Allergies in dogs: everything you need to know

By Charlotte Stiles

Key points

Many of us suffer from allergies, from pollen to pet hair, to medicines. Thankfully there is a range of medicines and treatments that can alleviate the symptoms. Although the situation can be a little more complicated when it comes to allergies and dogs, there are also many ways to help them manage allergies.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dog allergies broken down into the following sections:

What are dog allergies?

The immune system in a healthy animal or person usually does a very good job of keeping an organism free from pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) and their associated diseases. An allergic reaction occurs when an animal or person’s immune system takes this a step too far.

When this happens, it’s because the immune system is acting in an inappropriate or ‘hypersensitive’ way, or simply, initiating an over-the-top reaction to a stimulus. In humans, the result can be well-known symptoms such as itchiness, redness, and sneezing which we all associate with allergies.

The mechanism of an allergic reaction in a dog is the same as it is for us. Dogs can even be allergic to the same things as we can, such as food, medicines, or pollen. However, the manifestation (symptoms) of allergies in dogs can be a little different, we’ll talk more about that later.

What are the types of allergies in dogs?

So now we know what allergies are, let’s look at some examples of things (allergens) that can provoke allergic reactions in dogs.

Food allergies

Food allergies in dogs are associated with you guessed it, food! Your dog can be allergic or sensitive to many common ingredients such as:

Interestingly, dietary allergies and sensitivities are often manifested by dermatological symptoms such as itching, licking, and paw chewing. However, no two dogs are the same, and manifestations of food allergies can vary between dogs and can also include vomiting and diarrhea.

Flea Bite Allergies

Some dogs suffer allergic reactions as a result of flea bites. In this case, the allergenic stimulus is the flea’s saliva which comes into contact with the dog as they bite the skin.

Compared to other allergies, flea bite allergies are relatively straightforward to diagnose and treat They can also be prevented by giving your dog medication against fleas.

Dogs can also suffer from allergic reactions following bites from other insects such as ticks, flies, mosquitos, and spiders. Vets recommend giving your pet preventive medication to protect your pet from the illnesses associated with some pests.

Environmental allergies

Just like us, dogs can be sensitive to environmental allergens such as pollen, mould, and dust mites. Environmental allergies are often seasonal which means they don’t always show symptoms all year long.

Symptoms can arise following exposure via inhalation or contact with the skin. Some of these types of allergies can also be inherited (atopic dermatitis), and the intensity of symptoms can change over a longer period.

Acute allergies (anaphylaxis)

Maybe you’ve come across those cute but painful-looking photos of dogs with puffed-up or swollen-looking faces. Along with vomiting, these are common manifestations of short-term allergic reactions (acute allergic reactions) in the face due to allergens such as bee or wasp stings. Vaccinations can also sometimes result in acute allergic reactions.

Although these reactions may look comical, they require immediate veterinary attention. Facial swelling can be the first sign of anaphylaxis, a dangerous and potentially fatal type of allergic reaction.

Dog allergy symptoms

As we mentioned earlier allergy symptoms can vary between dogs. To give pet parents an idea of the kinds of things to look for, we’ve listed some examples of dog allergy symptoms below, from the most commonly shown symptoms to less common ones:

Disclaimer: Please refer to the above list as a guide only. If you think your pet is having an allergic reaction or is unwell, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

With our Lifetime Protection Membership, you can access veterinary professionals anytime by phone, email, or live chat. So, if you’re worried about your pet or think they may be having an allergic reaction, you can quickly get the help you need.

When it comes to longer-term allergies which manifest symptoms in the skin it’s good to know about the risk of secondary infection.

A dog licking, scratching, or chewing its skin can create the perfect entry route or environment for bacteria and fungi into the body. For example, dogs with food allergies or sensitivities manifested as dermatological symptoms often have secondary infections.

Dog allergy diagnosis

Diagnosing an allergy often requires a different approach depending on the circumstances surrounding your dog’s symptoms. Firstly, your veterinarian will ask you about your dog’s routine, diet, environment, and the events surrounding the suspected allergic reaction.

For example, they may be interested in whether the reaction is seasonal, how long the symptoms last, and whether any other animals or pets are affected. They’ll also rule out the possibility of the symptoms being a result of infectious diseases, parasites, or other conditions besides allergies.

In some cases, such as acute allergic reactions, information from pet parents may be enough for veterinarians to reach a diagnosis.

However, usually further investigation is required to reach a diagnosis. We’ve given some examples below in the order your veterinarian is likely to perform them:

Dog allergy treatment

Treatment and management of allergies in dogs vary depending on the final diagnosis. To give pet parents an idea of what it can involve, we’ve listed some examples of how allergies can be managed and treated below, starting with the most common approach:

Conclusion

Whether your dog suffers from them or not, it’s a good idea to know about dog allergies. This is especially in the case of acute allergic reactions which require immediate veterinary attention.

The information provided and contained herein are the opinions of Pethealth Services Inc. which are based on external publication. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Pethealth Services Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss, claims or damages arising out of the within content.