Allergies in dogs: Triggers, Symptoms and Treatments

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While humans with allergies tend to sneeze, dogs with allergies tend to itch. If your dog has red, irritated skin and is constantly licking at her paws, these are all signs they may be allergic to something in their environment or their food. Allergies are common in dogs—in fact, they are one of the top reasons for veterinary appointments. So whether you’re thinking of getting a puppy or already have a dog, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the types of allergies that may arise along with their causes, symptoms, typical treatments, and preventive measures.

What is an allergy?

In a pet with an allergy, the immune system overreacts and produces antibodies to substances that it would normally tolerate. This excessive response is termed an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Allergies can develop to any substance that a pet is frequently exposed to, such as food, fleas, seasonal environmental allergens (like pollen or grass), or indoor allergens (like dust mites or mold).

How common are allergies in dogs?

According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 15%-20% of pets may suffer from an allergy. So yes, 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.

What Causes Allergies In Dogs?

When your dog is exposed to an allergen, it triggers an immune response that leads to the release of histamines. Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals in your body, but too many of them can cause your dog a lot of discomfort, including inflammation, itching, and swelling. Depending on the source of the allergen and the severity and location of the response, the inflammation can cause a wide variety of symptoms in the affected dog.

Types of allergies in dogs.

There are a few main types of allergies in dogs:

1. Environmental allergies (Atopic Dermatitis).

Environmental allergies involve an immune system overreaction to things that exist in our everyday surroundings, including home, work, and the great outdoors. Your dog can have an environmental allergic reaction to any substance he encounters, such as grass, mold, pollen, and dust. These allergens are typically inhaled, although some dogs will develop contact allergies to things like shampoos, plants, or specific chemicals. These occur in parts of the body that haven’t necessarily come into contact with the allergen in question. For example, a dog may inhale pollen and experience itching of their paws, ears, ankles, muzzle, groin, armpits (axillae), toes, and eyes instead of respiratory symptoms. When your dog scratches, chews, and licks these areas, the skin breaks down, and bacterial or yeast infections can set in. Environmental dermatitis is often seasonal, so dogs may suffer during the pollen seasons of spring and early summer.

2. Flea Allergies

When your dog reacts to a flea bite or, more accurately, to flea saliva, the area becomes very itchy. Scratching leads to red, inflamed, and scabbed skin. This is particularly noticeable at the base of a dog’s tail. Signs of flea dirt or the fleas themselves may be visible

Although flea allergies could technically be considered an environmental allergy, the clinical symptoms and treatment are often different than other allergies. In a pet with any kind of allergies, good flea control is crucial, because anything that triggers itching can exacerbate already inflamed skin.

3. Food allergies

Food allergies, as opposed to food intolerance, are not as common in dogs as you may think. When they occur, a dog’s immune response is apparent with symptoms such as itchy hives on the skin, facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in very severe cases, anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal if not treated promptly. In contrast, food intolerance does not involve the immune system. If your dog is intolerant to eggs, corn, wheat, soy, milk, chicken, or other foods, the symptoms will build up gradually and can include vomiting, diarrhea, poor skin, a lackluster coat, lethargy, and a tendency to experience chronic paw and ear infections

Are certain dogs more likely to develop allergies?

Allergies sometimes have a hereditary component. Common breeds that are predisposed to atopic dermatitis include but are not limited to Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers and Bulldogs. Pets living in tropical environments, such as in South Florida, are more likely to be diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.

Signs and symptoms of allergies

As we have seen, the signs and symptoms of different allergies often overlap, making diagnosis more complicated. In summary, any of the following could be signs of an allergic reaction:

• Itching and scratching
• Licking and chewing
• Hives (raised bumps on the skin)
• Red and inflamed skin
• Swelling (particularly of the ears, lips, eyelids, and face)
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chronic ear infections

Many of these symptoms can also be signs of other diseases, so it’s always best to get a vet’s opinion. If your dog shows signs of breathing distress, severe facial or throat swelling, or they collapse and/or lose consciousness, they may be experiencing anaphylactic shock. This is a medical emergency and you should seek professional medical help immediately.

Diagnosing allergies in dogs

Before any attempt to diagnose an allergy is made, your vet should rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms. Skin and blood tests can help to identify the specific allergen. A light dose of sedation is administered, an area of fur is clipped, and minuscule doses of suspected allergens are injected into the skin. The skin’s reaction helps the dermatologist determine whether or not your pet is allergic to a given allergen.

Treating allergies: How to help your pup find relief?

The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergen. Obviously this is not always a simple matter—if your dog is allergic to grasses or trees native to your area, they can’t avoid exposure. In terms of treatment, it depends on your dog’s type of allergy. For example, the best way to treat flea allergy dermatitis is to kill the fleas, whereas the best way to treat a food allergy or food intolerance is a change in diet.

In addition to any lifestyle changes that might be necessary, your vet may also prescribe an allergy relief medication for your dog that will help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction, such as itching and any secondary skin infections that might have developed as a result of the irritant. Keeping a dust-free home can help alleviate allergies caused by dust, dander, pollen, or other outdoor allergens. Regularly bathing your pet can also really help ease the itchy-scratchies. It will clear the irritating particles away from your pet’s skin to prevent reactions. 

Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has allergies and find the right treatment to put your four-legged companion out of itchy, scratchy misery.

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