Let us burst your bubble if you always thought that only humans are allergic. Like you, dogs can suffer from allergies. According to Partridge Practices, dogs can be allergic to a variety of things. These include tree and grass pollen, flea and insect bites, mould, and dust. You will see them more often during the spring. Yes, these allergies tend to differ range-wise. Some can be really mild, causing subtle irritations, while some can lead to extremely life-threatening reactions.
Do you think your pet is also experiencing an allergy, but you are unsure? Then, you must learn about the several types of dog allergies, the symptoms they display, and how to treat them effectively. No need to stress much as this blog is here to serve the purpose of informing you of the necessary details. And then, you will have a better idea of how to deal with the situation to see your furry companion healthy again.
What Causes Allergies In Dogs?
Before we directly head to the allergy types, it will be best for you to understand what causes them in dogs.
The thing is that these allergies are triggered when the dog’s immune system tends to overreact to a harmless substance known as an allergen, viewing it as the body’s enemy. This overreaction causes the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances, resulting in various symptoms. Furthermore, these allergens can be found in the environment, within the dog, or in the food they consume. Consequently, you may encounter dogs experiencing a range of reactions. For instance, some may just feel a little discomfort, while others can even show severe signs, prompting their owners to rush them to the vet immediately.
You must also remember that dogs can inherit allergies from their parents as well. This is known as genetic predisposition, which plays a major role in developing allergies in these furry people, where you will observe that some breeds are more vulnerable to allergies as compared to other breeds.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Dog Allergies?
We believe you must be super curious to know about the most common types of dog allergies. Therefore, these are the following kinds of dog allergies with their separate triggers to help you understand which one is exactly bothering your pal:
Environmental Allergies
First on this list are environmental allergies, also known as Atopic Dermatitis. This allergy is one of the most commonly diagnosed in dogs. How is it caused? Well, airborne allergens such as dust mites, pollen, dander, and mold spores are responsible
Food Allergies
Next are food allergies. Dogs have allergies to particular foods or, you can say, ingredients in their meals. If you had no clue, then the wagging tails are allergic to specific proteins such as beef, dairy, and chicken. Carbohydrates like corn and wheat or additives as well. Therefore, be careful next time while serving them their food.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
What is flea allergy dermatitis? It is another kind of dog allergy that happens due to flea saliva. You will find the dogs constantly scratching themselves and intense skin irritation, even if only one flea bites.
Contact Allergies
The name offers you the hint that this allergy is caused when a dog’s skin comes into contact with an allergenic substance. These can be in the form of specific fabrics, shampoos, lawn chemicals, and cleaning products as well.
Insect Bite Allergy
Dogs can also have insect bite allergies. For instance, if a mosquito bites them, their skin might become red or swell. The same is true for the bites of bees, wasps, and ants, where the furry fellows can be seen itching themselves to more dangerous anaphylactic reactions. What is an anaphylactic reaction? It is a medical emergency that demands instant veterinary attention.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dog Allergies?
After discussing plenty of dog allergy types, it’s time to offer you some knowledge regarding their symptoms as well. These vary depending on the kind of allergy and degree of severity:
Intense Itching and Scratching
Intense itching and scratching are considered the most key symptoms. These results in inflamed and red skin, along with hot spots and hair loss. Therefore, if you see your dog scratching and itching in this way, then that is the allergy doing the talking.
Skin Rashes and Irritations
Eating or breathing in pollen-laden air can also lead to skin rashes and irritations, such as redness, pustules, scaling, and bumps. Hence, pay close attention to your dog’s skin, and if you spot these rashes, then yes, your dog has an allergy.
Hair Loss
When a dog constantly scratches and rubs themselves to get some relief, that can result in hair loss or Alopecia on the body. This means that bald patches are created, especially around their groin, paws, and face. Hence, if you see hair loss from these exact mentioned places, then that is an allergic reaction.
Ear Infections
Returning ear infections can be another sign of existing allergies. How? It is because swelling in the ears invites the overgrowth of yeast and bacteria. Therefore, sit down with your dog and focus on their ears. Do you see that infection happening again with more redness? Then, that is certainly an allergy.
Digestive Issues
If the dog eats anything containing particular proteins or dairy, it might be compelled to vomit, pass runny stool, or have other related gastrointestinal issues. So, if you take your dog to its assigned spot and it throws up right in front of you, then yes, it is suffering from an allergic reaction.
Respiratory Issues
Yes, respiratory issues are also one of the symptoms. However, not all dogs happen to have them. These problems result in sneezing, coughing, and wheezing without pauses, making it a challenge for them to catch up with their breathing. This usually triggers environmental allergies, therefore, if you see your dog coughing or sneezing way too much, then your pal is suffering from an allergic reaction.
Swelling
At times, severe allergic reactions can also make the dog's facial features puffy. For instance, your dog’s lips, tongue, or face can swell, asking you to get in touch with your vet as soon as possible. Therefore, monitor your dog’s face closely and see if any of their lips or tongue are bigger than their usual size. And if they are, then take them to the vet without wasting another moment.
Anaphylaxis
Is it the first time you have come across anaphylaxis? Then, in very few cases, dogs can experience this symptom as well. What happens here? It turns out to be a life-threatening allergic consequence, where the dog struggles to breathe normally, can collapse while playing, and you may even find them dead, too. Hence, if you witness them having difficulty breathing normally, then that definitely is an allergic reaction, and you need to seek your vet’s guidance.
How Will The Vet Diagnose Your Dog’s Allergies?
You cannot diagnose your dog’s allergies on your own. So, to get an accurate diagnosis and correct results, you must consult your vet, who will use a bunch of methods. They will probably start with a physical examination and gather the history surrounding your dog’s exposures and symptoms, where you are required to provide the required answers. Apart from that, the main diagnostic tests can include the following:
Intradermal Skin Testing
Your vet might begin with intradermal skin testing. Here, they will inject potential allergens. Don’t worry, it will be done in small amounts. This is done, especially in the situation of environmental allergens to observe your dog’s reaction. And the results clear your doubts.
Serum Allergy Testing
What is serum allergy testing? Well, it is a type of blood test where the levels of lgE antibodies are measured to specific allergens. Then, the results provide you with information about potential sensitivities.
Elimination Diet Trial
In an elimination diet trial, your vet will simply ask you to feed and keep your doggy on a novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diet for several weeks. The diet, which is trial-based, helps the vet identify and understand potential allergy-causing foods as ingredients are gradually readied to catch the main one.
Flea Comb and Microscopic Examination
A flea comb is used as it helps the vet confirm whether your dog’s skin has fleas or not. In this way, they can identify if your furry friend has flea allergy dermatitis.
Patch Testing
Your vet can also do patch testing. What happens here? The doctor takes small amounts of allergens and normally puts them on some patches of your dog’s skin that they think will trigger the allergic reaction. If your dog starts to scratch that area, then it becomes easier to tell what caused the allergy.
How To Treat Dog Allergies?
Since there are so many types of dog allergies, the treatment also depends on their degree of severity. Observing your dog’s needs and the severity of their allergic reaction, your vet can help you out in developing a customized plan. Some of the most common options include:
Avoiding Allergens
Avoiding allergens is the most effective way to prevent such a situation from happening again. Your vet might ask you to change your dog's food, and you will need to be super careful while preparing it, making sure that none of the triggering ingredients slip through the cracks. Then, use hypoallergenic bedding for your dog’s comfort. Even when you go out with your buddy, try your best to limit exposure, especially during peak seasons. Keep your doggy away from flea zones.
Medicines
You will be impressed to know that for treating dog allergies, several medicines are available in the market that can assist in reducing the particular symptoms. These are as follows:
Antihistamines
What are antihistamines for? They play a pivotal role in blocking the effects of histamine. Once this happens, your dog reduces its itching, which further decreases inflammation.
Corticosteroids
Next in line are corticosteroids. This specific medicine takes the lead in being a very powerful anti-inflammatory drug that can provide your dog with instant relief. How? The medication works on decreasing intense itching and lessening the swelling. But do remember that its long-term usage can even result in side effects.
Apoquel
Do you know anything about apoquel? If not, it is used to target particular pathways where the dog itches. This medicine not only cures the itchy passage but also reduces inflammation, making your pet feel relaxed and able to breathe easily.
Cytopoint
How is this medicine different from others? Cytopoint is injectable in nature, which serves the purpose of targeting a particular cytokine that is involved in forcing your dog to itch. Giving this medicine to your dog offers them long-lasting relief. Plus, this works best for dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is where your vet gives allergy shots to your dog. They inject it in small quantities so that the medicine does the honours of gradually desensitizing their bodies. Therefore, the effect decreases the severity of the particular kind of allergic reaction. And you will see your dog happy and comfortable again.
Topical Therapies
Apart from the mainstream injections or medicines, topical therapies also exist to treat dog allergies. Your vet might ask you to buy vet-approved medical shampoos, conditioners, and sprays. These things will provide immediate relief to your poor buddy as you will not see them scratch their irritated skin. Furthermore, it even controls secondary infections.
Flea Control
Flea control on a daily basis is important for dogs, especially those with flea allergy dermatitis. If your dog has this condition, please do what is necessary to reduce the severe itching and redness on its skin.
Manage Diet
If your dog’s allergy was due to food. Then, your vet may ask you to switch to a hypoallergenic or a diet with limited ingredients. Here, you need to add novel, hydrolyzed protein diets or prescription diets that are specially designed for dogs who have food allergies. Therefore, manage your dog’s diet and see how they return to their normal routine.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You must have heard how great Omega-3 fatty acids are. Therefore, give your dog foods rich in these fatty acids,, and you will notice how the nutrients support your dog’s skin, keeping it healthy and reducing swelling.
How To Take Care Of Dog’s Allergies At Home?
Besides following your vet’s instructions, you can make the most out of several remedies at home as well. Therefore, you can do the following to take care of your dog’s allergies at home:
Regular Bathing
If you did not give regular bathes to your doggy, then it is high time you add that to your dog’s routine. Avoid using any kind of shampoo, as your allergic dog needs to be bathed with an approved hypoallergenic shampoo. This will help in removing the unwanted allergens from your dog’s skin, providing them relief from constant irritation. But, you also must not bathe them so much as that can result in drying their skin.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Even if your dog is not diagnosed with a flea allergy, as a responsible dog parent, you must control fleas and ticks. Otherwise, their itching can make your furry friend extremely uncomfortable and helpless.
Vacuuming and Cleaning
A clean house does not attract allergens. Hence, it is suggested that you vacuum and clean your place every two days. This way, dust, pollen, and mildew don't have the room to breed and grow, keeping your home and dog safe.
Wash Bedding
After getting cured, don’t let your dog sleep on the infected bedding sheets. Wash their bedding in hot water. This will remove even the remaining allergens, offering your dog a safe and comfortable area to rest and sleep.
Use Hypoallergenic Toys
To provide your doggy with ultimate comfort, replace its old toys with hypoallergenic ones to reduce its exposure to allergens. Then, apply the same formula to its bedding. In this way, your dog can play with its toys and sleep in a clean bed without the fear of allergic reactions.
Manage Your Dog’s Diet
If your dog is diagnosed with a food allergy and you don’t want to see them excessively scratching or itching themselves, then kindly stick to your vet’s suggested diet. We understand your love for your furry friend, but you must avoid giving extra treats or leftovers containing allergens. This is the best way to manage your dog’s diet without putting their life at risk.
Monitor Your Dog
Despite being careful everywhere, we still recommend you to closely monitor your dog. In this way, you have a good chance of spotting unusual behaviour from your dog’s end. If your pet again shows allergic symptoms, then you can also consult your vet for further guidance.
Conclusion
We hope you are now sure about your dog’s allergic reaction and are taking the necessary measures to protect your pal from all kinds of allergies. If your dog displays upsetting signs in the future, feel free to contact your vet.
