. For example, dogs that suffer from a food allergy usually have rashes on their neck or face. On the other hand, dogs that have a reaction to airborne allergens, like pollen, will develop a rash where that allergen made contact with the skin. This can be anywhere on their body.

Hair loss. It can sometimes to be hard to tell if a dog is itching too much and some rashes aren't as noticeable. The most prevalent sign of dog allergy is hair loss. This is also caused by constant itching and the rash developed. Dogs should not have patches of bald spots on their body. If yours does, they may be suffering from a pet allergy.

Biting. Although most dogs will itch themselves when faced with an allergy caused by an airborne allergen or flea saliva, others don't get enough satisfaction from doing so. They step it up and start biting themselves. As with itching, biting can also lead to hair loss and rashes, as well as bleeding open wounds.

Upset stomach. When dogs eat something that doesn't agree with their body, they will display dog allergy symptoms that are similar to humans. It is common for a dog to vomit and pass gas. These symptoms are not common in a reaction due to an airborne allergen or flea saliva, so you can usually determine right away it was caused by food.

The above mentioned dog allergy symptoms are the most common. If your dog has these symptoms, schedule an appointment with their vet. As with humans, your pet does not have to deal with pain and discomfort any longer. There is help available for canines with allergies.