Is Your Dog Itching and Scratching? Learn the Causes and Treatments for Dog Allergies

What are Dog Allergies?

Dogs can suffer from a range of allergies that can be triggered by food or environmental factors. Read on to understand your dog's allergies and what you can do about them.

Common Allergens for Dogs

Dogs can develop allergies to a variety of substances, including certain foods, environmental factors, and parasites. The most common food allergens for dogs are proteins, especially those found in dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, and wheat gluten. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, each time a pet eats food containing an allergen, the immune system overreacts, leading to allergic symptoms.

Environmental allergens that can affect dogs include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and insect proteins. These airborne allergens can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other allergy symptoms when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Flea and parasite allergies are also common in dogs. Some dogs have a hypersensitive reaction to proteins found in flea saliva, leading to intense itching, skin inflammation, and hair loss. Certain intestinal parasites can also trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.

Symptoms of Dog Allergies

Dogs with allergies can exhibit a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of allergy and the severity of their reaction. One of the most common signs is excessive itching and scratching, which can lead to skin irritation, hot spots, and hair loss. Dogs may also suffer from ear infections, as their ears can become inflamed and irritated due to allergies. Source

Digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, particularly in cases of food allergies. Respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, and coughing may also be present, especially in dogs with environmental or inhalant allergies. Source

Other signs to watch out for include swelling of the face, ears, lips, or eyelids, as well as red, inflamed skin. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing Dog Allergies

Diagnosing the specific cause of a dog's allergies can be a challenging process, often requiring a combination of tests and trials. The veterinarian plays a crucial role in determining the underlying allergen(s) responsible for the dog's symptoms. Some common diagnostic methods include:

Intradermal Skin Tests: These tests involve injecting small amounts of potential allergens into the dog's skin and monitoring for reactions. Positive reactions indicate an allergy to that particular substance. This test is most commonly used to identify environmental allergens like pollens, molds, and dust mites. 

Blood Tests: Blood tests can measure the levels of allergen-specific antibodies in a dog's bloodstream, indicating an allergic response to certain substances. These tests are often used to identify food allergies or sensitivities. 

Elimination Diet Trials: For suspected food allergies, an elimination diet trial may be recommended. This involves feeding the dog a novel protein and carbohydrate source for several weeks to see if symptoms improve. If they do, the dog's original diet can be reintroduced to identify the offending ingredient(s). 

Our Hypoallergenic Dog Treat with Superfoods is a great option if you're doing an elimination diet. 

Treatment for Dog Allergies

There are several treatment options available for managing dog allergies. The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of the allergy and the specific allergen causing the reaction.

Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl can help alleviate mild allergy symptoms like itching and skin irritation. However, they do not treat the underlying cause of the allergy and may cause drowsiness as a side effect. Your vet can recommend the appropriate dosage for your dog.

Steroids/Immunosuppressants: For more severe allergy symptoms, your vet may prescribe corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant medications. These powerful drugs can reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system's overreaction to allergens. However, they can have significant side effects with prolonged use, so they are typically used for short-term relief or in conjunction with other treatments. 

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): Also known as desensitization therapy, immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing doses of an allergen to your dog over an extended period. This can help the immune system become desensitized to the allergen, reducing future reactions. Immunotherapy can be effective for environmental allergens like pollen or dust mites but is less successful for food allergies.

Fatty Acid Supplements: Supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve skin and coat condition in dogs with allergies. These supplements are often used in conjunction with other treatments for a multi-modal approach to allergy management. 

Diet for Dogs with Allergies

Dietary management is crucial for dogs with allergies triggered by food. The goal is to identify and eliminate the offending allergens from their diet. There are several types of diets that can help:

Novel Protein Diets: These diets contain a novel (new) protein source that the dog has never been exposed to before, such as insect protein. This reduces the likelihood of an allergic reaction. 

Hydrolyzed Protein Diets: These diets contain proteins that have been broken down into smaller molecules, making them less likely to trigger an immune response. The proteins are essentially "hidden" from the dog's immune system. PetMD recommends hydrolyzed diets as the best option for dogs with allergies.

Limited Ingredient Diets: These diets contain a minimal number of ingredients, typically a novel protein source and a carbohydrate source. This simplifies the diet and reduces the chances of an allergic reaction to multiple ingredients.

When choosing a diet for an allergic dog, it's important to select high-quality protein sources and avoid fillers, artificial preservatives, and allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.

When to See the Vet

While mild allergy symptoms can often be managed at home, there are certain situations where it's crucial to seek veterinary care. If your dog is experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, excessive vomiting, or signs of anaphylactic shock, it's essential to seek immediate veterinary attention. These severe reactions can be life-threatening and require prompt medical intervention.

Additionally, if you've tried various home remedies and treatments without success, it's time to consult your veterinarian. Persistent allergies that fail to respond to home management may indicate an underlying condition or a more severe allergy that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, if you're unsure of the root cause of your dog's allergies, it's advisable to seek veterinary guidance. Your vet can perform a thorough examination, run diagnostic tests, and identify the specific allergen(s) triggering your dog's reactions. This information is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your dog's needs.

New Treatments and Research

As our understanding of dog allergies continues to evolve, researchers are exploring exciting new avenues for treatment and management. One area of particular interest is the development of emerging immunotherapies, which aim to modulate the immune system's response to allergens.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy, also known as desensitization or allergy shots, has shown promising results in dogs. This approach involves administering gradually increasing doses of the allergen to help the immune system become desensitized, reducing the severity of allergic reactions. Researchers are also investigating the potential of sublingual immunotherapy, where the allergen is administered under the tongue, offering a needle-free alternative.

Another area of active research is the exploration of the canine microbiome – the vast community of microorganisms that reside in and on a dog's body. Studies have suggested that disruptions in the microbiome may play a role in the development of allergies. By understanding these microbial imbalances, researchers hope to develop targeted probiotic or prebiotic therapies to restore a healthy microbiome and alleviate allergy symptoms.

The field of nutrigenomics, which examines the interaction between nutrition and gene expression, is also gaining traction in the management of dog allergies. By identifying specific genetic markers associated with allergic responses, veterinarians may be able to tailor personalized diets that optimize a dog's nutritional needs and minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

While these new treatments and research areas hold promise, it's important to note that they are still in the early stages of development. As with any medical treatment, it's crucial to consult with a qualified veterinarian to ensure the safety and appropriateness of any new therapies for your furry companion.

Conclusion

Managing your dog's allergies is crucial for their overall health, comfort, and well-being. By identifying the underlying allergens, whether environmental or food-related, and implementing the appropriate treatment plan, you can significantly improve your furry friend's quality of life. Remember, allergies can cause chronic discomfort, skin issues, digestive problems, and even secondary infections if left untreated.

It's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to your dog's specific needs. This may involve a combination of medication, immunotherapy, dietary changes, and environmental modifications. Regularly monitoring your dog's condition and adjusting the treatment plan as needed is key to managing their allergies effectively.

By being proactive and taking the necessary steps to control your dog's allergies, you can help them live a happier, healthier life free from the discomfort and distress caused by allergic reactions. Try out our hypoallergenic dogs treats as part of an elimination diet or to give your dog a treat. Your dedication and commitment to their well-being will undoubtedly strengthen the unbreakable bond you share with your beloved companion.