What Are The Symptoms Of Allergies In Dogs
In the dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized or generalized . In some cases, the symptoms involve the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be runny discharge from the eyes or nose. In other cases, the allergic symptoms affect the digestive system resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
Sign 4 Hair Loss And Allergic Reactions
Dogs that are allergic to the fleas saliva may experience severe itching, hair loss, and red sores.
Allergic dermatitis caused by flea bites will mainly develop among older dogs or younger puppies.
The flea allergies are found on the dogs hindquarters those may be skin rashes or hair loss patches found on the dogs tail or its back legs.
- The allergic reaction to flea saliva is hypersensitivity and can be seen in many dogs.
Signs that your dog has fleas include sores caused by scratching as well as excessive licking at these areas mentioned above.
- Dogs who have been bitten by fleas may start itching excessively around their rear end while other symptoms for this condition are redness about the anus region and hair loss around the genital area.
What Causes A Dog To Develop Allergies
Think of dogs skin like saran wrap. It covers and protects the dog. However, dogs with allergies are born with abnormal skin . These abnormalities in the skin allow for the allergens, which are normal in all environments, to enter thru the skin layer and set off an allergic response which causes itching and redness. So, it is important to understand that dogs who suffer from contact allergies do not have normal skin. Additionally, these dogs do not have a healthy immune response.
In addition, this inflammation in the skin will change the health of the skin and allow for secondary invaders such as bacteria and yeast to enter the dog’s system. In addition, many of these dogs have a less than optimal local immune response to these secondary invaders making them more susceptible to yeast and bacterial infections. Yeast and bacteria are always present in low numbers on every dog’s skin. Unfortunately for dogs with allergies, their skin and immune response are inadequate to fight off these secondary invaders.
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What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Is Suffering From Food Allergies
First and foremost, make an appointment to take your dog to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a food allergy. Food allergies symptoms can mimic other diseases, so its vitally important that you have your dog checked out by a professional.
Treatment of food allergies in dogs may include medication, topical creams, dietary changes or a combination of any of these three remedies.
In rare cases, a life-threatening allergic reaction may occur and your dog may not be able to breathe. If this happens, call an emergency animal hospital right away.
How Are Allergies Diagnosed In Pets
Allergy testing requires patience. Theres a process to go through to reach an accurate diagnosis and therefore the best treatment option for your pooch.
The first step usually involves ruling out other medical or emotional conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example, microscopic skin mites cause skin symptoms that look like allergies, but certain allergy treatments will make skin mites get much worse! Also, an anxious or bored dog may lick or chew their skin, similar to how some humans chew their fingernails.
Testing for other conditions will probably start with a gentle skin or ear swab/scrape to look for bacteria, yeast, mites, or other abnormalities. Bloodwork and other diagnostic tests may be needed, too.
If allergies are suspected, here are some common next steps:
- Evaluating for food allergies via a food trial. Blood tests are not as accurate for food allergies, so a food trial should be used. This is a strict diet on a type of food that is unlikely to cause allergies in your dog, for 1-3 months. Its best to do this under your veterinarians guidance.
- Evaluating for environmental allergies. Blood tests are common. Skin testing may also be performed, usually by a veterinary dermatologist. These tests help determine which environmental allergens your pup is most sensitive to. Often, these tests are customized to include allergens specific to your climate, state, or city.
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Treating Food Allergies In Dogs
The only effective way to treat a food allergy in dogs is to change their diet.
While grain-free foods are often touted as good for food allergies, science tells us that protein sources are more likely to be the culprit. According to a study published in 2016, the top three most common causes of food allergies in dogs are beef, dairy, and chicken.
Licking Frequently Or Skin Chewing
If your dog chews or licks his skinespecially his feetfrequently or seemingly nonstop, this is a sign hes dealing with some form of allergies.
The problem could come from exposure to irritants in the backyard or on walks, but it may also be a symptom of food allergies in your dog. Although the problem isnt an emergency, youll need to go to the vet in the coming weeks to determine how to treat it and what the underlying cause might be.
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Allergies And Quality Of Life
Associated with the allergy symptoms listed above is the important issue of an individuals quality of life. Allergy symptoms can impact a persons:
- Physical well-being.
- Social and sports activities.
Various studies and surveys e.g. SRBI 2007, have shown allergies can be associated with:
- Sleep disturbances. Various disturbances can occur due to possible irritation, congestion and inflammation in the nose, throat, lungs and general airways. These can include problems of getting to sleep, broken sleep, snoring and sleep apnea, as well as feeling unrefreshed after sleeping. This is another reason to make sure that bedrooms are dog-free environments and in particular, never allow a dog onto the bed itself.
- Performance issues at school or in the workplace. Children and adults alike can find their ability to concentrate impaired and their alertness and cognitive function dulled.
- A negative impact on social and sports activities. Ones physical, mental and emotional well-being has a profound impact on social and sports activities. Feeling fatigued, irritable and miserable or being in pain can make the allergy sufferer anti-social and cause underachievement at sport.
What Is The Best Treatment For Pet Allergy
The best treatment is to avoid contact with cats or dogs or the areas where they live. Keep pets out of your home. If possible, try to avoid visiting homes with pets that you are allergic to. Avoiding cats and dogs may give you enough relief that you will not need medicine.
Keeping the pet outdoors will help, but will not rid the house of pet allergens. Another option is to choose pets that do not have fur or feathers. Fish, snakes or turtles are some choices.
Pet allergy can be a social problem making it difficult to visit friends and relatives who have cats and dogs . This may be especially troublesome for children who cannot participate in activities at the home of friends. Talk to your doctor about possible use of medication before these social exposures and specific measures to take after the exposure.
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Managing Dog Seasonal Allergies With Medication
One way to manage seasonal allergies in dogs is by using the allergy serum prescribed by your dog’s dermatologist. This requires a series of allergen injections that slowly increase in dose over time. The needle you’ll use is very small, but you can perform these injections at home with professional guidance.
Allergy injections tend to have low levels of side effects, which can make them a good option for dogs with moderate to severe allergies.
If your dog only has mild seasonal allergies, they may respond well to several over-the-counter and at-home remedies, such as antihistamines.
Oral prescription medications are another option. Anti-itch medicine that can work quickly and can be discontinued without negative side effects could be an option for your dog. There are even medications that modulates the immune system’s response to allergens. Both are available via prescription from your local veterinarian and require annual examinations and/or blood work.
Both of these types prescription medications have side effects, so be sure to talk with your vet about how taking them could impact your dog’s health. In general, it’s always a good idea to ask your vet before introducing anything new to your dog’s system especially with over-the-counter medicine so you can give your pet the option and dosage best for their unique needs.
See A Vet For Allergic Reactions In Dogs
Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect from your dogs allergic reactions, you can determine whether or not to schedule a vet appointment right away or wait until the next scheduled checkup.
Either way, its important to talk to your vet about your dogs allergies and find out the best course of action for treatment. If theres ever a doubt on how you think you should proceed, its always best to call a veterinarian right away so you can get your dog the help he needs for his allergic reactions.;
The veterinarians at VEG are here and ready to answer and questions and help with any allergic reaction in a dogs situation. There are expert and compassionate emergency vets at every one of our VEG locations, so you never have to wait until your next appointment to seek immediate veterinary advice and care.
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Why Is My Veterinarian Prescribing Antibiotics If My Dog Has An Allergy
Regardless of what the underlying allergy is, once dogs begin scratching, they traumatize their skin, damaging the healthy barrier and allowing outside bacteria into the deeper layers of the skin. Pyoderma and otitis are itchy conditions on their own, and these combined with allergies can create a vicious cycle. Your veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics, medicated shampoos, and topical ear drops to treat secondary infections when managing allergies. The goal of any good allergy treatment plan is to manage allergy symptoms proactively and avoid secondary infections; however, when these flareups occur, the infections will have to be treated separately.
How Common Are Allergies In Dogs
Unfortunately, allergies are quite common in dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. Most allergies appear after the pet is six months of age, with the majority of affected dogs over the age of one or two. This is because it takes time for the body to become sensitized to the substance the pet is allergic to.
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Signs Your Dog Is Suffering From Seasonal Allergies
Its that time of year when environmental allergies are at their peak. Is your dog suffering? Dog allergy symptoms could arise without you even knowing the reason. Pollen, grass, fleas, weeds, and mold could all cause reactions for your pup. So, its important to pay attention to your dogs behaviors as the seasons change.
Here are 11 signs that your dog may be allergic to all that springtime beauty. If your dog has any of these signs, take them to the vet to get them some relief.
Skin Allergies In Dogs
Skin allergies are also referred to as allergic dermatitis, and they are the most common types of allergies in dogs. Your pup may be allergic to any number of irritants that are causing him or her to itch, scratch, and become generally uncomfortable. Fortunately, our Clemmons vets have some insight and advice on what to do.
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Treatment For Flea Allergies
Treatment for flea allergy dermatitis is aimed at reducing the symptoms of itchy skin and irritation until the fleas are eliminated. To eliminate allergy symptoms in a flea-allergic dog, strict flea control is required.
There are many highly effective flea control products and medications available. Some are topical and come in the form of a liquid that you squeeze onto your dogs skin, such as Advantage, Revolution, or Vectra. Others are given orally in the form of chews, such as Simparica, NexGard, or Comfortis. Consult with your veterinarian to determine your best option.;
In severe cases, a dogs environment must be treated for fleas as well. ;Vacuum thoroughly to remove eggs, larvae, and pupae, and discard the vacuum bag. You can use insecticides inside and outside your home to treat all flea life stages.
It is important to use an insecticide containing an insect growth regulator, such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen, to halt the development of flea eggs and larvae. You can hire a professional exterminator, but you should specify that the treatment is for fleas.;
What Dogs Are Most At Risk
One of the most common allergies in dogs is seasonal allergens. In fact, according to CNN interview of Sandra Diaz:;
Pet allergies are more common than you think. About 10 percent of dogs have allergies, said Sandra Diaz, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. Allergies we cannot cure. We just manage them and keep them under control so the animal can have a good quality of life.
While any dog can develop seasonal allergies, there are certain breeds that appear to be more predisposed towards negative reactions. They include:
- Setters
- Pugs
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What Are Natural Remedies To Help Relieve Allergy Symptoms For Dogs
Just like with humans, figuring out other ways to help relieve allergy symptoms for your dog can take some trial and error.;
Here are a few recommendations:
- Fatty acid supplements: These can help soothe itchy and irritated skin, according to the NASC.
- Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos:;This can help remove possible allergens like pollen and grass that your dog may come in contact with as part of your daily routine.
- More ways to help: Some people use remedies like tea tree oil, coconut oil, fish oils or other omegas and oatmeal shampoo, according to Carvalho.
At SmartyPaws, our multifunctional health supplements include omega-3 EPA & DHA fatty acids and organic turmeric. These ingredients support a normal inflammatory response and dogs with seasonal and environmental allergies.
We also use additional omegas, including omega-3 ALA from organic chia seeds and alfalfa, to help promote healthy skin, maintain normal moisture content and support animals with sensitive skin.
In addition to providing support for dogs with seasonal and environmental allergies and sensitive skin, our SmartyPaws chews support joint, gut, immune and urinary tract health – all in one easy serving.
So Whats Causing The Allergic Reaction
Just like humans, a large number of substances can be allergens, and each dog is allergic to different things, according to Carvalho.
Some common environmental allergens are:
- Pollen
- Fungi
- Flea saliva
Also, just like humans, dogs can have food allergies too. In this article were focusing on seasonal allergies. However, if you notice any of the below symptoms, we always recommend seeing your vet for a proper diagnosis as both food and environmental allergens can cause similar reactions.
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How To Help Your Dog Deal With Seasonal Allergies
For some people, seasonal allergies are a real pain. Whether youâre bothered by a runny nose, itchy eyes, or endless sneezing, it can be a tough time of year to endure.
Just like their human parents, some dogs suffer from the aggravating effects of seasonal allergies as well. Besides chemicals such as those found in household cleaning products, cigarette smoke and certain perfumes, dogs can also be allergic to natural, seasonal substances. This can include plant and tree pollens, mold spores, dust, feathers and fleas.
A dogâs allergy symptoms are generally similar to those experienced by humans: the immune system overreacts to one or more offending substances, leading to itchiness and irritation. Your dog may lick or scratch themselves, develop irritated eyes, or sneeze repeatedly. Some dogs experience itchy, swollen skin, while others suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. In certain cases, a secondary infection may develop.
Here are a few things you should to do to help control any discomfort your dog may be dealing with due to seasonal allergies, and reduce the risk of more serious problems.
What Are The Different Types Of Allergy
There are several ways of classifying allergies. Some examples of classifications include:
- Allergen – flea allergy, food allergy
- Route the allergen takes into the body – inhalant allergy, skin contact allergy, or food allergy
- Time it takes for the immune reaction – immediate-type hypersensitivity, also called anaphylaxis or shock, and delayed-type hypersensitivity
- Clinical signs – allergic dermatitis or allergic bronchitis
- Inherited forms – atopy or seasonal allergies
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What Causes Skin Allergies In Dogs
These are the three most common causes of skin allergies in dogs:
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
A fleas saliva will trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs. This can result in flea allergy dermatitis, which can make your poochs skin extremely itchy – especially at the base of the tail. You may find their skin becomes red, inflamed, and scabbed. Other signs of fleas include flea dirt , and you may occasionally see the fleas themselves.
Food Allergies
Your pets itchy skin may be a symptom of food allergies or sensitivities. Watch for scratching at their paws or ears, along with potential gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or a combination of both.
Its important to distinguish between food allergies and food sensitivities . Unlike food allergies, food sensitivities are a gradual reaction to a specific ingredient such as chicken, milk, beef or wheat.
Symptoms can range from itchiness and chronic infections in the ear or foot to vomiting and diarrhea. True food allergies trigger an immune response, which can cause skin conditions, such as facial swelling and hives.
Environmental Allergens
Atopic dermatitis or atopic allergic reactions can stem from environmental allergens, including mold, pollen and dust. Seasonal allergies can also be a frustrating issue, as they may only affect your dog during certain seasons or times of the year.
