German Shepherd Allergies - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful but may provoke allergic reactions in some. Dogs are not exempt from allergies and similar to humans, they can also suffer from skin irritations and other forms of allergies. Pet owners should be aware of the symptoms of allergies in their German Shepherd. Allergic reactions among dogs manifest in the skin, unlike humans who typically experience irritated eyes, coughing and repetitive sneezing. Allergies in a German Shepherd may be due to genetic factors or can be specific to your dog, and symptoms may vary.

The three main types of allergies that can affect a German Shepherd including flea bites, food allergies, and inhalant allergies. In all situations, the skin will often become irritated and will turn into a bright red shade. Swelling of the inflamed area will follow and your pet may bite, lick, and scratch the skin. Food allergies are common for dogs particularly those that are fed certain types of commercial dog foods. One sign of a food allergy in your dog is hair loss and your pet may also cough, sneeze and rubs its eyes.

To prevent skin allergies in your German Shepherd it is important to give effective flea and tick medications as a preventative regime. These help to avoid flea bites and any associated disease or infection. For other types of skin allergies, the skin can be treated with a soothing cream conditioner. If your pet is suffering from food allergies, try to avoid commercial foods which have additional grain fillers. The safest grain is rice, while soy, corn and wheat, could be a source of allergy.

Processed meats should not be consumed by dogs as they contain substances that your dog may not be able to metabolize. One good method is to prepare your pet's food yourself. The food you supply your pet should come from a trusted pet store and from the natural pet food section, which contains no artificial ingredients or fillers.

Observe your dog for signs of irritation, particularly if symptoms occur in certain environments, as this may suggest that they are allergic a specific environmental allergen. Common sources of inhalant allergies are pollen, dust, or specific scents such as perfume. If you need fresh air, then it is advisable to open your window rather than use air fresheners in the home as these can be a common cause of allergies. Where possible, try to make use of all natural cleaning products.

Recognizing signs of allergies in your pet helps you to address symptoms at home. Treatment may be as simple as a change in diet, although in some cases medications may be needed. In this case your veterinarian will carry out allergy testing and prescribe specific treatments to help address your pets allergies, and to prevent worsening of symptoms.