Allergies in dogs and puppies are common, but they’re tough to diagnose, which in turn makes them tough to treat. The symptoms of allergies are often the same as other medical conditions, many of which are serious. They can also appear completely out-of-the-blue, later in a dog’s life.
According to Poop Bags, doggy allergies have a habit of getting worse with age. Humans, on the other hand, tend to outgrow theirs.
What Are Dog Allergies?
Allergies in dogs are the same as allergies in humans, caused by the immune system functioning abnormally. It goes into a state of overdrive and massively overreacts to a foreign object in the body, causing harm rather than doing good and eliminating the object.
A wide variety of things cause allergies, including:
- Food;
- Dust;
- Mold;
- Mildew;
- Insects;
- Pollen;
- Plants;
- Parasites;
- And more.
Allergies can rear at any time, usually because of prolonged exposure causing the immune system to become overly sensitive. Sometimes, dogs inherit allergies from their parents.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs and Puppies
The signs of allergies in dogs are vague, making it difficult to pinpoint the problem. They usually appear between six months and three years of age but can also rear up suddenly in adulthood, or even in senior dogs.
Common dog allergy symptoms include:
- Localized scratching (in one spot);
- Generalized scratching (all over the body);
- Red, irritated, and/or inflamed skin;
- Sneezing;
- Coughing;
- Wheezing;
- Swelling on or around the face;
- Wet and weeping eyes;
- Ear infections that won’t go away (later symptom);
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea.
How Are Dog and Puppy Allergies Diagnosed?
Diagnosing allergies in dogs and puppies is just as long and complicated as it is in humans. Your vet won’t start by diagnosing the allergies; instead, they’ll perform tests to rule out other, more serious conditions.
Tests include a visual and physical examination, blood tests, urine and stool tests, and skin allergy testing. These can help to determine which type of allergy your pup has, and what’s causing it – but tests for dogs are nowhere near as accurate as tests for humans. Your vet may choose not to perform them for that reason.
Treatments for Dog and Puppy Allergies
There are different types of allergy treatment for different causes and symptoms. The most common treatment is dog-suitable antihistamines, but that’s not the only tool vets have at their disposal.
Atopy, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a result of pollens, mites, mildew, dust, and mold. Symptoms include very itchy skin, and your dog will focus their licking or scratching attention on areas such as under the arms, around the paws, and on the face.
This doggy allergy is controllable but uncurable. When a dog encounters an allergen, such as dust, symptoms will rear up. They’re managed with medication and lifestyle changes, such as antihistamines and allergen avoidance.
Insect bite allergies are a result of insect bites and stings. Most dogs react in some way to a spider bite or bee/wasp sting, but some reactions are more severe than others.
Bite or sting allergies are treated with antihistamines, steroids (occasionally), and antibiotics to cure/prevent potential secondary bacterial infections, if necessary.
Flea bite allergies will receive similar treatments to bite or sting allergies, along with a long-term flea treatment plan. These treatments manage the symptoms, but the condition won’t go away all the while your dog has fleas, or access to them.
Other dog and puppy allergy treatments include:
- Hypoallergenic shampoo;
- Anti-inflammatory shampoo;
- More frequent baths;
- Desensitization/hyposensitization therapy – injects of the allergen, to retrain the immune system;
- Dietary changes – removing the component that causes the allergy;
- Atopic dermatitis-specific diet;
- Other lifestyle changes.
Anaphylaxis in Dogs
Anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic shock, is a serious [over]reaction to one or more allergens or antigens. It happens when a pet has an allergic reaction to something they’ve already had an allergic reaction to, such as a spider bite or bee sting. Other potential causes include chemicals (such as cleaning products), pollutants in the environment, vaccine antigens, certain food items, and medication.
An anaphylactic reaction is an emergency and requires urgent medical attention. Pet insurance plans won’t always cover this, especially if it’s a pre-existing condition. For that reason, you might want to protect your furry friend with pet insurance alternatives.
Conclusion
If you notice anything weird or unusual about your pooch, speak to a vet. An in-person appointment isn’t always necessary to combat allergies, but it is important to rule out serious or complicated conditions such as sarcoptic mange (scabies), yeast infections, and hair follicle infections; as well as less serious ones, such as a common cold.
As with most medical conditions, the sooner a vet diagnoses your dog’s allergies, the sooner your pup will receive treatment, leaving you both free to enjoy a happy, scratch-free life!