Dog Allergies
What kinds of allergies can dogs suffer from?
- Environmental Allergies - caused by airborne allergens like grass, pollen, trees, dust, mold, dust mites, etc.
- Flea and Tick Allergies - caused by a hypersensitivity to the saliva from fleas and ticks, dogs will have an allergic response when bitten by these parasites
- Food Allergies - allergies to proteins in the food, most commonly to animal based proteins (chicken, beef, etc.) but can also be to plant based protein (pea, wheat, corn, etc.)
- Contact Allergies - allergies to things that can come in contact with the skin, most commonly fabric softeners, laundry detergent, carpet cleaners, etc
What are the differences between environmental, food, and flea allergies in dogs?
The main difference between environmental, food, and flea allergies in dogs is the underlying cause. However, some symptoms can also vary between each cause of allergies.
Dogs with environmental allergies will often be generally itchy with red inflamed skin but with localized areas to the paws, belly, armpits and ears; they may exhibit frequent licking, chewing, or scratching; they can often have recurrent or frequent ear infections; these typically have a seasonal cycle to them (getting worse in the spring and/or fall)
Dogs with food allergies often have year round symptoms including generally itchy skin, chronic ear infections, digestive issues varying from vomiting to diarrhea to gas. They can sometimes have poor coat quality.
Dogs with flea allergies can experience intense itching, especially at the lower back or base of the tail which can result in hair loss and scabbing, as well as red and inflamed skin.
How do I know if my dog has allergies?
If your dog experiences frequent scratching or licking, redness of the skin, or recurrent ear infections they may have an underlying allergy. A thorough evaluation and physical examination with your veterinarian can help determine the source
What steps will a veterinarian take to diagnose a dog with allergies?
Diagnosing allergies is based on thorough history, physical examination, and testing. Testing can include skin impressions to rule out infection, food elimination trials, ear cytology, and treatment for fleas.
What aspects of my dog’s health can be affected by allergies?
- Skin allergies in dogs - chronic allergies in dogs can lead to chronic inflammation, hair loss, pigmentation formation, hot spots (skin infection), and more. Chronic allergies can also lead to weakening immune systems, increased stress and anxiety due to chronic discomfort and more.
- Dog eye allergies - allergies can also affect dog’s eyes casing red, watery or itchy eyes, swelling around the eyes (allergic conjunctivitis), and eye discharge
- Dough allergy cough - while less common, allergies can manifest with respiratory symptoms. These can range from sneezing or nasal discharge, coughing or wheezing, and reverse sneezing.
Can allergies in dogs lead to other health complications?
Yes, allergies in dogs can lead to several health complications. Chronic allergies weaken the skin barrier, disrupt the immune system, and lead to secondary conditions.
Some potential complications include secondary skin infections, chronic ear infections, acute moist dermatitis (hot spots), gastrointestinal issues including inflammatory bowel disease, weakened immune system, behavioral changes and anxiety, ear hematomas, asthma like symptoms
Can allergies in dogs cause behavioral changes?
Yes, allergies in dogs can cause behavioral changes, mainly due to discomfort, pain and frustration from constant itching or other symptoms.
Common behavior issues include increased irritability and aggression, anxiety and restlessness, lethargy and withdrawal, excessive grooming or self-mutilation, changes in appetite or drinking habits, and sleep disturbances.
What are some common dog allergy triggers?
Common allergy triggers in dogs include environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold spores, dander from other animals, household cleaning products, perfumes, air fresheners, scented candles, cigarette smoke), food allergens (chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, lamb, soy, wheat, corn), flea allergy (flea saliva, flea dirt), and contact allergens (rubber or plastic, fabrics, household chemicals).
How can I tell what the source of my dog’s allergies is?
A thorough history and physical examination with your veterinarian can help narrow down sources of allergens, as well as identifying the pattern of symptoms (seasonal or year round) and distribution of skin lesions (paws, ears, base of tail, etc).
Do I need to see a veterinarian if my dog has allergies?
Some mild allergies can be managed at home with regular bathing with medicated shampoos, wiping paws and underbelly after trips outside, regular ear cleanings, as well as washing toys, bowls and bedding regularly. However, some dogs have more severe allergies and do need medical management.
What treatment options are there for dog allergy relief?
There are many treatment options for dogs with allergies including medications to manage itching and inflammation, flea prevention, prescription food elimination trials, omega fatty acid supplements, environmental management, and managing any existing secondary infections.
Are there any home remedies for dog allergies that are safe to use?
Home remedies for dog allergies can have limited benefits, and in some cases can make the issue worse. The use of topicals such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar can cause skin irritation and make infection worse.
Regular bathing with an unscented oatmeal based or medicated shampoo, wiping paws and underbelly after trips outside, stoping any licking or chewing by use of an e-collar, and the addition of an omega fatty acid supplement can be most beneficial.
Are seasonal allergies in dogs common?
Depending on location, seasonal allergies can be quite common in dogs. Especially in the Pacific Northwest where a wide variety of plants grow and seasonal variation does not effectively reduce pollen counts, many dogs suffer from seasonal allergies.
How frequently do I need to do a dog allergy treatment for my pet?
The frequency of treatment for allergies depends on the source of the allergen. Regular maintenance to prevent allergy flare ups is recommended to reduce long term stress on the immune system and keep your dog happy and healthy. This can include at home care including omega fatty acid supplements, bathing with medicated shampoos, and wiping paws/underbelly after each trip outside. But many dogs do need regular medication administration including effecting monthly flea prevention to adequately control allergy symptoms.
What is immunotherapy, and can it help with my dog’s allergies?
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment designed to reduce your dog’s sensitivity to allergens. It is the only treatment that can change the immune system’s response to allergies, rather than just managing symptoms.
What should I do if my dog has an allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions can be life-threatening and your pet should be seen by a veterinarian. If you notice your dog has facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing please seek emergency care immediately.
Need to schedule an appointment for your dogs allergies?