Momo
- May 19, 2022
- 3 min read

Allergies in Dogs

Allergies in dogs are more common than the typical dog owner realizes. Our understanding of allergies is continuously evolving thanks to pediatric allergy literature. For example, doctors recommend exposure to traditional allergens like peanuts to children sooner than previously recommended.

Most dogs manifest allergies as skin issues. Parts commonly affected are paws, inner thighs, armpits, and ears. Signs include redness, ear infections, dermatitis, rashes, foul odor, itchiness, and bumps.

With global climate change and worsening tree pollen, cities around the globe are making allergies worse. Canadian cities are experiencing a higher pollen count. It’s a rapidly evolving area of research, and allergies are getting worse due to our modern lifestyle. Your best bet is to find a reliable vet, such as Gateway Vet Centre.

Common Allergens

The most common allergens are male trees and grass, mildew, or dust mites. Look for seasonal patterns in your pet's allergies. Food proteins or other components can also act as allergens and are nonseasonal.

Some pets can have both allergies just as humans can to food and pollen. Insects like mosquitoes or fleas can also cause allergic reactions in some pets.

Allergy Symptoms

The side effects of allergies in dogs might change depending on the cause. A canine that goes into anaphylactic shock, for example, will have a drop in circulatory strain followed by shock, which is different from a skin condition. Examples include the following:

Irritation
Hives
Enlarging of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
Red, kindled skin
Looseness of the bowels
Spewing
Wheezing
Irritated ears
Ongoing ear contaminations
Irritated, runny eyes
Steady licking

Diagnosing Allergies

Allergy testing is done to determine what is causing your dog these reactions. In any case, remember that it may not be possible to determine the allergen from a test. Some instances require patience, though the issue should highlight with proper care.

Food sensitivities are analyzed utilizing an elimination diet. A food trial comprises feeding a dog protein and carbohydrates for a considerable time to determine the issue.

Flea sensitivity dermatitis is usually the easiest aversion to analyze. It’s generally analyzed by recognizing bugs on your canine's body. Our team applies an item that kills insects before they can bite and cause issues.

Food Allergies

Genuine food sensitivities bring about an immune reaction, which can cause side effects from skin conditions (hives, facial expansion, irritation), gastrointestinal signs (heaving or bad bowels), or a blend of both. A severe response causing anaphylaxis (body into shock) can happen in a few intriguing cases.

Skin Allergies

Skin sensitivities, called hypersensitive dermatitis, are the most common allergies in dogs. All skin sensitivities can cause an additional issue. They may cause yeast and bacterial contaminations. There are three primary drivers of skin sensitivities:

Flea sensitivity dermatitis
Food sensitivities
Environmental allergens

Acute Allergic Reaction

The most disturbing of dogs' allergies are an intense hypersensitive response. Canines, similar to people, can go into anaphylactic shock, assuming they have a severe response to an allergen. It can be lethal if it’s not treated.

Bee stings and immunization responses, in addition to other things, can cause an anaphylactic reaction in certain canines. Remember to watch out for your canine after any new vaccine, medication, or food product. Fortunately, anaphylactic responses are interesting in canines.

Treating Allergies

If you suspect your pet has food allergies, please reach out to us to get proper guidance on a food trial. In many cases, buying a specific protein food off the shelf is not good enough. Most manufacturers use the same lines to manufacture different kinds of pet food resulting in contamination.

For other kinds of allergens, we use a combination of omega oils, anti-inflammatory drugs, shampoos, and immunotherapy (sometimes called allergy shots).

Our team focuses on the cause of the allergen. Though this issue may be challenging, it depends on the allergy type. Whether it’s a flea allergy dermatitis solution, a food allergy or food intolerance, or a reaction to the weather, all of it relies on determining the issue.