Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. The difficult part is understanding what a dog with allergies looks like and figuring out their triggers. Dogs can’t tell us when they feel sick, so it’s on us to understand the symptoms, causes, and details of their allergies.
Here, you can learn all about recognizing allergies in your dog and how you can promote their health. For more questions about your pet’s health, be sure to consult their veterinarian.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs Can Vary
As noted, dogs lack the ability to communicate verbally with their owners, and because of this, figuring out that your dog has allergies isn’t always easy. Some signs that your dog is experiencing allergies include:
- Skin problems, including hair loss and inflammation
- Red feet
- Rust-colored stains on the face
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Repetitive licking
- Chronic ear infections
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Hives (small bumps under the skin)
It’s important to remember that just like humans, some allergies in dogs are more severe than others. But if a dog displays one or more of the symptoms above for a prolonged period, it’s worth going to the vet.
Dogs Can Experience Allergies from Different Things
There are many different types of allergies in dogs, but the main ones stem from:
Their Diet
Proper food allergies in dogs are relatively uncommon. When an owner says that their dog is allergic to a specific food or even dog food brand, this is probably more of an insensitivity. It’s almost like IBS in humans. Some dogs can show a sensitivity to certain food groups and because of this, they’re put onto a specific diet or brand. There are hypoallergenic dog foods out there, which claim to ease these symptoms.
However, if you suspect that your dog is truly allergic to a food, stop feeding them that specific food immediately. Speak to your vet, and they can run an allergy panel to learn more.
Environmental Factors
This type of allergy will take some detective work to figure out the cause. It could be grass, pollen, or even your dog’s shampoo! Many environmental allergens are inhaled, but others are contact allergens, which categorizes it as a surface allergy.
It’s common for dogs to be affected by environmental allergens seasonally, like hay fever. However, some dogs have allergies regardless of the season.
If an environmental factor is determined to be the cause of your dog’s allergy, they may require medication for the rest of their lives. Alternatively, you may have to go to great lengths to avoid them from encountering the allergy.
Skin Irritants
The most common cause of a skin allergy in a dog is fleas. Most dogs will itch if they have fleas, and there could even be some irritation and bleeding if these bloodsucking insects are left unaddressed.
But dogs who are allergic to flea bites will have a more severe response. As well as irritation and itching, they’ll also potentially develop hives. Regardless of whether your dog is sensitive to fleas or not, they should be on a consistent preventative regimen that repels these insects. This does more than prevent allergies; it can also protect your dog from flea-borne illnesses that jeopardize their health.
There Are Many Treatments for Allergies
The treatment for dog allergies depends on many factors, including the severity of the reaction and its cause.
Once the cause of the allergy has been determined, it can take months for a suitable medication plan to be found. Trial and error when finding the right treatment is common, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t find a solution right away.
It can help speed up the process if you keep a log of your dog’s daily symptoms. This can help your dog’s vet understand their symptoms and narrow down their treatment options. These can include:
- Antihistamines
- Medicated shampoos
- Hypoallergenic food
- Anti-itch injections, including steroids
How Do I Choose the Best Treatment for My Dog?
By examining your dog’s symptoms and understanding their bigger health profile, your vet can recommend some treatments. The general aim of medication is to reduce itching and skin irritation. It’ll be your job to ensure that your dog isn’t exposed to something that hurts them. This may involve changing their diet or even small aspects of your lifestyle, such as which shampoos you use. You may also put your dog on a flea-and-tick regimen if they’re allergic to these parasites.
Learning that your dog is suffering with an allergy can be overwhelming at first. But don’t worry—there’s hope! By working closely with your dog’s vet, you can stay on top of their allergies and promote their quality of life.
