Why is your dog scratching so often? It may not be his desire to wake you in the middle of the night, but rather dog allergies. Many dogs are susceptible to them and most owners have no idea their dog may be suffering. There are hundreds of possible types of dog allergies, just as there are for humans. However, you may be able to pinpoint the problem from one of the most likely causes. By learning the cause, you may get the treatment your pet needs.

What’s Causing Them? The following are some of the most common causes of pet allergies. If your pet is experiencing these, they could have itchy skin, rashes or even more severe reactions depending on their level of sensitivity.

• Could it be their food? Many dogs have food-related allergies, though this is not a true type of allergy. Rather, the pet just may be sensitive to some types, especially types of proteins or grains. Wheat gluten is a common cause of itchy skin.

• Mold may be an issue. For some pets, exposure to mold is a problem. This happens in any high-humid spaces where the air does not seem to dry out. Be sure to sanitize the dog’s surroundings and keep it mold-free.

• Are seasonal allergies possible?If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may be wondering if you pet does as well. It is the most common cause of sneezing, in fact. A scratch test done by a vet may be the best way to find out.

Other potential causes of allergies include the cat (yes, dogs can be allergic to cats) and insects. Some fabric fillers, shampoos and medications can also be the cause. The good news is by learning about these, you can learn how to keep your pet safe from them through avoidance.