How to Identify and Treat Dog Allergies

Just as in humans, dogs can develop allergies to various substances in their environment or diet. Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless trigger. Common allergens for dogs include ingredients in food, flea bites, grass, pollen, mold, and dust mites. Allergic reactions can cause discomfort and health issues for our furry friends.

Symptoms of Allergies

If your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction, you may notice several telltale signs. Itchy, irritated skin that causes excessive scratching, licking, or chewing is one of the most common symptoms. This can lead to things like hair loss, hot spots, rashes, or skin infections. Other symptoms might include sneezing, runny eyes, wheezing, coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some allergic dogs may also seem lethargic or lose their appetite.

Food Allergies in Dogs

One of the biggest culprits behind dog allergies is the food they eat. The most common food allergens are proteins like beef, chicken, dairy, eggs and wheat or grains. Dogs can develop food allergies over time after being repeatedly exposed to certain ingredients. The symptoms are often digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea, along with itchy, irritated skin.

Dog Food for Allergies

If you suspect your pup has a food allergy, you may need to switch to a specialized dry dog food for allergies made without common allergen ingredients. The experts at Nextrition recommend looking for limited-ingredient or novel protein diets that contain unique protein and carbohydrate sources your dog has never eaten before. Some top options are duck, venison, rabbit, peas, or potatoes. Try to avoid anything with beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, or wheat.

Environmental Allergies

Dogs can also have an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like plant pollens, mold spores and dust mites. These tend to cause respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and wheezing, along with itchy skin and paws. Some breeds, like Retrievers and Terriers, are more prone to environmental allergies. Avoiding exposure and keeping the home clean can help.

Flea Allergies

Fleabites are another major trigger for allergic reactions in dogs, especially flea allergy dermatitis. This leads to extremely itchy skin that causes frantic biting, scratching, and chewing to the point of hair loss and hot spots. Using effective flea prevention medication is key, along with bathing with a gentle shampoo.

Allergy Testing

If you cannot pinpoint the cause, your vet can perform allergy testing to identify potential triggers. This may involve a skin test where small amounts of proteins are injected under the skin to check for reactions. A blood test that detects antibody levels to certain allergens is another option.

Treating Allergies

Once the cause is identified, treating dog allergies involves eliminating or minimizing exposure to the triggering allergen as much as possible, whether in the diet, environment or through effective flea control. Antihistamines, steroids or immunotherapy can also help relieve symptoms and manage flare-ups, under veterinary guidance of course.

Other Tips

In addition to allergy treatments, frequent bathing with a gentle oatmeal or hypoallergenic shampoo can remove allergens from the skin and coat and provide relief. Using a humidifier, replacing air filters, and vacuuming regularly also helps reduce environmental allergens at home. Omega fatty acid supplements may reduce inflammation too.

Conclusion

With some detective work and help from your veterinarian, you can get to the root cause of your dog’s allergies and find ways to ease their discomfort and itching. Being proactive about allergies will keep your pup happy, healthy and itch-free. Do not give up trying different solutions until you find the right combination to provide relief. An allergy-free dog makes for a much happier pet and owner.