Guide to Allergies in Dogs
Studies reveal a quarter of all dogs experience some type of allergic reaction during their lifetime. Allergic reactions in dogs are triggered by various things such as ingredients in their food, bug bites, pollen, and other environmental triggers. Are you concerned your dog is having an allergic reaction? This guide will help you understand allergies in dogs and explain treatment options.
Causes of Allergies in Dogs
Allergies are the immune system reacting to a substance it considers to be dangerous entering the body. For example, the immune system recognizes pollen as being dangerous so it floods the body with histamines to remove the substance. The histamines often cause allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and a runny nose.
Common Types of Allergies in Dogs
There is a wide range of things that cause allergies in dogs such as environmental, skin, and food.
Here are common types of allergies in dogs:
- Food allergies – This allergy is caused by ingredients found in your dog’s kibble, canned wet food, or treats. The most common offenders include dairy products, beef, wheat, lamb, and chicken. Sometimes aging dogs can develop allergies to the food they have eaten for years.
- Skin allergies – An irritant that touches the skin such as shampoo, flea bites, and bee stings causes skin allergies in dogs. The point of contact usually appears red and creates a rash.
- Environmental allergies - Environmental allergens to mold, pollen, mites, pollution, and dust mites are common in dogs.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
Allergic reactions in dogs cause symptoms that are noticeable to pet parents. Keep a lookout for the following symptoms in your dog.
- Ear infections – Itchy ears that cause excessive scratching and sometimes whimpering are an obvious sign your dog is experiencing an ear infection. A subtle symptom is an odor coming from the ear that is almost unbearable to smell.
- Itchiness – The most common place a dog itches excessively when experiencing allergies is the ears. However, itchy eyes and various places on the body also become itchy.
- Licking – Almost every pet parent has seen their dog lick themselves from time to time but allergy-related licking is excessive and highly noticeable.
- Sneezing – Environmental allergies are often the cause of excessive sneezing. This type of sneezing involves a few sneezes in a row or several throughout the day and night.
- Lethargy – Dogs often experience low energy levels due to feeling exhausted from allergy symptoms.
- Digestive problems – Vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive problems in combination with an ear infection are major symptoms of food allergies.
- Anaphylaxis – This is a serious reaction that is often triggered by a snake bite, bee sting, or specific ingredients in food. Symptoms usually happen suddenly and include diarrhea, loud breathing, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, blue-toned gums and tongue, or a swollen face. Professional help is needed immediately if your dog experiences anaphylaxis.
Did you know dogs under the age of six months rarely experience allergies? Instead, allergies usually appear as a dog ages. This means as a pet parent, you need to keep a close eye on your dog and remain alert to allergy symptoms.
How to Find the Cause of Your Dog’s Allergies
Since there are so many allergens that can cause your dog to experience symptoms, it’s wise to observe your dog’s behavior to help pinpoint the culprit.
Here are helpful tips on how to identify the cause of your dog’s allergies:
- The elimination diet – If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction to their food, you need to try the elimination diet. This means removing your dog’s food from their diet for a brief time while you feed them one type of protein at a time. The elimination diet takes about eight weeks and should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian.
- Food allergies – Stinky infected ears that cause excessive scratching, vomiting, and diarrhea are the main signs your dog is experiencing a food allergy.
- Environmental allergies – Symptoms related to environmental allergies include excessive licking of the paws, face rubbing, loss of fur, red skin, and ear infections.
How to Prevent Allergic Reactions in Dogs
As a concerned pet parent, you want to do everything in your power to prevent your dog from experiencing allergic reactions. The following tips will help you take control and lower the risk of your pet suffering from an allergic reaction.
- Bathe your dog regularly to remove dust and pollen from their coat.
- Place a pet-friendly flea deterrent in your home and yard to lower the risk of your dog getting bit.
- Vacuum the house often to remove dust and pollen.
- Avoid exposure to peak pollen times by taking walks with your dog in the early morning or evening.
- Carefully read dog food labels to ensure you keep your pet away from harmful ingredients.
Treatment Options for Dogs with Allergies
While prevention is the best treatment there are veterinarian-approved products that can help soothe allergy symptoms. Please visit a veterinarian for further assistance with treatment for your pet. Make sure you mention the treatment options below to help find the right solution for your dog.
- Oatmeal bath – If your dog has irritated skin, a warm oatmeal bath will ease their discomfort.
- Antihistamines – Veterinarians often prescribe antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine. These prescriptions help reduce symptoms and make your dog feel more comfortable. They are usually administered to your dog a few times per day to manage symptoms consistently.
Allergies in dogs need to be taken seriously and swift action is required. If your dog is experiencing severe allergic reactions, contact your local animal hospital immediately for further assistance.