Allergies are becoming increasingly common in dogs, yet often they go undetected. Allergy symptoms can manifest in a variety of different ways, making it difficult for dog owners to identify. In this blog we’ll explore some of the potential causes of allergies in dogs, signs to watch out for, and practical steps that you can take to help your canine companion ditch the itch.
Firstly, let’s highlight some of the most common types of allergies that dogs suffer from.
1. Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when your dog’s immune system adversely reacts to a particular ingredient(s) in their food. Unlike food intolerances, which are more digestive in nature (like lactose intolerance in humans), food allergies for dogs can manifest in a broad range of symptoms, making them harder to pin down.
Some of the most common food allergens are proteins, especially those found in beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. Other known allergens include soy, corn, and eggs.
Symptoms of Food Allergies:
- Itchy Irritated Skin - your dog may develop itchy, inflamed, sore skin or a nasty rash. In some severe cases, skin lesions may even develop.
- Diarrhoea - this is an indicator of a potential food allergy, however it may also simply be an intolerance to any rich or fatty food your dog may have consumed.
- Vomiting – similar to diarrhoea, this won’t always necessarily be an indicator of an allergy, however if it is accompanied by itchy skin or a rash, it likely is.
- Watery Eyes - your dog’s eyes may appear red, watery and irritated.
- Excessive Gas - your dog may become more windy, with an even more unpleasant odour than usual.
- Sore Tummy - your dog may experience pain when their abdominal area is touched, indicating an allergic reaction.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, however it does cover most of the bases. If you suspect that your dog has a food allergy, we recommend that you consult your vet for further advice.
Top Tip: Once you’ve identified a food allergen, avoiding it is essential. Consider switching to a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet. Some dogs may also benefit from diets that use novel proteins like venison or duck, or grains such as quinoa, which may be less likely to trigger allergies.
2. Environmental Allergies
Also known as Atopic Dermatitis, environmental allergies occur when your doggo reacts to something physical in their surroundings, such as dust, mould, pollen or grass. These allergies are often seasonal, however can be triggered year-round, depending on the allergen.
An article in Time Magazine in 2024 claimed that climate change is making allergies worse for our four-legged friends. It claimed that warmer temperatures and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are extending the growing season for plants and mould spores, and worsening air pollution.
Symptoms of Environmental Allergies:
- Itchy Irritated Skin - symptoms present similarly to a food allergy, with your dog likely scratch, lick or bite at the irritated area.
- Watery Eyes - your dog’s eyes may appear red, watery and irritated. You may also notice a clear or discoloured discharge from their eyes.
- Runny Nose & Sneezing - your dog may develop a runny nose and you may notice them sneezing more than usual.
- Smelly Ears - inflammation can cause an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, which in turn creates an unpleasant odour. This can also potentially develop into an ear infection.
Top Tip: If possible, reduce your dog’s exposure to any known allergens. When the pollen count is high, try wiping down your dog’s paws after walks or keeping windows closed. Regular baths can also help wash away allergens like pollen or dust from your dog’s skin. Consider using a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo to avoid additional irritation.
3. Flea & Tick Allergies
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common allergic reactions in dogs. It is actually caused by an allergic response to the proteins within the flea’s saliva. Just a handful of flea bites can cause severe itching and irritation in sensitive dogs.
Symptoms of Flea Allergies:
- Itching - flea allergies often cause intense itching, especially around the tail, back, and hind legs.
- Hair Loss - you may also notice inflamed skin and hair loss in the affected area(s).
- Skin Irritation - dogs with FAD may develop scabs, rashes, red patches or sores.
Top Tip: Keeping up with flea and tick prevention treatments is essential for dogs with allergies. There are various options available, including oral medications, topical treatments, and flea collars. We would recommend consulting with your vet to identify the most appropriate option for your dog. You can also conduct regular cleaning of your dog’s bedding and any areas where they spend time to reduce the presence of fleas and ticks in your home.
4. Contact Allergies
Not dissimilar to environmental allergies, contact allergies happen when your canine companion’s skin comes into contact (the clue is in the name I guess!) with a specific substance that triggers a reaction. This could be a certain type of grass or even a household cleaning product.
Common allergens include lawn chemicals, cleaning products, synthetic fibres and even certain plants, which can all trigger contact allergies.
Symptoms of Contact Allergies:
- Skin Irritation - you may notice redness, itching, or swelling where the skin has been exposed to the allergen. This is often on the paws or belly.
- Hair Loss - similar to FAD, you may also notice hair loss in the affected area(s).
- Self-Trauma - watch out for excessive scratching or biting which may result in secondary skin lesions, further hair loss and hardening or darkening of the skin.
Top Tip: Consider switching to pet-safe cleaning products or changing your dog’s bedding material if that seems to be the culprit. Often the synthetic fibres used can cause irritation. You could also consider topical treatments like soothing creams, sprays, or medicated shampoos. Again, we would recommend consulting your vet about what would be best for your particular doggo.
Are Some Dogs More Prone To Allergies Than Others?
Genetics undoubtedly play a role in a dog’s susceptibility to allergies. Opinions across the dog world can differ, however it is generally accepted that certain breeds like Retrievers, Bulldogs, Terriers, Dalmatians, Spaniels and Poodles, tend to have a higher incidence of allergies.
A range of external factors can also influence whether allergies develop, including your doggo’s living environment. One school of thought suggests that similar to the increase we are seeing in human allergies, we’re also seeing an increase in dog allergies due to the ‘cleaner’ environment we live in and that dogs (or in our case, children) don’t get as ‘dirty’ as they used to.
How to Diagnose Dog Allergies
In order to be certain that your dog has a particular allergy, there are several steps you can take.
1. Veterinary Consultation
A trip to the vet is often the best first step in determining whether allergies are behind your dog’s symptoms. Your vet will likely conduct a physical examination, ask about your dog’s diet and environment, and suggest a tailored approach to diagnosing the issue.
For suspected food allergies, an elimination diet is often used. This involves removing potential allergens from the dog’s diet and then gradually reintroducing foods to see if symptoms recur. A limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet may be recommended during this process.
2. Allergy Testing
Allergy tests, including blood tests and intradermal skin tests, can help pinpoint certain environmental and food-related allergies. These tests, often conducted by veterinary dermatologists, can identify specific triggers that may be causing your dog’s symptoms.
It’s also possible to order ‘at home testing kits’ from various online sites, however we would always urge caution when selecting one of these and would recommend speaking with your vet for further advice first.
Conclusion
Allergies can have a significant impact on your dog’s quality of life and spotting them isn’t as easy as you would think. We hope that after reading this blog you will now be better equipped to not only identify a potential allergy, but also to be able to put measures in place to help alleviate its impact on your four-legged friend.
Treating and managing your dog’s allergies can be highly complex and your approach will likely vary dependent on the nature and severity of the allergy. In general, managing allergies will require a combination of prevention, symptom relief, and dietary or environmental adjustments. If in doubt, we would always recommend seeking veterinary advice first.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.