Understanding Allergies in Dogs: A Complete Guide

Allergies are quite common in dogs, causing distress and discomfort for our Dogable Pals. It’s time to SWAT up to understand the causes, symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention of allergies in order to provide the best care for your pup.

What Causes Allergies in Dogs?

Allergies happen when your dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat and overreacts, triggering inflammation. The substance causing this abnormal reaction is called an ‘allergen’.

In dogs, common allergen sources include:

• Food – Dogs can develop allergic reactions to various food proteins, carbs, and ingredients:
  • Proteins – Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, turkey, eggs, dairy, fish, soy, wheat, corn
  • Carbohydrates – Rice, wheat, soy, corn
  • Additives – Preservatives, flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers

Food allergy symptoms involve itchy skin, ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. Reactions can range from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

• Medications – Antibiotics, NSAIDs, anesthetics, vaccines, heartworm and flea/tick preventatives have potential to trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms may include facial swelling, hives, gastrointestinal upset, respiratory distress.
• Fleas – All dogs experience flea bite irritation, but some dogs have severe reactions to flea saliva proteins. Just 1-2 bites can cause intense itching, redness, and hair loss called flea allergy dermatitis.
• Environmental – Substances found indoors and outdoors like dust mites, mold, pollen, grass, smoke, chemicals, dust, and air pollution. Symptoms worsen during allergy season when pollen counts are higher.
• Household – Cleaning products, scented candles, perfumes, laundry detergent, carpets, cigarette smoke. Constant exposure can lead to environmental allergies.

Certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles and terriers seem genetically prone to allergies due to hereditary overactive immune response.

Identifying allergen sources allows dog owners to implement avoidance measures and targeted treatments. Being aware of potential triggers is key to prevent allergic reactions in dogs.

Cookies Story

When my Poodle Cookie was diagnosed with a chicken allergy last year, I knew finding foods that were safe for her would be a challenge. Chicken seems to be in everything pet-related!

At first, I didn’t realize those recurring ear infections and upset stomach were linked to her diet. But once the veterinary dermatologist identified chicken as the culprit using an elimination diet trial, it made sense. My heart broke knowing what I had been feeding her was actually making her miserable.

I scoured every pet store reading ingredient labels with a fine tooth comb. It’s unbelievable how many specifically “lamb” or “fish” based foods still contain chicken fat or broth! I eventually found a niche veterinary brand that produces true novel protein kibble and canned food with unique proteins like kangaroo and venison. It’s very expensive but worth it to see Cookie feeling well again. I also supplement her commercial food with homecooked too.

When I have to use supplements or treats, I carefully vet each product. I will call manufacturers too to ask questions if the ingredients seem unclear. I’m extra cautious when others pet sit Cookie to ensure they don’t accidentally feed her something containing chicken. It takes a lot of diligence!

While caring for a dog with a chicken allergy can be really hard work, seeing Cookie’s health and happiness vastly improve makes the effort so worthwhile. Her comfort is my top priority. For any pet owner facing this, stay vigilant, read every label and your dog will thrive! It may take some trial and error, but you will figure out a diet and lifestyle that keeps their allergies managed.

Types of Allergies

Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat, triggering an inflammatory reaction to the allergen.

Food Allergens:

Dogs can develop allergic reactions to various food proteins, carbs, supplements, and ingredients:

Proteins:

• Meat – Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, turkey, duck, venison, bison, rabbit
• Eggs – chicken, duck, goose
• Dairy – Cow’s milk, cheese, yogurt, butter
• Fish – Salmon, tuna, cod, mackerel
• Alternative proteins – Kangaroo, ostrich, alligator
• Soy, wheat, corn

Carbs:

• Grains – Rice, oats, barley, millet
• Starchy vegetables – Potato, sweet potato, peas
• Legumes – Lentils, chickpeas, beans
• Fruits – Apples, oranges, blueberries

Supplements:

• Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM
• Probiotics
• Fish oil

Additives:

• Preservatives – BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, nitrites
• Flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, stabilizers
• Anti-caking agents, binders, acidity regulators

Symptoms involve itchy skin, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and potentially fatal anaphylaxis.

Medication Allergens:

Antibiotics, NSAIDs, vaccines, anesthetics, heartworm and flea/tick preventatives can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms include facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing.

Common medication allergens:

• Antibiotics – Penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones
• NSAIDs – Carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib, metacam
• Anesthetics – Propofol, thiopental, lidocaine
• Vaccines – Rabies, DA2PP, lyme, leptospirosis, bordetella
• Heartworm meds – Ivermectin, milbemycin, selamectin
• Flea/tick – Afoxolaner, fipronil, imidacloprid

Environmental Allergens:

Substances found indoors and outdoors like pollens, molds, dust mites, grasses, smoke, chemicals, dust, and air pollution. Symptoms worsen seasonally when pollen counts are higher.

Household Allergens:

Cleaning products, air fresheners, scented candles, perfumes, laundry detergent, carpets, cigarette smoke. Constant exposure can lead to environmental allergies.

Certain breeds seem genetically prone to allergies due to hereditary hypersensitivity. Identifying allergen sources allows owners to take preventive and therapeutic measures.

Breeds Prone to Allergies

While any dog can develop allergies, certain breeds seem more genetically predisposed. This hereditary link results in an overactive immune system that identifies more harmless substances as threats.

Breeds commonly prone to allergies include:

• Labrador Retrievers – Labs tend to suffer from food allergies, seasonal environmental allergies, and mold allergies. Symptoms involve itchy skin, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Their love of food makes them more prone to food sensitivities.
• Golden Retrievers – Goldens often develop food allergies, environmental allergies, and flea allergies. They are very susceptible to skin problems and allergic reactions from grasses, pollens, and flea bites.
• German Shepherds – GSDs are more susceptible to skin allergies, particularly to flea bites and environmental allergens like pollens. They also frequently develop food allergies.
• Poodles – Poodles are prone to food allergies as well as skin allergies and secondary skin infections. Their curly coats make them prone to yeast overgrowth.
• Boxers – Boxers tend to develop skin allergies and are very sensitive to flea bites and environmental allergens. Symptoms include itchy skin, rashes, and skin infections.
• Bulldog – This breed often suffers from environmental and food allergies causing skin and GI issues. Their many skin folds trap allergens and moisture.
• Beagles – Beagles frequently develop allergies to proteins, grains, and environmental triggers resulting in chronic ear infections.
• Terriers – Many terriers, including Westies and Cairns, are prone to environmental and flea allergies causing incessant scratching.

While any breed can develop an allergy, these dogs seem genetically preprogrammed to have overreactive immune systems that identify more substances as allergens. Understanding breed tendencies can help owners better manage their dog’s health.

Allergy Symptoms in Dogs

Allergy symptoms in dogs often involve the skin, ears, eyes, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, and behavioral changes.

Common symptoms include:

• Itchy skin resulting in chewing, biting, licking, or scratching at the paws, belly, armpits, groin, face, and other areas. These areas may appear red, inflamed or have secondary infections.
• Hair loss, skin damage, rashes, hives, scabs, and skin discoloration from chronic scratching, biting, licking, and digging. Repeated trauma to the skin increases risk of secondary bacterial or yeast infections.
• Development of ear infections and head shaking due to inflammation and constant scratching inside the ears. There may be a foul odor and dark discharge coming from the ears.
• Eye redness, puffiness, watery discharge, and excessive blinking or pawing at the eyes indicating ocular irritation.
• Unexplained and repetitive gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, and soft stools indicating food allergy. May see mucus or blood in stool.
• Respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and watery nasal discharge resulting from inhaled environmental allergens.
• Lethargy, restlessness, and irritability due to chronic discomfort. Reluctance to play, jump, or go up stairs if experiencing joint pain.
• Self-mutilation from excessive licking and chewing of the skin. Dogs may compulsively lick their feet or tail until they are raw.

While symptoms may appear mild initially, they tend to worsen over time without treatment. Close monitoring and early intervention is critical to prevent complications.

Diagnosing the Cause of Allergies

To pinpoint the specific allergen triggering symptoms, the vet will start with a detailed history about the dog’s health, diet, lifestyle and when symptoms occur. They will perform a thorough physical exam checking the skin, ears, eyes, lungs, and body condition.

The vet will then recommend appropriate diagnostic allergy tests such as:

• Blood tests to check for elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against common environmental, food, and flea allergens. Higher levels indicate an allergy.
• Intradermal skin testing to measure skin reactions when small amounts of potential allergens are injected under the skin. Reactions confirm an allergy.
• Elimination diet trials to remove main protein and carbohydrate ingredients stepwise over several weeks to identify any food allergies.
• Fecal tests to analyze stool samples for the presence of parasites like giardia or provoke an immune response.
• Skin scrapings to look for external parasites like mites under the microscope that could cause skin irritation.
• Skin cytology to identify bacterial or fungal overgrowth on the skin that can cause secondary infections.
• Patch testing to observe skin reaction when potential allergens are placed on a shaved area and left for 48 hours.
• Endoscopy or biopsy to examine the GI tract if severe vomiting, diarrhea, or anemia is present.

Once the offending allergens are identified through testing, targeted treatment can begin to provide lasting relief. Follow up testing may be needed to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Effective Allergy Treatment Options for Dogs

There are various therapeutic options vets may recommend to provide allergy relief:

• Oral medications:

Antihistamines like diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine to control mild itching.

Steroids like prednisone to reduce inflammation short-term.

Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine that modulate the immune response.

Apoquel to specifically target itchiness by blocking inflammatory cytokines.

• Allergen-specific immunotherapy:

Customized allergy shots or sublingual drops expose the dog to tiny amounts of the substances they are allergic to in order to gradually desensitize the immune system’s IgE response.

• Veterinary prescription diets:

Includes hydrolyzed protein diets and limited ingredient diets using novel proteins and carbs to remove allergens through an elimination diet trial.

• Environmental modification:

Reducing exposure to environmental allergens by using HEPA air filters, washing bedding weekly in hot water, vacuuming regularly, and keeping the dog well-groomed.

• Topical therapy:

Anti-inflammatory shampoos, antibiotics, and antifungal medications can treat secondary skin and ear infections associated with allergies.

With a combination approach of avoiding triggers, medications, immunotherapy, and managing secondary infections, most dogs experience significant improvement in their allergy symptoms and quality of life.

Preventing Allergies in Dogs

While you can’t completely prevent allergies, you can reduce allergy risks in puppies through the following methods:

• Feed a high-quality puppy diet starting at weaning. Diets rich in omega-3s support skin/coat health. Avoid common allergens.
• Follow strict flea, tick, and heartworm prevention protocols year-round per your vet’s recommendations. Control external parasites.
• Only administer core vaccines on a limited schedule based on published guidelines. Avoid over-vaccination.
• Gradually introduce new foods, animals, people, and environments during the critical socialization window from 3-16 weeks old. Take 2-3 days per new item.
• Groom regularly year-round to distribute natural oils and remove dander. Bathing 1-2 times a month is sufficient.
• Clean living spaces frequently to reduce dust mites. Wash bedding weekly. Avoid scented candles, carpeting, and tobacco smoke.
• Plant pollen-free landscape vegetation. Limit grass exposure. Quickly treat any skin infections to prevent worsening.
• Consider probiotics, fish oil, vitamin E and other supplements that support immune health. Discuss with your vet.

While you can’t fully prevent allergies, taking these proactive steps helps reduce risk factors and promote tolerance in susceptible pups. Work closely with your breeder and vet to give your puppy the best allergy-free start possible!

Creating an Allergy-Friendly Home For Dogs

Making your home comfortable for a dog with allergies involves reducing irritants and allergens in their living environment.

Recommended tips include:

• Use HEPA air purifiers and change filters regularly to remove dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne allergens. Focus on the rooms your dog spends the most time in.
• Vacuum thoroughly at least twice weekly using bags or containers that completely seal in allergens when disposing.
• Limit carpeted rooms and upholstered furniture which trap allergens. Hard floors and leather furniture are better choices.
• Wash all dog bedding weekly in hot water (130°F) to kill dust mites. Wash pet toys and your bedding frequently too.
• Use mattress and furniture covers to reduce allergens like dander from collecting in upholstery. Periodically shampoo carpets.
• Address moisture issues immediately to prevent mold growth. Keep humidity levels below 50%.
• Store all human and pet food in airtight containers to avoid attracting pests like mice or cockroaches. Promptly clean up any crumbs or spills.
• Bathe your dog weekly with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo to remove allergens from their coat. Dry thoroughly.
• Keep nails neatly trimmed to prevent trauma from scratching. Wipe paws when coming inside.

Consult your vet for any additional recommendations to make your home a safe, allergy-free haven for your affected dog. A little diligence goes a long way in reducing allergy flare-ups.

Allergy-Friendly Grooming

Specialized bathing and grooming techniques can provide relief for dogs with allergies and protect their sensitive skin. Recommendations include:

• Bathe at least weekly or every 2-3 days during a flare-up using gentle, colloidal oatmeal or hydrating shampoos made for sensitive skin. Double rinse to remove all traces of shampoo residue.
• Use a very soft slicker brush made specifically for dogs with allergies to brush out dead hair and distribute natural oils without irritating the skin. Always brush in the direction of hair growth.
• Trim excess fur between toes, around eyes, ears, sanitary areas, and facial folds to prevent moisture buildup which breeds bacteria and yeast. Use blunt, safety scissors.
• Gently wipe facial wrinkles clean daily with a warm, damp cloth to remove debris and allergens trapped in skin folds. Dry thoroughly.
• Apply soothing dog-safe balms or wipes to inflamed areas like paws and hot spots to provide relief and protect against licking/chewing.
• Keep nails trimmed regularly to prevent trauma from excessive scratching. Use nail files to smooth edges.
• Spritz coats with a moisturizing conditioning spray daily to prevent dry, flaky skin which retains allergens.
• Invest in washable dog beds and blankets. Wash all bedding weekly in hot water to destroy allergens.

Work closely with your groomer and vet to develop the optimal grooming regimen tailored to your dog’s specific allergy triggers and sensitivities. Consistent routines keep skin and coat healthy.

Travel Tips for Dogs with Allergies

Traveling can aggravate allergies in dogs. Take steps to reduce allergen exposure and minimize reactions:

• Pack your dog’s special hypoallergenic food and treats to avoid diet changes. Bring their medications, supplements, shampoo, and grooming tools as well.
• Request pet-friendly hotel rooms cleaned with hypoallergenic products. Call ahead to inform staff of allergies. Bring disposable floor mats and sheets to reduce contact allergens.
• Schedule a deep cleansing grooming right before and after travel to remove environmental allergens from their coat. Ask if the groomer uses hypoallergenic products.
• Travel with a towel or wipes to regularly clean off saliva, pollen, or dirt from your dog’s coat and paws during the trip. Pack paw balm or wipes too.
• Monitor your dog closely for allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, or GI upset. Keep Benadryl on hand in case of a reaction.
• Use an airline approved carrier covered with a lightweight, breathable fabric if flying. Request a mild sedative from your vet if your dog has flight anxiety.
• Scout pet-friendly outdoor seating restaurants. Call ahead to ask about allergy accommodations. Avoid heavily grassed areas.
• Bring their own familiar bedding. Wash all items transported in the pet carrier upon arriving home.

With the right planning and care, dogs with allergies can still travel safely. Manage risks by planning ahead and attentiveness during the trip.

Living with and Caring for a Dog with Allergies

While allergies can’t be fully cured, dogs can still live happy lives with proper management and care. Controlling allergies takes consistency, patience, and teamwork with your veterinarian. But implementing an effective plan is very feasible.

With diligence to identify triggers, adhere to avoidance measures, administer medications as prescribed, and make environmental modifications, most dogs experience significant improvement in their symptoms and comfort levels.

While allergies require extra work, the rewards of relief you provide your pup and the strengthened bond formed through cooperating through challenges together makes the effort worthwhile. An allergy diagnosis does not have to mean constant suffering or a lower quality of life for dogs.

Arm yourself with information, work closely with your vet, and remain vigilant in providing allergy care. You have the power to dramatically minimize the impact allergies have on your dog’s health and happiness. With a mix of treatment options catered to your dog’s needs, plus lots of love, you can keep your allergic dog active and comfortable while maximizing the time you share together.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Allergies

How can you tell if a dog has allergies?

Signs of allergies in dogs include itchy skin, excessive licking/chewing/scratching, hair loss, recurring ear infections, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dogs may also show signs of irritation, redness, or inflammation on the skin, ears, paws, or eyes. Skin infections are common secondary to inflammation from scratching.

How do you treat a dog with allergies?

Treatment options include allergen-specific immunotherapy shots, medications like antihistamines and steroids to control symptoms, vet-prescribed hypoallergenic diets, topical skin products to treat infections, and environmental modification to reduce allergen exposure. Multi-modal therapy tailored to the dog’s sensitivities is most effective.

What are the most common allergies in dogs?

The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergies, and food allergies. Flea and environmental allergies often cause itchy skin and ear infections. Food allergies typically result in gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea as well as itchy skin. Identifying and avoiding allergy triggers is key to treatment.

What dog breeds are prone to allergies?

While any breed can develop allergies, some common allergy-prone breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles, Bulldogs, and many terrier breeds. These breeds seem to have a hereditary predisposition to allergies.

At what age do dog allergies develop?

Allergies can develop at any age, though most dogs begin to show symptoms between ages 1-3 years. Allergies are lifelong conditions, but symptoms may wax and wane over time. Seasonal allergies follow specific pollen seasons. Preventing allergies in susceptible puppies can reduce later risks.