Canine allergies are one of the hottest topics in veterinary medicine today. Part of the reason for this is that we veterinarians who work in small animal clinical medicine actually examine dogs with suspected or confirmed allergies every day. Another reason why dog allergies are such a hot topic is due to extensive marketing efforts by pet food and pet brand companies that focus on allergies. The pet products industry is huge, and many companies have tried to grab a piece of the pie by making clever claims about allergies, although not necessarily based on truth or science. This article will only scratch the surface of what dog allergies are, what they look like, and how you can successfully (and even unsuccessfully) treat your dog’s allergies. is.
What is dog allergy?
Dog allergies have some things in common with human allergies. An allergen is any substance that stimulates an immune system response after being inhaled, absorbed, and/or ingested. These immune system responses include the release of histamine and other substances that cause inflammation, swelling, and itching.
However, there are many differences between humans and dogs. Not only does a dog’s body react to different substances than humans, but it also reacts differently to allergens. Treatments may also differ significantly from humans. I mention this because it’s important to keep in mind that many companies sell products based on anthropomorphizing human allergies and dog allergies. The two are not the same. When looking for information or relief regarding your dog’s allergies, keep in mind that much of what you read on the internet or see in stores has no scientific backing to prove its effectiveness.
What are the signs of allergies in dogs?
The most common sign of allergies in dogs is definitely itching (pruritus). You may notice that your dog is “grooming” itself by licking its paws, groin, and abdomen. However, dogs do not groom themselves. That’s a cat’s habit. If you notice your dog licking itself, biting its skin or fur, or rubbing its face or neck, it’s probably because it’s itchy. Dogs bite their toes, nails, and feet, so you often hear owners refer to their dogs as “cutting their own nails.” Owners mistakenly believe that their dog’s long nails are causing this condition, but it is actually caused by excessive itching on the paws.
Another sign of an allergy may be developing an ear infection. Some dogs can develop ear infections due to excess moisture building up in their ears after swimming, bathing, grooming, or when a housemate licks their ears. Other dogs can also get ear infections out of nowhere, and they often become chronic or persistent. Ear infections often indicate that your dog is suffering from an underlying allergy, and the associated allergies and inflammation are the catalyst for the ear infection.
Licking, scratching, and itching can cause further damage to the skin. Your dog may also start developing skin infections (pyoderma). In addition to having a foul-smelling skin, severely affected dogs will lose hair and develop sores and sores at the site of self-injury. Chronically affected dogs will have thickened skin, brown fur, and hyperpigmented or dark skin due to chronic inflammation.
Unbeknownst to many people, signs of respiratory tract allergies are less common in dogs. While humans experience watery eyes, runny noses, and itchy airways, dogs are less likely to experience similar symptoms. Some dogs may have watery eyes, a runny nose, or allergic bronchitis (inflammation of the airways), but this is less common than itchy skin or ears.
What causes dog allergies?
This is the real deal, and this is where pet food companies are wrong. The most common causes of allergies in dogs are environmental allergies and fleas. That means grass, pollen, weeds, dust, and insects, not food. Think about how many types of plants and possible environmental irritants exist, not only unique to your garden, but also unique to the region of the country where you live. There is simply no way to predict what your dog will encounter and/or react to. Make it a daily thing, especially if you take your dog hiking or travel often.
Fleas are also a very common cause of allergies. Don’t let your vet give you the rhetoric that your dog can’t get fleas because he only goes outside to go to the bathroom. Doing so can expose you to fleas and, at the very least, bite you. In fact, dogs react to flea saliva and experience severe itching after just a few bites.
And finally, although it’s not as common as people imagine from commercials, food allergies are a possibility. Now, since almost everyone we know has at least one food allergy, many people wonder if that’s what’s causing the reaction in their dog. In reality, food allergies are rarely the sole cause of dog allergies, but they can be more common in dogs suffering from environmental or flea allergies. If your dog has a food allergy, it’s usually not the grain or corn that is causing the reaction. In fact, it is more commonly a source of protein. In other words, the high-quality, organic, free-range chicken dog food you’re feeding your dog could actually be the culprit. Beef, dairy, and chicken are at the top of the list of the most common food allergies found in dogs.
Diagnosing dog allergies
Diagnosing allergies in dogs can be a very frustrating process for both owners and veterinarians. This is because allergy tests cannot definitively diagnose symptoms, but rather identify the allergens that may be affecting your dog. Let’s start with what everyone believes is the culprit: food. Allergy testing is not reliable for food allergies. Of course, there are some foods that are subject to testing, but the most reliable is what is called an exclusion diet. This is a laborious process in which dog owners eliminate all but one type of protein or hydrolyzed protein from their dog’s diet at home. The exclusion is completed for at least 3 months before the food is reintroduced. This includes all kinds of treats and table scraps. Only after the food is reintroduced and the dog begins to show signs of allergy again can you confirm the offending food.
Other types of allergy testing include skin tests and blood tests. Blood tests can be completed by your veterinarian and sent to a lab to test for several different types of environmental and food allergens. Skin examinations must be performed by a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and are often performed under strong sedation and/or anesthesia. Most dermatologists prefer skin tests to blood tests, but they are more expensive. Additionally, in some parts of the country, access to a dermatologist is not possible, making blood tests the only option.
How do I care for a dog with allergies?
It’s important to know that most allergies are a lifelong battle for your dog. Many dogs only have seasonal allergies, depending on the blooms and environment during those months. However, many dogs have allergies year-round.
antihistamines
You can try antihistamines based on your veterinarian’s recommended dosage, but they are often ineffective. A mainstay in allergies for decades, steroids are perfect for acute and short-term allergic reactions. However, high-dose and chronic steroid use has many potential side effects, and not all of them are great. These should be used with caution and long-term in dogs of all ages or animals with underlying health problems or arthritis.
immunotherapy
If you have completed your dog’s skin or blood tests, you may be able to choose a specific immunotherapy. These are oral or injectable allergen mixtures that are administered based on the dog’s test results in the hope that the dog will develop a tolerance. This cannot be completed without specific allergy test results.
prescription
For dogs that suffer from seasonal allergies, or for owners who are unable to undergo allergy testing, there are two widely used products on the market. these are Apoquel and sight point. Both are prescription only and must be obtained from your veterinarian. Allergy testing does not necessarily need to be completed, but should be discussed on a case-by-case basis with your dog’s doctor, as each has its own pros and cons.
special meal
As mentioned above, food allergies are not common, but if your dog does suffer from any allergies, many dogs will be put on a new protein, hydrolyzed protein, or hypoallergenic prescription diet. Anything that reduces inflammation and immune responses in the body can be helpful.
Prescription of flea preventive medication
Finally, it is recommended that dogs with allergies be prescribed a regular flea preventive medication year-round. Flea allergies are a big problem, but they can be easily remedied with monthly preventive medication. It’s much cheaper than dealing with flea infestation problems and severe flea allergy dermatitis.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can dog allergies be cured?
The short answer is “no.” Fleas and food allergies can be controlled by giving your dog a flea preventative and avoiding exposure to the specific food he is allergic to. However, environmental allergies and complete lack of exposure to things like pollen and dust never occur. Although it may be possible to develop a dog’s tolerance to such allergens, it is never possible to cure them.
Why are allergy medicines so expensive?
Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments for dog allergies. To date, there is no generic version of Apoquel or Cytopoint, and both must be prescribed and administered by a veterinarian. As we all know about human drug companies, when an effective drug comes to market, the developer captures a niche market. It then takes years of development and testing for a new product to hit the market, creating competition and lowering prices across the board. Please note that veterinarians do not control these prices and we do everything we can to keep prices affordable for your dog’s comfort.
What about vitamins and over-the-counter wipes?
These products do nothing to fight the allergen or help with some of the immune responses that cause itching. Fatty acids are useful, but they must be taken in conjunction with a balanced treatment plan. Vitamins and many OTC products are just marketing scams and a waste of money.
conclusion
Dog allergies are a complex process. Allergies are difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. Many people assume that if their dog has any signs of an allergy, it must be the food. In reality, environmental allergies and flea allergies are much more common. Antihistamines are often ineffective, and there are few treatment options. Blood and skin tests are always recommended, but in some areas it may be difficult to access veterinary dermatologists to perform skin tests. Always consult your veterinarian for their recommendations and don’t believe every marketing plan put in front of you. By the time you waste money on multiple ineffective products, you may be able to keep your dog comfortable with a formula that does work. While we can’t cure allergies, we at least have some prescription options to help relieve your dog’s symptoms.
Featured image credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock
