June 2000 Allergies A care sheet reproduced with permission from the Pug Rescue of San Diego . Allergies are an abnormal immune reaction by the body to everyday substances. Allergic skin reactions can be confused with other type of dermatitis. Special skin tests may be required to determine the type of dermatitis present.
Proper diagnosis is important for proper treatment.
Allergies can occur at any age, but the most common age when allergies begin is between 2 and 5 years. Allergic problems tend to be inherited. The common signs of allergy are foot licking and chewing, face rubbing, ear rubbing, ear inflammation, watery eyes and generalized chewing. Many allergic pets have combined allergic diseases which generally worsen aging. Each allergic category can require special diagnostic procedures and the treatment is slightly different for each.