Sneezing , itching , recurring conjunctivitis … In humans as in dogs, allergies are not easy to live with! Especially when it is difficult to know whether it is an allergy or a minor, benign virus.
If you observe troubling and recurring symptoms in your dog, it's possible they are allergic to something. But what? Pollen , kibble , dust mites ? How can you tell if it's an allergy in dogs , or just a common cold ?
And if it's a canine allergy, how do you treat it? Before rushing to the vet , start by gathering evidence to determine if your dog has an allergy. BFPetfood teaches you how to recognize it!
Dog allergies: what do they look like?
In dogs, as in humans, allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance. This indicates a particular sensitivity in your dog to a food or an element of its environment .
The signs can be numerous, and so can the causes ! This is precisely what makes allergies in dogs so difficult to detect. Learn to recognize these symptoms to treat canine allergies properly.
What are the signs of an allergy in dogs?
As with humans, allergies in dogs can be hereditary: some dogs are more predisposed due to their breed . Besides genetics , repeated exposure to certain allergens can also sensitize their bodies.
The only problem is that it's not always easy to determine if unusual behavior in your dog is related to an allergy. Discover 6 signs that may indicate an allergic reaction !
1 – He scratches himself a lot
Just as in humans, allergies in dogs can manifest as excessive itching .
They can be localized at the point of contact between your dog's skin and the allergen ( this is then called contact dermatitis ). If so, you may notice redness , thicker , and more sensitive skin. But the itching can also be generalized and concentrated on certain sensitive areas such as the ears , mouth , paw pads , armpits , etc.
In any case, if you notice that your dog is scratching, licking a lot on a specific area and even biting itself , these are unmistakable signs.
2 – He has redness
Irritated skin , often located around the muzzle , ears or paws , is another strong indicator of allergy in dogs.
These red patches may or may not be itchy: it all depends on the nature of the allergic reaction . In any case, noticing redness on certain parts of your dog's body is never insignificant.
🐶 BFPetfood's tip:
Itching, redness, bites… All these symptoms can lead to another: excessive scratching can cause your dog to lose fur in specific areas . If you notice patches on its body, it's probably a sign of an allergy: make an appointment with a veterinarian.
3 – He has asthma
Allergies in dogs can also cause breathing difficulties . They may sneeze frequently, or even develop asthma. A dry, persistent cough , rapid fatigue upon exertion , and wheezing are all signs to watch for.
Indeed, asthma most often appears when the animal comes into contact with the allergen to which it is sensitive. Be vigilant!
4 – He suffers from digestive problems
In the context of food allergies, your pet may also experience digestive problems . These can vary considerably: diarrhea , vomiting , and even bloody diarrhea can indicate the presence of an allergy in dogs.
Again, it's possible your dog is simply having trouble digesting their meal. A single isolated symptom isn't necessarily a sign of an allergy. However, if these problems occur frequently , don't wait to make an appointment with your veterinarian!
5 – His eyes are watering
Another possible symptom of allergies in dogs is excessive watering . If your dog has red, watery eyes, it may be allergic to something in its environment. Often, this is the case when an allergy to dust mites or pollen is observed.
6 – He gets recurring ear infections
Finally, ear infections can also be a sign of allergies in dogs. Again, frequency is crucial: gather all your dog's symptoms and take notes to help your veterinarian identify the source of the allergy.
What are the most common causes of allergies in dogs?
In dogs, as in humans, there are multiple sources of allergies. Here are the most common ones.
Environmental allergies
Environmental allergies can be seasonal . For example, canine pollen allergies are particularly severe in the spring . This is precisely why spring presents dangers for pets !
But it can also be a reaction to environmental factors. Dust , mold , chemicals … If your dog is showing symptoms of an allergy, start by searching around your home to gather all the information and identify the cause.
Food allergies
Canine allergies can also be linked to the ingestion of food that your dog doesn't tolerate well. Of course, some foods that are toxic to dogs can trigger allergies ( or even worse) .
But generally speaking, when we talk about food allergy we are not talking about poisoning : rather intolerance .
Food allergies, therefore, involve the immune system's reaction to certain ingredients in dog food. There is a list of common allergens that can cause reactions:
- Animal proteins : beef, chicken, lamb… some dogs can develop an intolerance to one or more protein sources
- Cereals such as wheat or corn
- Food additives , such as preservatives , colorings , or other chemicals, can also trigger allergic reactions.
It's up to you to test different types of dog food to find out exactly what your dog is allergic to!
Contact allergies (dermatitis)
Finally, some dogs can develop contact allergies, known as dermatitis. In these cases, they present with redness , patches , and itching .
The advantage, if it's a contact allergy, is that the allergic reaction will be localized to the exact point of contact. For example, if your dog is allergic to its collar , the redness will be visible on its neck .
Dog allergies: how to treat them?
If you're sure your dog has an allergy, make an appointment with your veterinarian! They can confirm the diagnosis with a simple blood test. Then, you'll need to take the time to identify the problematic allergen.
Once that's done, your veterinarian will be able to advise you on how to treat your dog's allergy . They can present you with different options to avoid severe reactions.
Avoid the allergen
The first solution ( and often the simplest ) is simply to avoid exposure to the allergen.
For example, if your dog is allergic to pollen , try to limit its walks during peak pollen season in early spring. Similarly, for food allergies to certain ingredients, choose dog food specifically formulated for its intolerances.
Adjusting your dog's diet
If your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients that are commonly found in kibble and wet dog food, there are other solutions!
You can adapt your dog's diet, for example by choosing hypoallergenic kibble . This special kibble reduces the amount of the most common allergens to prevent canine reactions.
Taking medication
In some cases ( if you cannot avoid the allergen ), your veterinarian may prescribe medication for your dog's allergy.
Antihistamines to reduce itching, corticosteroids in case of severe inflammation… It will all depend on the situation.
Your vet may also suggest desensitizing your dog . To do this, they will administer controlled doses of allergens to help the immune system gradually become accustomed to the allergen.
In any case, if your dog has allergies, it's important to keep a close eye on its health. If in doubt, always consult a veterinarian!
Dog allergies: how to diagnose and treat them?
Allergies in dogs can have a real impact on their quality of life. Therefore, it's important to pay close attention to their sensitivities in order to adapt their diet and environment .
Take the time to observe and understand your pet, and don't hesitate to try different strategies to find the one that works best for them. Pay close attention to your furry friend!
