What are the most common allergies in dogs?

What is an allergy?

 

An allergy is a condition of hypersensitivity of the immune system to a certain substance called an allergen. Most allergens are proteins from plants, insects, animals or foods.

Exposure to the allergen, usually repeatedly over months to years, increases the immune system's sensitivity and subsequent exposure to the same or a related allergen causes a hypersensitivity reaction. Normally the immune system protects the dog from infection and disease but in allergies the immune response can actually be harmful to the body.

There are many theories as to why there are more dogs having allergies than before. One explanation is the increase in greenhouse gases, causing plants to create more pollen during high seasons and allergies that last longer than before.

 

Types of allergies in dogs

 

1.   Insecticides and fleas allergies

2.   Seasonal allergies

3.   Food allergies

4.   Contact allergies

 

Contact allergy is the least common type of allergy in dogs. It results from direct contact with allergens, such as pyrethrin found in flea collars, pesticides used on lawns, grasses, materials such as wool or synthetics used in carpets or bedding etc. Contact allergies can develop to practically anything and at any age.

 

If a dog is allergic to any of these substances, there will be skin irritation and itching at the points of contact, usually the legs and abdomen. Removal of the allergen (once it can be identified) often solves the problem.

 

 

French Bulldog

Chinese Shar-Pei

Shorthaired Fox Terrier

Golden Retriever

Dalmatian

Boxer

Boston Terrier

Labrador Retriever

Scottish Terrier

Shih Tzu 

West Highland White Terrier

 

However, any dog of any breed (or mixed breeds) can be allergic.

Generally most toy breeds. 

 

 

 

The most common allergies in dogs

 

 

Flea allergy is the most common skin disease seen in dogs. The bite of just one or two fleas per week is enough to make affected dogs scratch. Flea saliva is believed to be the allergen that causes the itching.

 

 

 

 Also known as atopy, seasonal allergies or environmental allergies are caused by substances that exist in your home, backyard and anywhere else your dog spends time. These allergens can be inhaled, as with pollen, as well as absorbed through the skin when your dog touches them. Common triggers (allergens) for these allergic reactions include pollens, plant or animal fibres, dust mites and mould spores.

 

 

 

  These are also known as adverse food reactions. Dogs can develop an allergy to a particular food at any point in their lives, whether or not they have eaten those brands or types of food in the past. The most common food allergy in dogs is to a protein source in the diet (most commonly chicken), but sometimes they are allergic to grains and/or other ingredients.

 

 

dogin' allergy friendly products...

 

 

 

Symptoms in different types of allergies

 

 

The most common symptom of flea allergic dermatitis is itching of the skin and irritation at the base of the tail, although other parts of the body can also be affected. 

 

 
Common symptoms include itching on the skin, licking (especially the paws) and rubbing of the face. Affected dogs may also experience reddening of the skin, hair loss and recurrent skin or ear infections. You may see red skin or hair loss on your dog's paws, face, ears, armpits and abdomen.

 

 

 

Symptoms of food allergies are often the same as seasonal allergies. There may also be gastrointestinal signs, such as diarrhoea, vomiting or increased peristalsis.

 

 

Is there an allergy test for dogs? Yes. Specific tests can be done to prove a particular allergen. 

 

 

Before performing an allergy test, your veterinarian should rule out other causes for your dog's allergy symptoms. Allergy tests should be used to determine the specific allergen to which your dog is allergic.

 

 

Testing for seasonal/environmental allergy can be done in dogs through a skin or blood test. Skin tests are the most accurate type of allergy testing and are usually performed by board certified veterinary dermatologists. Mild sedation is required. The coat is clipped and a series of very small amounts of allergens are injected into this area of the skin. The degree of allergic reaction to each allergen determines whether your dog is allergic to it.

 

 

 

Treatments for different types of allergies:

  Treatment of flea allergic dermatitis is aimed at reducing the symptoms of itchy skin and irritation until the fleas are eliminated. To eliminate allergy symptoms in a dog allergic to fleas, strict flea control is necessary. Fleas themselves can also carry internal parasites. 

There are many highly effective products and medications to combat fleas. Some come in the form of a liquid that you apply to your dog's skin.  Others are given orally in a tablet form. Consult your vet to determine the best option.

In severe cases, the environment the dog inhabits should be treated against fleas. You can use insecticides inside and outside your home to treat all life stages of fleas.

It is important to use an insecticide containing an insect growth regulator, to stop the development of flea eggs and larvae. You can hire a professional exterminator, but you should specify that the treatment is for fleas.

 

 

 

  The treatment of food allergies in dogs basically consists of changing the type of food and diet. The standard is to start with a hypoallergenic diet for 8-12 weeks. This is the only way to determine if your dog has a food allergy. The idea here is to completely clear the body of the accumulated allergen in the body. It is very important to note here that the animal should not take anything other than this diet- including treats. Sometimes even taking different types of tablets can provoke an allergic reaction again, as different types of fillers are put into their manufacture. 

 

Hypoallergenic diets either have limited ingredients with an unusual source of protein or are processed in a special way (hydrolysed) to be less likely to cause allergic reactions. The concept is that a dog is unlikely to be allergic to a food it has not been exposed to before.

 This type of diet is curative and should be prescribed by a vet. 

Consult your vet to choose the right diet. 

 

Other allergy treatments in dogs are aimed at reducing symptoms while waiting to see if changing the diet is affective. The idea here is to have the itching controlled while waiting to see if the intake of the hypoallergenic food leads to an improvement in your dog's allergy symptoms.

 

 

  If an allergy test has not been done, then the treatment is symptomatic, meaning it aims to reduce or eliminate your dog's symptoms. 

 

If an allergy test is done, then the ideal allergy treatment for dogs is avoidance of the allergen. This is possible in a select few circumstances, but most dogs are allergic to a variety of substances that can be difficult to avoid completely. In these cases, a specific antibody serum to the particular allergen can also be prepared. 

 

 It is always best to avoid the use of corticosteroids for allergy treatment. 

 Most of the times the symptoms are masked but the problem is not treated and things get worse in the long run. Apart from these steroids confuse the hormonal environment of the animal and very often this leads to a number of problems. 

 

 

Advice to owners

 

  Symptoms of allergies can be confused with other diseases or occur at the same time as them. Therefore do not attempt to diagnose your dog without professional veterinary help. Be prepared for your pet to receive a full diagnostic evaluation to rule out other causes of itching and skin problems. If an allergy is diagnosed, your entire family should strictly follow your veterinarian's advice to successfully relieve your pet's discomfort.

 

 

Information brought to you thanks to Dr. Simeon Madjarov