You know how uncomfortable it can be to start sneezing uncontrollably or develop a rash because of an allergic reaction. What does it mean if your dog starts exhibiting the same symptoms? Can dogs have allergies just like humans do?
The veterinary experts at Penny Paws Animal Clinic answer that question in this informative guide. Bring your pet to our clinic if you require a trusted veterinarian in Mansfield, TX. Keep reading to discover how allergies impact dogs and what you can do to help keep them healthy.
How Allergies Impact Dogs
An allergy refers to the hypersensitive reaction that takes place when a dog’s immune system can’t tolerate certain substances. As a result, the dog’s body produces antibodies meant to fight off the reaction.
Can Dogs Have Allergies Depending on Their Breed?
Dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes can develop allergies to various substances and experience different reactions to each one. Say you own a chihuahua, a husky, and a Labrador retriever. You may find that each of them has certain allergies, or they could all share the same allergy based on your environment.
A dog’s first allergic reaction may occur as a puppy around the six-month mark. It can take some time for the dog’s immune system to recognize the substance in question and become fully sensitized to it.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Allergies?
Some of the most common allergy symptoms that dog owners may notice include:
- Licking or scratching itchy skin
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Oozing discharge from the eyes or nose
These reactions are common with environmental allergies. If your dog has an allergy to food they ingest, it could result in digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea.
Types of Allergies That Affect Dogs
Not only can dogs have allergies, but they can also experience reactions from several sources. Understanding what triggers the reaction and keeping that substance away from the dog is a crucial part of taking care of your pets. Below is a breakdown of the top forms of allergies dogs can suffer from.
Food Allergies
Just like humans can have reactions after eating certain foods, dogs can also develop food allergies that impact their overall health. Testing for food allergies remains limited, so you’ll have to monitor your dog’s health and behavior if you suspect a food allergy.
It’s common for dogs to get an upset stomach after eating something, but this type of acute illness doesn’t always equate to a food allergy. Consult a veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Frequent vomiting
- Chronic ear infections
- Loose stool
Flea Allergies
Keeping your dog’s coat and skin healthy is difficult if they have a flea allergy. This could cause serious skin infections that require medical treatment. See your veterinarian if you notice changes in your dog’s skin after coming in contact with fleas.
Keeping up with a regimented flea medication can protect your pooch from this uncomfortable reaction.
Environmental Allergies
How can dogs have allergies to their environment? Think about how you experience allergy symptoms when there’s dust, pollen, or grass flying through the air. Your four-legged friend could have the same immune system reaction to these elements and more.
Possible substances that your dog may be allergic to include:
- Mold
- Certain plants
- Various chemicals, such as in household cleaners
Treating Allergies in Dogs
Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies. Once your dog sustains a reaction to a substance, they will continue to be allergic to that object or ingredient for the rest of their life, but this doesn’t mean you can’t reduce your pet’s symptoms.
You can take the following steps to treat your dog’s allergy and minimize their symptoms.
Begin a Food Trial
How can dogs have allergies to food if there’s no proper way to diagnose them? While we know that food allergies exist, no blood test explains which ingredient irritates the pet. The best way to both diagnose and treat this type of allergy is by conducting a food trial.
Change your dog’s food if they frequently have some type of allergic reaction after eating. Veterinarians recommend putting your dog on a strict diet consisting of the following ingredients:
- A novel protein: This is a form of protein that your dog has never eaten before. For example, if their current food contains beef, switch them to a food with another source of animal protein, like chicken or pork.
- A hydrolyzed protein: This refers to a protein source that is broken down so much that the animal’s body can’t recognize it.
Stay on this limited-ingredient diet for six to eight weeks and monitor your dog’s progress. Remember to avoid treats and flavored medications during this time since they could impact the food trial.
Use Medication or Allergy Shots
Although dogs can have allergies, they can receive allergy shots for some relief. A veterinarian can also prescribe oral medications or injections that target certain allergies and their symptoms. For example, if your dog’s main reaction is itchy skin, their doctor may recommend anti-itch medications to make them more comfortable.
The allergy won’t disappear, but you can keep your pet as healthy as possible with medication.
Adjust Your Environment
Dogs with environmental allergies need their owners to be proactive about their surroundings. By making a few minor adjustments, you can limit the number of allergic reactions your dog experiences. Consider their triggers and make the appropriate changes.
Does your dog have a sensitivity to grass yet always tries to eat it from your yard? Bring them to a dog park with artificial turf to limit their exposure without compromising their activity level.
Contact Penny Paws Animal Clinic for Canine Allergy Treatments
After reading this guide, hopefully, you no longer have to wonder, “Can dogs have allergies?” Keep an eye out for any concerning allergy symptoms in your dog and bring them in for a check-up if there are sudden changes in their health. Everything from itchy skin to unexplained weight loss in dogs could indicate a larger problem.
Visit Penny Paws Animal Clinic for high-quality veterinary care. Call our Mansfield location at (817) 382-9229 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.