The allergies I am talking about has nothing to do with hay fever or runny noses but instead skin issues. If your dog is constantly itching and scratching, losing hair at key sites on his or her body, and licking excessively you may be dealing with an allergy.

Allergies are a major cause of skin disease, discomfort and distress in dogs. Puritis or intense itching is the most characteristic sign of allergies. The itching is caused by the release of histamines from mast cells located throughout the body. Hair loss, redness and skin infections may result secondary to the allergy.

The treatments include antihistamines. This is a good time to take your dog to your vet for consultation and treatment.