Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment Options

Understanding Dog Allergies

Allergies are a common health issue that affects many dogs, causing discomfort and potentially serious health complications if left untreated. Just like humans, dogs can develop allergic reactions to a wide variety of substances in their environment, food, or even parasites like fleas. These allergic responses occur when the dog’s immune system overreacts to certain substances (allergens) that are typically harmless to most animals.

Allergies can develop at any age, though some dogs may show signs early in life while others might develop allergies as they mature. Some breeds appear to be more susceptible to allergies, suggesting a genetic component to allergic tendencies. Understanding the different types of allergies, their symptoms, and available treatments can help dog owners provide better care for their pets and improve their quality of life.

Common Types of Dog Allergies

There are several major categories of allergies that affect dogs, each with distinct causes and sometimes overlapping symptoms. Identifying the type of allergy your dog is experiencing is crucial for effective treatment.

Skin Allergies (Allergic Dermatitis)

Skin allergies are among the most common allergic conditions in dogs and can be particularly frustrating for both pets and their owners. There are three primary causes of skin allergies in dogs:

Flea Allergy Dermatitis: This is the most common skin allergy in dogs. Dogs with this condition are allergic to flea saliva, and even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching and discomfort. The allergic reaction typically causes itching and inflammation focused around the base of the tail, though it can affect other areas as well.

Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis): Dogs can react to the same environmental allergens that affect humans, including pollen, dust mites, molds, and various plants. These allergies often cause itching around the paws, ears, wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, and between the toes. Environmental allergies can be seasonal or year-round, depending on the specific allergen.

Food Allergies: While food allergies often manifest as skin problems, they can also cause gastrointestinal issues. Common food allergens include certain proteins and carbohydrates found in commercial dog foods. The allergic reaction typically causes itching around the ears and paws, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms in some cases.

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies account for about 10% of all allergies in dogs. They develop when a dog’s immune system misidentifies a protein from food as harmful, triggering an immune response. The most common culprits include proteins from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten.

Food sensitivities differ from true allergies but can cause similar symptoms. Unlike an allergy, which triggers an immune system response, food sensitivity (or food intolerance) doesn’t involve the immune system. Instead, it’s a gradual reaction to a particular ingredient in the dog’s food, such as lactose intolerance.

Some proteins are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others. Beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish are the most common culprits, with beef being the most problematic. However, a dog can potentially develop an allergy to any protein to which they are repeatedly exposed.

Acute Allergic Reactions

Some dogs may experience acute allergic reactions, which can range from mild to severe. These reactions can be triggered by insect bites or stings, medications, vaccines, or exposure to certain chemicals. In severe cases, dogs can experience anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

Recognizing the symptoms of allergies in dogs is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. While symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergy and individual dog, there are several common signs to watch for:

• Itchiness (pruritus) – the most common symptom
• Hives or raised, red skin bumps
• Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
• Red, inflamed skin
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Chronic ear infections
• Constant licking, especially of the paws
• Chewing at the feet or other areas
• Rubbing the face
• Hair loss

With food allergies specifically, dogs may exhibit very itchy feet, abdomen, face, and anal area, causing them to scratch, chew, lick, and rub themselves frequently. Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting may also occur.

For environmental or atopic allergies, itching may be more seasonal or related to specific environments. Dogs with atopic allergies commonly show itching around the paws, ears, wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, and between toes.

In severe allergic reactions, symptoms can include difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. These require immediate emergency treatment.

Diagnosing Dog Allergies

Diagnosing allergies in dogs often requires detective work by both the veterinarian and the pet owner. The process typically begins with a thorough physical examination and detailed medical history, including when symptoms started and any potential correlation with food, environment, or season.

Diagnosing Skin Allergies

For atopic or environmental allergies, veterinarians may perform intradermal skin testing, where small amounts of potential allergens are injected under the skin to observe for reactions. Blood tests that measure antibodies to specific allergens are also available, though they may be less reliable than skin testing.

To diagnose flea allergy dermatitis, your veterinarian will look for signs of fleas or flea dirt (flea feces) on your dog’s skin, along with the characteristic pattern of skin inflammation.

Diagnosing Food Allergies

The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies is an elimination diet trial. This involves feeding your dog a prescription diet containing novel proteins (proteins your dog has never eaten before) or hydrolyzed proteins (proteins broken down into pieces too small to trigger an allergic reaction) for 8-12 weeks.

During this time, the dog must not consume any other foods, treats, flavored medications, or even chewable toys that might contain allergenic ingredients. If symptoms improve during the trial and return when the original diet is reintroduced, a food allergy is likely.

Some veterinarians may also recommend laboratory tests, though these should be interpreted cautiously as false positives and negatives can occur.

Treating Allergies in Dogs

The most effective approach to treating dog allergies is to identify and avoid the allergen whenever possible. However, since complete avoidance isn’t always feasible, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment for Skin Allergies

For flea allergy dermatitis, strict flea control is essential. This includes treating the dog with effective flea preventatives and ensuring the home environment is also treated to eliminate fleas at all life stages.

For atopic dermatitis, treatments may include:

• Antihistamines to reduce itching
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation (for short-term use)
• Immunomodulatory medications like Apoquel (oclacitinib) that target specific pathways in the allergic response
• Cytopoint, an injectable monoclonal antibody therapy that blocks the itch signal
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) based on allergy test results
• Medicated shampoos and topical treatments to soothe irritated skin
• Essential fatty acid supplements to improve skin health

Treatment for Food Allergies

There is no cure for food allergies, so treatment involves strictly avoiding the allergenic ingredients. Once the problematic ingredients are identified through an elimination diet, your veterinarian can help you select an appropriate commercial or homemade diet that avoids these allergens.

Hydrolyzed protein diets may be recommended for dogs with severe food allergies. These diets contain proteins that have been broken down into smaller pieces that are less likely to trigger an allergic response.

Anti-inflammatory medications such as Cytopoint, Apoquel, or prednisone may be prescribed to provide relief while the elimination diet is being conducted.

Treatment for Acute Allergic Reactions

For mild acute reactions causing hives or facial swelling, antihistamines and corticosteroids may be prescribed. For severe reactions or anaphylaxis, emergency treatment is necessary and may include:

• Epinephrine to counteract the allergic response
• Oxygen therapy and breathing support
• Intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure
• Antihistamines and corticosteroids
• Bronchodilators to open airways

If your dog experiences a severe allergic reaction, get them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately, as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.

Preventing Allergic Reactions in Dogs

While not all allergies can be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize your dog’s exposure to allergens and reduce the risk of allergic reactions:

• Maintain year-round flea prevention, even if fleas aren’t visible
• Bathe your dog regularly with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo to remove environmental allergens from the coat
• Wipe your dog’s paws and coat after walks to remove pollen and other outdoor allergens
• Use high-quality air filters in your home to reduce airborne allergens
• Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for your dog’s specific needs
• Avoid known food allergens and be cautious when introducing new foods
• Keep your home clean to reduce dust mites and mold
• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for allergy management

Remember that managing allergies is often a lifelong commitment. Working closely with your veterinarian to develop an effective treatment plan can help your dog live a comfortable, happy life despite their allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can dogs suddenly develop allergies?

A: Yes, dogs can develop allergies at any age, even if they’ve never had allergic symptoms before. Environmental allergies often develop after repeated exposure to an allergen over time, typically showing up when dogs are between 1-3 years old. Food allergies can also develop suddenly, even to foods the dog has eaten for years without problems.

Q: Are certain dog breeds more prone to allergies?

A: Yes, some breeds appear to have a genetic predisposition to allergies, particularly atopic dermatitis. Breeds commonly affected include West Highland White Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Boxers, Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Retrievers, and Chinese Shar-Peis, though any breed can develop allergies.

Q: How long does it take to see results from an elimination diet?

A: While some dogs may show improvement within the first few weeks, a proper elimination diet trial should last 8-12 weeks to be thorough. This extended period is necessary because it can take time for all traces of previous allergens to leave the body and for inflammation to subside.

Q: Can I treat my dog’s allergies with over-the-counter human medications?

A: Never give your dog human medications without consulting your veterinarian first. Some human antihistamines may be safe for dogs in the correct dosage, but others can be dangerous. Additionally, human medications won’t address the underlying cause of your dog’s allergies and may not provide adequate relief.

Q: Are allergy tests for dogs reliable?

A: Intradermal skin testing performed by veterinary dermatologists is considered the most reliable method for identifying environmental allergens. Blood tests for allergen-specific IgE can also be helpful but may produce false positives or negatives. For food allergies, elimination diet trials remain the gold standard for diagnosis, as laboratory tests for food allergies have not proven to be consistently reliable.

Q: Can my dog outgrow their allergies?

A: Unlike some children who outgrow allergies, dogs rarely outgrow allergic conditions once they develop. Most allergies in dogs require lifelong management. However, with proper treatment and allergen avoidance, many allergic dogs can experience significant symptom improvement and maintain an excellent quality of life.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee