Husky Allergies – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

With a thick coat, piercing eyes and a powerful look, the Siberian husky makes for a beautiful dog. Allergies are not common in this breed although some may be genetic and can occur at any stage in your pet's life.

The most common allergies in the husky are:

• Contact Allergy
  The skin exhibits allergy symptoms almost immediately. Your pet could be allergic to household detergents, carpets, fabrics or even the smoke from a cigarette. Any contact with these substances will trigger an allergy. A little observation makes it possible for you to identify the allergen. Avoid exposure to the allergen and keep your pet free from allergy. If it is the household cleaners or their own shampoo that is causing the allergy, change it. If contact with carpets, fabrics or plastic, triggers the allergy do not let him come in contact with these. You may change his bedding fabric if he is allergic to it.
• Atopy
  This is the most common kind of allergy in this breed. It is usually seasonal when the pollens in the environment increase. These pollens could be from grasses, weeds, or trees. Inhaling these may cause an allergy where your dog may find it difficult to breath or you may hear a wheezing sound when he breaths. The smoke from cigarette may also trigger the allergy when inhaled. If your pet suffers from a dust allergy it can be an all year around problem. Protect your pet from these environmental factors to prevent the allergic reaction.
• Food Allergy
  A food allergy is basically intolerance to certain foods. The immune system becomes over stimulated and this is described as sensitivity to food or intolerance to foods. The most common foods that cause allergy in Huskies are pork, beef, lamb, chicken, soy, corn, and dairy products. Your pet will show allergy symptoms on ingestion of these substances. As a pet owner, you must try to identify what food is causing the problem and remove that from your pet's diet.

Symptoms

• Muzzle, chin and area around the eyes becomes reddened with hair loss
• Rubbing or scratching the face against furniture
• Ears are inflamed and red
• Unusual discharge or wax buildup in ears
• Bad odor from ears
• Scratching the ears
• Ears become sensitive when touched
• Skin becomes crusty, oozes, signs of infection
• Excessive licking or chewing of skin
• Hair loss with discoloration
• Scratching the belly or hind against furniture, carpet
• Feet become inflamed and red
• Chewing of paws

Allergies are caused when the body is sensitive or intolerant to any substance. This substance is called an 'allergen'. There is no cure for allergies as they are usually genetic. Only the symptoms of the allergy can be treated to prevent your pet from further misery. The Husky is the most popular family dog because of their loyalty and temperament. Keep your pet healthy by grooming him regularly and looking for symptoms of an allergic reaction.