A Complete Guide to Dog Allergies: Causes, Treatments and More!
Table of Contents
What are Allergies In Dogs?
The 4 Types Of Dog Allergies You Need To Know About!
Allergies Caused By Fleas and Parasites
Almost every dog will get fleas, ticks, mites, or other parasites at some point in its life. Usually, these parasites are easily removed, and the dog will not have an adverse reaction. However, some pets will develop allergies, mainly relating to biting parasites. It is typically the parasite’s saliva that causes the allergic reaction in dogs. Flea bite hypersensitivity in dogs will cause extreme itching and discomfort to your pet, this is known as flea bite dermatitis or pruritus. Symptoms and signs include:- excessive scratching
- excessive licking
- hair loss (especially around the rump and hind legs)
- formation of scabs or lesions on the skin.
Dog Allergies Caused By Food
Dogs can develop a food allergy or food hypersensitivity at any age, and to any carbohydrate or protein component of their food. Antihistamines and steroids are usually not effective in treating a food allergy in dogs. Instead, to identify and treat food allergies in dogs, most veterinarians recommend an elimination diet that will cut out specific ingredients, one at a time. Once you identify the allergen, you can then eliminate that specific component from your dog’s diet for good. Your vet will advise you of the best way to carry out this diet. It is essential that you stick to the diet all the way through, even if your dog’s symptoms subside. Treats and supplements are also components of the exclusion diet.Contact Allergies
A contact allergy is caused by the dog’s skin coming into contact with a specific substance or material, such as shampoo, flea treatments, or wool bedding. This type of allergy is usually manifested on the dog’s skin in the form of itching and dermatitis. The allergic reaction will be localized to the area that came into contact with the allergen. Contact allergies are the least common form of dog allergies, but can still be very uncomfortable for your pet.Environmental Allergies
An environmental allergy, seasonal allergy or inhalant allergy is caused by allergens in the air that your pet breathes in. This is also known as atopy. Allergies of this kind are often seasonal, relating to specific plants that only grow at certain times of the year. However, environmental allergies in dogs can occur year-round too, in response to allergens such as grass, mold, and mildew.Dog Parasites—Itchy Dog And Creepy Fleas
Types of Parasites That Cause Dog Allergies!
Mites
Mites are tiny arthropods. Despite their small size, they can cause huge problems for man’s best friend. The most common kind of mites that cause allergies in dogs is house dust mites. These feed off dead hair and skin, living in carpets, upholstery, and bedding. Dogs are not allergic to the mites themselves, but a protein found in the mites’ feces.Ticks
Ticks are small arachnids, which feed on the blood of mammals. They attach themselves to the animal’s skin and bury their head beneath the surface. These bloodsuckers are usually found in the wilderness and wooded areas. They transfer onto a pet as it brushes against the grass or tree where the tick is hiding. It is the tick’s saliva that causes an allergy in dogs. As well as causing an allergic reaction, ticks can also spread other diseases in dogs and humans. They can even cause anemia in the case of a severe infestation. You should check your dog for ticks frequently, and remove them using a special tool (do not pull them out or try to burn them off).Fleas
Fleas are small insects that cannot fly, though they can jump many times their body height. Like ticks, fleas feed off your dog’s blood, and it is their saliva that causes dogs to itch. Fleas are the most common biting parasite for dogs. Chances are that your pet will get fleas at least once in its lifetime. Frequent treatment can keep them at bay, and this is especially crucial in hot climates. While every dog will scratch when bitten by fleas, dogs with a flea allergy will scratch excessively, to the point of hair loss or cause skin lesions. Flea bite allergies are often seen most on the hind legs, tail, and rump of the dog.Skin Parasites Like Mites Cause Scabies
Dog Skin Allergies: From Ringworm In Dogs To Canine Atopic Dermatitis
What Is Canine Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition associated with allergies in dogs. It can either be the result of an allergic reaction, or due to coming into contact with an irritant, such as a chemical, or a certain plant or animal. Canine atopic dermatitis usually appears in younger dogs, between the ages of 3 months and 6 years. It may, however, take some time to diagnose, and can worsen with age. Symptoms include:- excessive scratching
- excessive licking
- excessive chewing
- skin inflammation
- rashes
- sneezing
What is Ringworm In Dogs?
Despite the name, ringworm isn’t actually caused by worms, but rather by a fungal infection. Ringworm is contagious to humans and can be transferred from dogs to humans and other animals. The symptoms of ringworm in dogs are itching and patches of hair loss, usually located on the head, ears, and forelegs. This helps to differentiate it from a flea bite allergy.Hotspots On Dogs
Hotspots on dogs, also called acute moist dermatitis, are moist, red, irritated skin lesions. The most common locations of hotspots on dogs are on the head, chest, and hips. Dogs will often lick or chew on the affected area, causing the hotspot to grow quickly. Although dogs with longer coats are more likely to develop hotspots, any dog with allergies can develop these painful sores.Dog Food Allergies—From Chicken To Grains
Dog Grain Allergy
Most dog foods contain a combination of proteins—usually meats—and carbohydrates, which are often in the forms of grains such as barley, corn, rice, and oats. These can often cause allergic reactions in dogs.Dog Food Allergies—Common Foods A Dog Can Be Allergic To!
The most common foods for dogs to be allergic to are dairy, beef, eggs, wheat, lamb, chicken, pork, soy, fish, and rabbit.Contact Allergies In Dogs—Contact Allergies Can Cause Dog Skin Problems
Can Dogs Be Allergic To Cats?
It is a well-known fact that some people are allergic to dog dander or cat dander, which is composed of tiny particles of shed hair and skin. What is less well known is that dogs can also be allergic to cats—and to people! Symptoms of a cat allergy in dogs are usually inflamed or itchy skin, sneezing, or a runny nose. Veterinarians can test for an allergy to cat dander, and treat it in the same way they treat other environmental allergies.Environmental Allergies—Another Common Dog Allergy
From Swollen Faces To A Broken Bark: A Dog Stung By Bee!
Bee Sting Reactions!
When a dog is not allergic to bee stings, their reaction will probably not be serious and limited to slight swelling in the immediate area and some tenderness. You should always remove the stinger with a pair of tweezers, and disinfect the area. If your dog is allergic to bee stings, however, their reaction could be a lot more serious. Allergic reactions will show up immediately! Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, severe swelling and redness of the sting area, hives, and even vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, bee sting allergies in dogs can cause the animal to go into anaphylactic shock. The symptoms of anaphylactic shock are:- trouble breathing
- wheezing
- a bluish tint to the skin
- collapse
Baby Benadryl—An Easy Way To Treat A Dog Bee Sting!
Benadryl for dogs? Baby Benadryl (generic name: diphenhydramine) is a milder form of the popular over-the-counter antihistamine medication, and many vets recommend it for a dog with allergies, or when a bee stings a dog. Usually, the recommended dosage for dogs is 1mg per pound of body weight, 2 to 3 times daily. Baby Benadryl is 12.5mg per chewable tablet, so a 25-pound dog, two tablets would be enough. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your dog Benadryl or any other medication.Dog Allergic Reaction? Here are The Symptoms!
Dog Food Allergy Symptoms
The symptoms of a food allergy in dogs can include:- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- allergy dermatitis
- itching
Diagnosing Allergies In Dogs! From Dog Allergy Testing And More!
Treatment For Dog Allergies!
Zyrtec For Dogs AKA Antihistamines for Dogs
For many years, Benadryl was the antihistamine of choice for dogs. While it is safe, it can make dogs drowsy, and it must be given 2-3 times a day. Zyrtec (generic name: Cetirizine) is now a more popular choice of antihistamine as it is less likely to make dogs drowsy. Zyrtec for dogs can be given just once a day.Allergy Medicine for Dogs
Other allergy medications for dogs include Chlortrimeton (generic name: Chlorpheniramine) and Atarax (generic name: Hydroxyzine), both of which are antihistamines. Another popular way to treat dog allergies is to give supplements of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which is an Omega-3 Fatty Acid and can work in synergy with an antihistamine to reduce allergic reaction symptoms in dogs. Atopica for dogs is definitely well worth asking your vet about! It takes on the most chronic of allergies!Essential Oils For Dogs
Essential oils are plant-based extracts that are used as holistic medicines. Although they are not scientifically proven to help, many people swear by using essential oils to alleviate their dogs’ allergies. Basil, ginger, and rosemary are used as anti-inflammatories! Lemongrass, citronella, and rosemary can help with keeping insects away. Thyme, lemon, and peppermint can ease respiratory symptoms. Peppermint, chamomile, and lavender can soothe skin reactions. Only use diluted, therapy-grade essential oils on your dog! Warning! Some essential oils are dangerous to dogs, and should always be avoided. These include tea tree, camphor, and pennyroyal. Always check whether an essential oil is poisonous to dogs before commencing treatment.Hyposensitization
Hyposensitization, also known as allergen immunotherapy, desensitization, or “allergy shots” is a treatment used to combat allergies in dogs, as well as other pets and people.Anti-Inflammatory!
If your dog’s allergic reaction involves inflammation of any kind, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. The side-effects of Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are less severe than steroids. Popular NSAIDs for treating dog allergies are Rimadyl, also known as Novox or carprofen, Metacam or meloxicam, and even types of aspirin. Always get a prescription from your veterinarian before starting your dog on any medication. Natural anti-inflammatory treatments, though unproven, are very popular with owners of allergic dogs. Ginkgo, turmeric, fish oil, ginger and vitamin C all have anti-inflammatory properties, though you should still consult with your vet before incorporating them into your dog’s diet, especially if your dog is suffering from a food allergy.Home Remedies for Dog Allergies Start With Change!
For Fleas Consider A Dog Flea Allergy Treatment
Keeping your dog free of fleas and other pests can make a huge difference to your dog’s quality of life, and your own. Spot-on treatments can help keep fleas at bay, and to kill any fleas currently on your dog, or there are pills available that you can give to your dog to kill any fleas living on it. There are also a number of soothing anti-flea shampoos available that will remove fleas and soothe the skin all in one go.Look For The Best Dog Food For Allergies
Although all dogs are different, there are certain foods that are typically less likely to cause an allergic reaction in dogs. These foods include venison, potato, kangaroo and gluten-free oatmeal. Consult with your vet before dramatically altering your dog’s diet.Baby Benadryl For Those Bee Sting Reactions!
As discussed above, keeping an over-the-counter medication such as Benadryl in the house can help to ease the symptoms of an allergy sufferer in a pinch, especially if you live far from the vet. Though it may not replace other treatments, it can certainly help to alleviate the worst of a reaction.5 Facts You Need To Know About Allergies In Dogs!
- 20 to 25% of dogs suffer from allergies at some point in their lives.
- Of these dogs, just 10 to 15% of dog allergies are related to food, while the vast majority of dog allergies are caused by environmental, non-food allergies.
- Dogs with allergies can still live healthy, happy lives, and treatment options are always evolving.
- Dogs can, and often do, have multiple allergies, often of different kinds. Your pooch may be allergic to grass particles, for example, but also to gluten in their food. This only adds to the complexity of diagnosis.
- Some people believe that dog allergies are becoming more common due to the increasing prevalence of synthetic chemicals around the home and in food. These can affect the dog’s natural balance and lead to allergic reactions.