Contact Allergies

This allergy is the least common of all canine allergies. The symptoms include redness, swelling and itchy skin. Similar to inhalant allergies in that the dog is allergic to certain things in it's environment, however the reaction to contact allergies is not so severe. The common causes of this allergy are bedding, plants, flea collars, plastic food bowls and pet sweaters.

To diagnose contact allergies, all other allergies need to be ruled out. If the symptoms continue you vet will take your pet through a series of test to determine what is causing the reaction. The best way to treat the allergy is to then remove all causes of it from the dog's environment. If this cannot be done totally, fatty acids, shampoos and antihistamines can be used to control the itching and swelling.