Dog Allergies: Causes, Symptoms & Smart Solutions!

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Did you know that 1 in 7 dogs suffers from some form of allergy? If your dog is constantly scratching, licking its paws, or sneezing more than usual, it might not just be playing around; it could be dealing with a dog allergy. Understanding dog allergies can be tricky, but it's good to know that dog skin allergies are pretty common.

Just like humans, our furry friends can experience a range of allergic reactions. While it's true that some people manage to outgrow their allergies, unfortunately, dog allergies often become more pronounced as they age. So, as pet parents, it's our job to identify the signs, understand the causes, and know how to treat them. Dog allergies aren't just seasonal, they're sneaky, frustrating and sometimes costly. 

In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about dog allergies, from symptoms to solutions, without sacrificing your beloved furry companion. After all, when your best friend’s health is on the line, being prepared is so important.

What are Dog Allergies?

Dog allergies happen when your pup's immune system responds inappropriately to a substance (the allergen) that dogs normally wouldn’t react to. These allergens could be anything from pollen to certain foods or flea bites. Most allergic reactions occur when allergen protein molecules bind with antibodies in the blood that connect to mast cells located in various tissues throughout the body. 

When allergens and antibodies interact with mast cells, these cells release powerful chemicals, like histamines, leading to local inflammation characterised by redness, swelling, and itching. This inflammation results in a range of symptoms associated with an allergic reaction to dogs, including skin irritations, digestive problems, and more serious respiratory issues. You may notice that different breeds produce varying amounts of dog dander, which means you might be more allergic to certain dogs than others.

Common Types of Allergies in Dogs 

Identifying the type of allergy is the first step toward effective treatment. Let’s look at the most common types of dog allergies and how they appear in your pet friend. 

Flea Allergies

Flea allergies can cause allergic reactions in dogs. These small insects feed on the blood of animals and inject saliva, leading to severe itching, redness, and skin inflammation. They are recognised as the most prevalent skin allergy from dogs. Even one flea bite can cause days of discomfort. A dog suffering from a flea allergy tends to scratch, lick, and chew its skin, seeking relief.

Seasonal/Environmental Allergies

Like humans, dogs are exposed to seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, fibres from plants or animals, dust mites, and mold spores during spring and autumn. These allergens, like pollen, can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin upon contact. Generally, these allergies can flare up at certain times of the year and may be managed through vet-recommended treatments and reducing outdoor activities on high-pollen days.

Food allergies

Food allergies in dogs are quite rare. It occurs when the immune system of some pups reacts to certain ingredients in dog food, such as chicken, turkey, and corn. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, itchy skin, and respiratory issues. A vet-guided nutrition plan is key to long-term allergy relief for dogs.

Symptoms of Dog Allergies

Allergy symptoms in dogs differ based on their specific allergens. Some of the symptoms and signs of dog allergies include the following:

• Excessive Scratching
• Chewing and licking their skin
• Red, inflamed, and infected skin
• Chronic ear infection
• Sneezing and watery eyes
• Vomiting and diarrhoea (in case of food poisoning)
• Ear irritation

Are Certain Breeds More Likely to Have Allergies?

Some dog breeds are more prone to developing allergies. Although dogs can have allergies, certain breeds are especially likely to face skin, food, or environmental sensitivities. Here are the breeds commonly affected by allergies:

• Labrador Retriever
• Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Pugs
• West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
• German Shepherd Dogs
• Shih Tzu
• Boxer
• Dalmatians
• Lhasa Apsos
• Scottish Terriers
• Wirehaired Fox Terriers
• Afghan Hound
• Bichon Frisé

When to Consult a Vet?

A vet refers to a veterinarian, a medical expert dedicated to caring for animals, including dogs. If your dog shows persistent symptoms such as excessive scratching, swelling, excessive licking, redness, inflamed skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive problems, it's crucial to seek a vet's advice. Unexplained behavioural changes, continuous discomfort, or symptoms that don't improve with basic care should not be overlooked. Identifying issues early can help prevent complications and provide quicker relief for your dog. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult your vet before changing your dog's routine or diet.

Pro Tip: Did you know dog allergies affect more than just your pet? They can also affect you. Allergens like pet dander, fur and saliva can trigger respiratory issues, skin issues, or even chronic allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. So it's essential to protect your entire family's health with comprehensive family health insurance. It helps cover unexpected medical expenses, giving you peace of mind while focusing on keeping your pet and yourself safe and healthy. 

Are there Allergy Tests for Dogs?

Yes, dogs can get allergy tests to determine what's causing their symptoms. These tests are beneficial in diagnosing the specific allergens causing your pet discomfort. There are two most common types of dog allergy testing:

Skin Test

This method, also known as Intradermal Allergy Testing, involves injecting small quantities of potential allergens into the dog's skin to determine if a reaction occurs. It is a reliable method for identifying environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, and mould.

Blood Test

This method is also known as Serum Allergy Testing. A blood sample is analysed to detect antibodies that indicate a reaction to specific allergens. It can help identify a broader range of allergens, but it may not be reliable for determining food allergies. It's less invasive and is commonly used when dog skin allergy treatment testing isn't ideal.

Dog Allergy Treatments

Treating dog allergies depends on identifying the cause, whether food, flea, or environmental triggers. Once diagnosed, combining these treatments can help manage symptoms and improve your dog's quality of life. Some of the dog allergies treatment may include: 

Antihistamine and Medication Treatment 

Vets often prescribe antihistamines that are available over-the-counter medications, such as Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, Trimeprazine and Clarinex OTC, that can help relieve itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. These medicines are less effective than other treatments in short- or long-term relief. However, they may offer allergy relief for dogs when used with other therapies.

Topical Treatments

Frequent bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo can be best for dog skin allergy treatment. Bathing and wiping down dog dander allergy through sprays and medicated wipes with soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, or hydrocortisone can quickly relieve itchy and inflamed skin. The recommendations may vary according to the breed and skin type of the dog. Some therapeutic shampoos also include anti-inflammatory ingredients that may provide further benefits to your pet.

Allergy shots

In case of environmental allergies, the vet may recommend allergy shots or allergen-specific immunotherapy, which can be very effective for your pet. This dog allergy treatment is best for those who haven’t responded well to other therapies. Allergy shots aim to retrain your dog’s immune system. This treatment necessitates a long-term commitment from the pet owner, as sometimes the improvement may take up to six months to a year. 

Flea prevention

Consistent flea prevention is the best way to manage flea allergy. Three types of flea preventives are available for dogs: oral, topical, and collars. The vet recommended the oral and topical treatments. Oral flea medications for dogs come in pills or chewable tablets, like Capstar and Nexgard, administered monthly. Topical preventatives, including Advantage Multi, Frontline, and Revolution, are applied to your dog’s skin monthly.

Eliminating Diet for Food Allergy

If food is the culprit, the vet will recommend an elimination diet. These diets contain ingredients that improve skin health and reduce the inflammatory response, which can minimise dog hair allergies. Hypoallergenic and hydrolysed protein diets are often used during dog skin allergy treatment.

Final Woof!

Dog allergies can be challenging for both parents and pets. From constantly itching to severe digestive troubles, these symptoms can affect your dog's comfort and quality of life. Understanding the types of dog allergies and symptoms and seeking proper treatments can help dogs live happy and itch-free lives. Consult a doctor if you or a family member suffers from dog allergies. Managing your symptoms can improve your well-being and reduce the risk of worsening your condition. Make sure you and your furry friend live comfortably and happily. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.