Allergies are becoming more and more common with people and dogs, particularly food and scent allergies. What are some clues your dog could be allergic to something?

Widespread dog allergy symptoms can include:

• Itchy, red, moist or scabs on the skin
• Increased scratching
• Ear infection Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy back or base of tail (most often this is a flea allergy)
• Itchy ears & ear infections
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Snoring caused by a swollen throat
• Paw biting/licking/swollen paws
• Rubbing the face
• Incessant licking

The most destructive of these dog symptoms is scratching, because your dog can scratch herself raw, which can eventually lead to secondary infections, excessive shedding, and hair loss.

What Could Your Dog Be Allergic To?

• Tree, grass and weed pollen
• Cleaning products
• Prescription drugs
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Dander
• Feathers
• Rubber & plastic products
• Cigarette smoke
• Food ingredients
• Fleas and flea-control products
• Perfumes Fabrics
• Shampoo products

How to Identify What Your Dog is Allergic to:

Are your dogs allergies seasonal or do the allergy symptoms for your dog seem to happen all year round? If the symptoms are all year round, one thing you can try is to switch out your dog's food. The most noticeable symptoms for dog food allergies are licking, scratching, and a variety of skin problems.

Have you not to long ago made a change in your dogs routine since the allergy symptoms started? You may need to check the above allergy list one by one and try to make changes until you have singled out the cause.

Remember, even though your dog might have the above issues, he may not have allergies. He may be having problems from any number of other medical conditions, such as fleas, worms, or hormonal disorders. See your veterinarian to be sure.