Allergies in Dogs – How to Recognize Them and Keep Them Under Control
Unfortunately, allergies affect our canine friends just as they do people. Suspect your pet may be suffering from an allergy? Although dogs can’t simply tell us what’s bothering them, it’s fairly easy to tell from their behavior and allergy symptoms. In today’s article, you’ll learn about the most common types of allergies in dogs, what causes them, how they manifest, and how to tackle them so you can ensure your canine companion lives a happy and comfortable life!
What causes allergies in dogs, and can they be prevented?
First, it’s important to note that dog allergies are often hereditary, which means that in most cases, it’s not possible to prevent them. Some dog breeds are also more prone to certain types of allergies. Allergies usually start to appear during a dog’s first or second year of life, but this is not always the case—they can develop at any stage of your pet’s life.
It’s also essential to bear in mind that most allergies cannot be cured. In most cases, however, their symptoms can be managed so effectively that they are minimized, bringing your dog considerable relief!
Dog allergies and symptoms—red, itchy skin is often a giveaway!
Dog allergies are not particularly difficult to recognize—they very often cause itchy, red skin. Dogs scratch frequently and persistently, sometimes until they bleed, especially around the belly, head, neck, between the toes, or on the inner sides of their legs. If the problem persists, skin infections can develop in these areas. Depending on the type of allergy, other symptoms may also occur:
- Swollen, red eyes
- Ear infections and redness
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and bloating
What types of dog allergies are there, and how can you identify and ease them?
There are essentially three of the most common types of dog allergies: flea saliva allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies. Since all three types usually have similar symptoms, they can be difficult to identify, so you’ll need to call on your veterinarian for help. If you’ve noticed that something isn’t right with your dog, read on. You’ll learn what makes these allergies distinct, how they manifest, and how to minimize their symptoms as much as possible.
Allergies to flea saliva and other parasites
Flea saliva allergies are among the most common in dogs. However, they are not hereditary, and no breeds have been shown to be more prone to this allergy. The allergy is caused by proteins found in flea saliva. In dogs, it most often causes redness and hair loss around the base of the tail, although skin changes can often be seen all over the body.
Dogs can have similar allergic reactions to ticks and other parasites, so we recommend not neglecting parasite prevention or regular deworming. You can remove fleas from your dog’s coat with a good-quality flea shampoo and a special comb that helps detect their presence.
Food allergies in dogs
Food allergies have also become very common in dogs in recent years. This means that a dog is allergic to a particular ingredient in its food. Paradoxically, allergy symptoms can be almost identical to those of other types of allergies, so if you suspect an allergy, consult your veterinarian, who may be able to identify the allergen with blood tests. If the results are still inconclusive, you’ll need to use an elimination method: monitor which ingredients in the food make your dog feel unwell, when the allergy symptoms get worse (bear in mind that a reaction may take several hours or even days to appear), and so on.
The most common food allergies in dogs are to chicken and beef, wheat, eggs, or milk. Special single-protein foods (usually insect-based) that contain no ingredients known to cause allergies in dogs are now available. Your dog will therefore be put on a special diet for at least eight weeks, giving its body time to settle down. After that, you can return to the original food and use an elimination method to find out which ingredient is causing the allergy, then remove it from your dog’s diet for good.
Since a dog can be allergic to one or several proteins at the same time, it’s important to choose a hypoallergenic food that suits them. Your veterinarian can help you make the right choice.
🐶 Dingo TIP! Even if your dog has a food allergy, you don’t have to deprive them of their favorite treats! We have a solution—we offer special training pellets made with insect protein!
Environmental allergies in dogs
The last common type is an allergy to environmental factors, such as grasses, pollen, dust, mites, and so on. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are predisposed to this type of atopic allergy, including Dalmatians, English Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Shar-Peis, and German Boxers.
As with the other allergies, the symptoms are similar—red skin around the belly, the inner sides of the legs, or the paws (between the toes). Scratching and licking can make the skin condition worse, and skin infections may develop. These can be treated with special products such as sprays or tinctures. The good news is that for many dogs, this allergy is mainly seasonal, and you can reduce its severity with suitable immune-support supplements given regularly (ask your veterinarian for advice on choosing and using them properly).
Make life more enjoyable for your dog with tasty, high-quality DINGO treats!
Although allergies can make life very unpleasant for both dogs and their owners for a while, careful attention can greatly minimize their symptoms. All you need to do is provide proper care, choose high-quality hypoallergenic food, and support your furry friend’s immune system! And of course, that includes spending time together on walks around the neighborhood! Don’t forget to tuck some of our tasty Dingo treats into your pocket, such as rusks, drops, and other doggy goodies!
We also offer special gluten-free, easy-to-digest treats for dogs with allergies, so they won’t miss out!