Do you suspect your dog has an allergy? If your dog is allergic to something, it can manifest itself in many different ways. For example, it can be internal problems with the intestines or external symptoms such as dandruff, redness and dull fur. If your dog has an allergy, it means that their immune system is reacting to allergens either in the environment or in what they eat. Sometimes the dog can also develop contact allergies. Read more about the different symptoms of allergies in dogs and how to identify and manage the allergy for your dog's health and well-being!
Table of contents
Symptoms that the dog is allergic to something
Symptoms of allergies in dogs can appear in different ways and to varying degrees. Often, the various allergens have their own characteristics, such as loose faeces, for example, which will reinforce the suspicion of food allergy. But different allergies can also cause the same symptoms. Some common allergic reactions are:
- Lustrous fur
- Reap
- Skin problems such as dandruff, pigmentation, scabs, or redness
- Itching and rash
- Chronic paw problems or biting and licking of paws
- Stomach and intestinal problems such as diarrhea or vomiting
- Sneezing or breathing problems
- Watery and red eyes
- Shedding more than normal or uneven shedding
- Otitis
Also read our blog post: 5 signs that your dog has allergies!
Types of allergies in dogs
Although allergies in dogs are rarely life-threatening or dangerous, they can be very bothersome. Some dog breeds are more prone to certain allergies than others, and some dogs can develop allergies without warning at any time during their lifetime. We can divide the different types of allergies into four categories:
Food allergy
Food allergies in dogs are one of the most common allergies that can occur. This can be an allergy to animal products such as chicken, fish, eggs or milk. But it can also come from foods such as corn, soy, wheat or various additives. Since there are no reliable allergy tests to rule out food allergies, the easiest way is to put the dog on an elimination diet for at least 8 weeks. This will consist of a special food for allergic dogs (hypoallergenic food) or a dog food with another protein source that the dog has not eaten before. In this way, any intestinal problems or itching can be given time to calm down, and we can uncover what the dog reacts to. After about 8 weeks, a systematic provocation test is performed. This means that different protein sources or the previous food are presented to check whether a new allergic reaction occurs after the food is consumed.
Inhalation allergy
There are many things that dogs can react to even if they haven't eaten anything in particular. Inhalant allergies are allergies that are environmentally caused and come from airborne allergens. Dogs can react to things in the air such as house dust mites and mold, or even cigarette smoke. Just like humans, dogs can also have pollen allergies. This is usually seasonal and affects dogs most in the spring and summer. If your dog is most affected in the winter months, dust mite allergies may be the trigger, as we ventilate a little less in the cold and the indoor environment becomes a little denser.
Contact allergy
Contact allergy is when the dog's skin reacts when it comes into direct contact with something it cannot tolerate. For example, it could be the filling in the dog bed, the material in the collar, a metal from the food bowl or cleaning products you use to wash the floor.
parasites
Parasites such as fleas can leave bites on your dog that it reacts to. Dog fleas are not that common in Norway today, but if if the dog has been traveling, it could be infected across the national border. Dogs can also get fleas from other animals when they are outside, such as from birds and hedgehogs. When the flea bites, it is common for itching to occur, but if the dog has an allergic reaction, the itching will be much more intense and distressing. Tick products for dogs will often also work against fleas.
What happens at the vet?
If your dog shows symptoms of allergy, it's a good idea to contact a vet who can do some detective work! With us, we can examine the dog systematically so that a diagnosis can be made with more certainty. First, we will map the symptom picture of when and how the symptoms arose. We then put together a plan for further diagnosis, somewhat depending on the type of allergy suspected. Usually, an elimination diet is started first to rule out feed allergy. Other methods we use to find out any other allergies the dog may have are blood tests or prick tests.
Treatment and prevention
Depending on what the vet finds out, the course of treatment will be adapted to your dog. This can, for example, consist of dietary changes, special shampoos, vaccinations or allergy medicines that are anti-itch or anti-inflammatory.
Do you live in Larvik and suspect that your dog is allergic? Do not hesitate to contact us at A-Vet. Here you will get help to map out what the dog may be allergic to, so that your four-legged friend can receive the right treatment, regardless of whether it is an allergy vaccine or a change of dog food. In this way, you can relieve symptoms or keep Fido completely symptom-free for a comfortable dog life!
