Dog Allergies: What Pet Owners Need To Know

Does your pet have allergies? If so, he isn’t alone. Approximately one in five of our canine companions may experience allergies. Interestingly, this rate mirrors that of human allergies, with an estimated one in four individuals affected. In the U.S. alone, this accounts for about 100 million people. A Stonington, CT veterinarian delves into the subject of dog allergies in this article.

What Signs Do Dogs Show When They Have Allergies?

Symptoms can vary greatly from one dog to another. It all comes down to what triggers the reaction in Fido and how severe it is.

Take note of these cues:

• Runny Eyes
• Skin Problems: Redness, Flaking, Inflammation
• Licking Paws
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Itchiness
• Hair Loss
• Dander
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Hives
• Licking
• Face Rubbing
• Stubborn Ear Infections
• Itchy Ears
• Food Allergies

These things can be linked to a variety of health issues, not only allergies. That’s why it’s essential to seek professional advice from your Stonington, CT vet for Fido’s proper diagnosis.

What Leads to Allergies in Dogs?

Dog allergies function much like human allergies. Over time, Fido’s immune system develops an intolerance to a specific substance, typically a form of protein. This may include insect, plant, animal, or food protein.

After your pup’s immune system becomes reactive to a substance, it triggers an immune response, manufacturing antibodies. This sets off a sequence of events, prompting the discharge of histamines. These histamines initiate the reactions responsible for your pup’s distress, such as itching and swelling. The immune system becomes overly enthusiastic in protecting against foreign agents.

Think of it like this: when it comes to allergens and immune system responses, things can get pretty tangled up. If you want the full scoop, chat with your vet.

What Kinds of Allergies Could Dogs Develop?

Dogs can develop several types of allergies. While each have their own challenges and characteristics, they are all part of the same type of response. 

Here are some of the most common triggers:

Environment

Environmental allergies, as suggested by their name, arise from exposure to environmental elements. The list of possible triggers is vast, spanning from pollen, dust, and mold to grass, leaves, cigarette smoke, and perfume.

Seasons

Seasonal allergies, essentially a subtype of environmental allergies, typically intensify during specific periods annually. This compilation encompasses a plethora of tree pollen, plants, grasses, leaves, and flowers. Remember, your furry companion can pick up pollen while joyfully bounding around the yard.

Food

Among dogs, food allergies are notably common, encompassing a wide range of potential triggers. Whether it’s a reaction to the food as a whole or a specific ingredient like an additive or preservative, Fido’s response varies. Some dogs may display sensitivity to particular meats such as beef, chicken, or pork, while others react to corn or grains. Moreover, legumes and root vegetables can also provoke adverse reactions in Man’s Best Friend.

Insects

Fido’s fur doesn’t provide complete protection against insect bites; he can have reactions to various bugs like fleas, blackflies, deer flies, horseflies, mosquitoes, ants, wasps, bees, and hornets. Additionally, dogs might react to arachnids, such as spiders and ticks.

Contact

Contact allergies can stem from a variety of substances, such as specific fabrics in your carpet or sofa, ingredients found in Fido’s dog shampoo, floor waxes, and mulch. Fido may also have allergies to dander or even your cat.

Anaphylaxis

The most hazardous allergy type, anaphylaxis can be fatal. This is an extreme reaction, which can stem from bee stings, severe food allergies, or vaccine responses. Fortunately, it is fairly rare.

How Do You Care for a Dog With Allergies?

Start by getting Fido to the vet for a precise diagnosis. 

A few simple tasks around the house may help. To maintain a comfortable environment for your furry friend, it’s essential to reduce allergens at home. Regular vacuuming and dusting help eliminate dust, fur, dander, and pollen from carpets and furniture. Changing air filters regularly is also beneficial for improving indoor air quality. Wash your pet’s bedding frequently with hot water and unscented detergent, following label instructions, and tumble drying.

Consider allergies when decorating your home. When picking a new sofa, choose one with an allergy-friendly covering, such as leather. Additionally, opt for window treatments that won’t trap dust.

Another approach is to monitor pollen counts regularly. When they rise, limit your pet’s time outdoors. Also, consider wiping your dog’s paws and belly before letting them inside to reduce allergen exposure.

For more details or if you have further questions, consult your Stonington, CT vet.

What Are The Treatments For Doggy Allergies?

While allergies can’t be cured, there are ways to help your furry pal feel better. Start by setting up a vet appointment to find out what’s triggering your pup’s reaction. Then, you and your vet can talk about treatment options that work for your pet.

Treatment options vary and may involve medications. These may consist of anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids or antihistamines, fatty acid supplements, or topical medication. A simple switch of shampoos could suffice in some cases. 

Food allergies are a different beast. Dealing with food allergies in pets can be complex, requiring precise identification of triggers. Your vet might recommend transitioning Fido to a bland diet temporarily to alleviate symptoms. After symptoms subside, the plan is often to reintroduce foods gradually to determine the specific allergen.

When Do Dogs Develop Allergies?

Fido’s can get allergies at any age. Nevertheless, it’s unusual for dogs to develop allergies before the age of six months. Typically, allergic symptoms appear when the pup is at least one to two years old. This delay is due to Fido’s immune system needing time to develop enough to identify and respond unfavorably to specific substances.

Contact Our Stonington CT Pet Hospital

Think your pooch might be battling allergies? Drop us a message at our Stonington, CT animal clinic. We’re here to lend a paw!