Allergies are a dog’s negative reactions to certain substances in the environment, skin or diet. These substances, called allergens, can cause reactions as mild as itching and as severe as anaphylaxis. That’s why owners should be aware of what symptoms to look for and what to do once identified. Read on to learn more about dog allergies, their symptoms, and how to treat them.
How to know if your dog has allergies
If your dog is having an allergic reaction to something, there will be signs. Just like in humans, an allergic reaction can look different in each dog, and symptoms go beyond itchy skin, runny nose, and watery eyes. Other common symptoms of dog allergies include:
- Skin irritation
- Hair loss
- Shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the affected area
- Skin infections
- Urticaria
- Ear infections
If you want to rule out the possibility that your dog has allergies, the best thing to do is to take him to experts such as licensed veterinarians and allergy specialists. They will ascertain whether or not your dog has an allergy and what could be causing it.
Most common types of allergies in dogs
Dogs typically suffer from three main types of allergies, which can be caused by their diet, their environment, parasites such as fleas, and even genetic factors.
Skin allergy
Experts believe that certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to having atopic dermatitis (atopy). Allergens such as dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander will cause a dog’s skin to become inflamed if he struggles with this type of allergy.
Another common type of skin allergy is flea allergy dermatitis. Flare-ups can be caused by flea bites and droppings, as well as flea saliva.
Food allergy
Food allergies are caused by allergens present in different foods. The most common allergens are found in some proteins, dried fruit, cereals and milk.
This should not be confused with a histamine intolerance. Although histamine intolerance causes reactions similar to some allergy symptoms, it indicates an inability to metabolize foods high in histamine.
Seasonal allergy
Seasonal or environmental allergies are triggered by allergens that are more present in some seasons than others. Just like skin allergies, these can be caused by allergens like pollen, dust, mold spores and more.
How to Treat Allergies in Dogs
The type of allergy a dog suffers from, and to what extent, will determine whether owners will be able to treat them themselves or will need help from an allergist, dermatologist or other expert.
We always recommend consulting a veterinarian or allergist before administering any type of treatment at home. They will be able to narrow down the cause of the allergy and how to best treat it. Additionally, they may administer treatments such as allergy shots (immunotherapy), which are intended to reduce the reactivity of a dog’s immune system to certain allergens.
Managing dog allergies at home
While treatments should primarily be administered or supervised by experts, there are some things dog owners can do to ease the symptoms of an allergic reaction and reduce the number of times they experience them.
For example, an expert may recommend changing a dog’s diet to include hypoallergenic foods, which could help reduce flare-ups related to food allergies. There are also sprays and other products that aim to soothe any immediate itching or irritation on the skin caused by allergens.
Frequently asked questions about dog allergies
How do you know if your dog has allergies?
If your dog has started to show clinical symptoms of allergy, a licensed veterinarian or allergy expert will be the best resource to consult. These experts can use skin tests, flea combing and other diagnostic tools to determine whether your dog has allergies and what types. Blood tests have not been proven to accurately diagnose allergies in dogs.
Does pet insurance cover allergy testing?
In short, yes. Many pet insurance companies will cover allergy testing and treatment as long as the symptoms first appear after the disease waiting period has passed.
Can antihistamines be given to dogs?
Home treatments for allergies should first be consulted with an allergist or veterinarian as the type of allergy and severity of the symptoms will determine the best way to relieve them. Your vet may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines to help with mild allergy symptoms.
Summary of Money’s Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatments
- Canine allergies are the way dogs’ bodies react to a substance that they are highly sensitive to.
- Allergy symptoms in dogs vary depending on the type of allergy affecting them and can range from itchy eyes to more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis and difficulty breathing.
- Successfully treating a dog’s allergies will first require diagnosis, which can only be performed by an expert.
- Allergy symptoms can be treated at home with the guidance of veterinarians and allergy experts.
- Pet owners whose dogs are enrolled in pet insurance policies may be reimbursed for allergy testing and related treatments.