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One day, your dog seems perfectly healthy, and the very next, you see your dog is allergic to something. Persistent scratching or red, inflamed skin may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Sometimes it’s very frustrating, as you would wonder what could be the allergen, and how did my dog get allergic to something? If not treated on time, these allergies can result in serious health complications. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common allergies in dogs, their symptoms, causes, and treatment.
\n\n\n\nAn allergy is a state of over sensitivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance that is normally harmless. Like humans, dogs can also be allergic to various substances called allergens. This allergen could be a plant particle, chemical, flea, or food.
\n\n\n\nThis allergen is inhaled or absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract. After repeated exposure, the immune system may become sensitized to the substances and respond more forcefully the next time they are encountered. This results in inflammation, leading to skin redness, swelling, and itching.
\n\n\n\nAlthough allergies can affect dogs of any breed or age, some dogs have a genetic predisposition that makes them more vulnerable to developing allergies.
\n\n\n\nWhen your dog is allergic to something, it doesn’t always look the same, since there are many types of allergies that affect your dog differently, such as skin, digestive, respiratory, or others. Common signs of allergies in dogs include:
\n\n\n\nSome of these symptoms could also indicate another condition. In rare but serious cases, a mild allergic reaction can progress to serious complications that require immediate veterinary attention.
\n\n\n\nThere are various factors that contribute to different types of canine allergies. Let’s explore some of the common causes of allergies in dogs:
\n\n\n\nThe flea is the most common insect allergen that causes flea allergy dermatitis in dogs. This reaction is an allergic response to proteins (antigens) found in flea saliva. Even a single bite can trigger intense itching that causes the dog to bite and scratch itself, causing hair loss, wounds, and secondary skin infections if not treated in time.
\n\n\n\nEnvironmental allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, occur when a dog’s immune system reacts to tree pollens (e.g., cedar, ash, and oak), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed), molds, mildew, and dust mites. These allergies can develop seasonally or year-round, depending on the allergen. Usually, most dogs with atopic dermatitis start showing signs between one and three years of age.
\n\n\n\nFood allergies are typically caused by specific proteins found in food (such as beef, pork, chicken, eggs, corn, dairy, wheat, soy, or gluten). Although, true allergies to food additives are considered uncommon. Food allergies can develop at almost any age. Some dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels, are more susceptible to developing food allergies.
\n\n\n\nContact allergies are less common than the other types. They occur when a dog’s skin reacts directly to something it has contact with, such as flea collars, lawn chemicals, shampoos, house cleaning products, or certain materials such as wool or synthetics used in carpets or bedding.
\n\n\n\nThere is no single test that confirms the allergy. Your veterinarian may perform a detailed test of your dog to rule out other conditions that can look similar to the allergies. If allergies are confirmed, they may:
\n\n\n\nFlea allergy dermatitis is typically the easiest to diagnose, as your veterinarian may check for fleas on your dog’s body.
\n\n\n\nFood allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet for 8 to 12 weeks.
\n\n\n\nEnvironmental allergies are difficult to diagnose, as there is no single test available that can positively identify the condition. Instead, it is diagnosed based on breed, signs, and disease history, such as age when the signs first started and response to treatment.
\n\n\n\nAfter diagnosis, treatment usually depends on the underlying cause and severity of the allergies. Many dogs benefit from a combination of treatments. Below are some treatments for canine allergies that your vet may recommend:
\n\n\n\nMany dogs are sensitive to multiple allergens, which are hard to avoid, especially with environmental allergens. Whenever possible, reducing exposure to known allergens can lessen flare-ups that may occur over time.
\n\n\n\nAnti-Inflammatory Therapy: There are treatments to control inflammation and manage itching during flare-ups that may help manage the allergic reaction in most cases. Depending on your dog’s condition, your veterinarian may recommend anti-itch oral and injectable treatments, steroids, antihistamines, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
\n\n\n\nTopical Therapy: It requires regular bathing with medicated or hypoallergenic shampoos or medicated wipes, sprays, mousses, or creams.
\n\n\n\nImmunotherapy: This allergen-specific immunotherapy attempts to increase a dog’s tolerance to environmental allergens rather than simply controlling the symptoms.
\n\n\n\nFlea control is one of the most effective ways to treat flea allergies in dogs. There are highly effective flea preventives available, ranging from oral chews and tablets to topical spot-on treatments and flea collars that allow you to treat a flea-infested dog.
\n\n\n\nIn severe cases, home treatment is also required, which helps create a flea-free environment for dogs and other pets. Your veterinarian may recommend an appropriate flea treatment based on your dog’s age, weight, flea exposure, and health condition.
\n\n\n\nAlso Read: Flea & Tick Treatments (Oral/Topical) or Flea & Tick Collars? Which is Ideal for Pets?
\n\n\n\nThe most accurate way to treat food allergies is an elimination diet trial using a veterinary hypoallergenic diet. During this treatment, dogs are fed novel food ingredients that provide a balanced and nutritionally complete diet and do not contain any food allergens.
\n\n\n\nDuring the elimination diet trial, dogs must eat only the prescribed diet. Any treats, table foods, flavored pills, or toothpaste can interfere with the results. An alternative to an elimination diet is a prescription diet that contains hydrolyzed proteins.
\n\n\n\nIn severe cases, constant scratching can damage your dog’s skin barrier, allowing bacteria and yeast to grow. Antibacterial and antifungal shampoos may be recommended, and it requires specific veterinary treatment in addition to allergy management.
\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts
\n\n\n\nCanine allergies are manageable. Once the allergen, whether a flea, pollen, or food, is identified, many dogs enjoy a good quality of life with appropriate care. These allergic signs can be similar to other health conditions; it is recommended that you work closely with your veterinarian. They provide customized solutions based on your dog’s overall condition. Long-term management plans for allergies can keep your dog happy and healthy!
\n\n\n\nNot all dog allergies can be prevented, especially those influenced by genetics. Pet parents can reduce the risk by following a recommended treatment plan, consistent flea prevention, checking for any early allergic signs, and regular vet check-ups.
\n\n\n\nIf you see your dog having persistent itching for along time with hair loss and recurring ear infections, schedule a veterinary visit. If you find your dog having severe allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties or facial swelling, seek emergency veterinary care.
\n\n\n\nHere is the list of breeds predisposed to developing allergies: Chinese Shar-Peis, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, and West Highland White Terriers.
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