Dog Allergies

Unleashing Life, Not Sneezes: Your Gateway to Happy, Healthy Dog Living

What are dog allergies?

Dogs can be allergic to things like pollen, dust, mold, certain foods, and even flea saliva. Just like us, they can get itchy skin, sneeze, or have digestive problems. If you notice your dog scratching a lot, having runny eyes, or other unusual symptoms, it might be allergies. 

Main types of dog allergies

Flea Allergy Dermatitis
This is a reaction to flea bites, especially the flea’s saliva. Even a couple of bites can make allergic dogs super itchy, especially at the base of the tail.
Food Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to certain foods. Common culprits include beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish.
Environmental Allergies
Caused by airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold. These can lead to itchy skin and ear infections.
Contact Allergies
Less common, but they can react to things they touch, like certain shampoos, lawn chemicals, or even some types of bedding. This usually causes localized skin irritation.

The main symptoms of dog allergies include:

1. Itchy skin

Probably the most common. Dogs may scratch, lick, or chew their skin, especially around the paws, ears, underarms, and belly.

2. Ear problems

Frequent ear infections or itchy ears are common, especially in food and environmental allergies.

3. Skin Infections

All that scratching can lead to sores or hot spots.

4. Sneezing or runny nose

More typical with environmental allergies, like reactions to pollen.

5. Watery eyes

Can happen with environmental allergens.

6.Vomiting or diarrhea

Often seen with food allergies.

7. Paw licking

Dogs often lick their paws a lot if they have allergies.

8. Snoring

Caused by an inflamed throat. 

Dog breeds more prone to suffer from allergies

Any dog, regardless of breed, can develop allergies, however there are some breeds that are more prone to allergies. 

Chinese Shar-Pei
Known for skin issues.
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Can have skin allergies.
Golden Retriever
Commonly has environmental allergies.
Dalmatian
Often allergic to foods.
Boxer
Prone to skin and food allergies.
Boston Terrier
Susceptible to various allergies.
Labrador Retriever
Typically has environmental allergies.
Scottish Terrier
Can have skin problems.
Shih Tzu
Often suffers from allergies.
West Highland White Terrier
Commonly has skin allergies.
Doberman
Prone to allergies
(especially “blue coated”)
American Pit Bull Terrier
Susceptible to skin allergies.
Bichon Frise
Known for skin and
environmental allergies.
Brussels Griffon
Can have skin issues. 
Bull Terrier
Often has skin allergies.
Cocker Spanie
Prone to ear and skin
allergies.
German Shepherd
 Susceptible to food and environmental allergies.
Maltese
Often allergic to various triggers.

Treatment for dog allergies

If you suspect your dog may have allergies, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The vet will likely perform a physical examination and may recommend additional tests such as skin prick tests or blood tests to identify the specific allergens causing your dog’s problems.
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Once the allergens are identified, there are a number of treatment options available to help manage your dog’s allergies. These may include:

Any dog, regardless of breed, can develop allergies, however there are some breeds that are more prone to allergies. 

01

Medication

Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressant drugs can all help to reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms.

02

Allergen avoidance

 If possible, it’s best to avoid the allergens that your dog is allergic to. This may involve using flea and tick prevention medications, switching to a hypoallergenic diet, or keeping your dog away from known allergens such as pollen or mold.

03

Hyposensitization therapy

This type of therapy, also known as immunotherapy, involves gradually exposing your dog to small amounts of the allergen over time in order to desensitize their immune system.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most dogs with allergies can live happy and healthy lives. By being aware of the signs of allergies and working with your veterinarian, you can help your furry friend feel their best.

2024