Do you suspect that your dog has allergies? If so, then you’ve probably found out that dog allergies aren’t quite as simple as we would wish. For starters, there are different types of allergies that can cause your dog’s symptoms.
Types of allergies in dogs
Allergies are a misdirected reaction of the body’s immune system to foreign substances that certainly, humans and pets can suffer from. There are many different types of allergies in dogs. Skin allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergens pose challenges for dogs and their owners, and to complicate matters, symptoms of all of these different types of allergies can overlap.
Skin allergies
Skin allergies, also known as allergic dermatitis, are the most common allergic reactions in dogs. There are three main causes of skin allergies in dogs:
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergies
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea bites; some dogs are allergic to flea saliva. As a result, affected dogs itch, especially at the base of their tails, and their skin can become inflamed and scabbed. You may also notice signs of fleas like flea dirt or even see the fleas for yourself.
Food allergies and sensitivities can also cause itchy skin. Most often, dogs with food allergies itch the ears and paws of the cavity, this can be accompanied by gastrointestinal discomfort.
Environmental allergens such as dust, and mold can cause atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. In most cases, these allergies are seasonal, so your dog itches only at certain times of the year. As with food allergies, the most common areas affected are on the paws and ears (but it also affects the wrists, ankles, snout, armpits, groin, around the eyes, and between the toes).
With all skin allergies, there is a risk of secondary infection. If your dog scratches, bites and licks his skin, he risks opening his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may need treatment
Food allergies
According to Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC’s chief veterinary official, real food allergies may not be as common as people think. True food allergies lead to an immune response that can include symptoms of skin diseases (hives, facial swelling, itching), gastrointestinal discomfort (vomiting and/or diarrhea), or a combination of both. In rare cases, a severe anaphylaxis reaction can occur – similar to severe peanut allergies in humans.
But what about all the dogs on special hypoallergenic dog food diets?
What most people mean when they say their dog has a food allergy is that their dog has food insensitivity, also known as food intolerance. In contrast to real allergies, food intolerance is not an immune response, but a gradual reaction to an offensive ingredient in your dog’s food, such as beef, chicken, eggs, corn, wheat, soy, or milk.
Dogs with food intolerances can experience a variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, or dermatological symptoms such as itching, poor skin and coat, and chronic ear or foot infections
Acute allergic reactions
Perhaps the most alarming of all types of allergies in dogs is an acute allergic reaction. Like humans, dogs can experience anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. Disclosures can be fatal if left untreated.
Bee stings and vaccination reactions among others can cause anaphylactic reactions in some dogs. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep a close watch on your dog after receiving a new vaccine, medication, or food. Fortunately, anaphylactic reactions in dogs are rare.
Your dog may also develop hives or facial swelling in response to an allergen. Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyelids, or ear flaps can look serious but is rarely fatal and your veterinarian can treat it with an antihistamine.
Symptoms of allergies in dogs
Symptoms of allergies in dogs can vary depending on the cause. For example, a dog in anaphylactic shock will have a drop in blood pressure followed by the shock that is unmistakably different from a skin condition.
However, generally, the following symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction.
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or ear flaps
- Red, inflamed skin
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears
- Chronic ear infections
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Constant licking
Some of these symptoms can be a sign of another condition. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for accurate analysis and to help your dog feel better.
Analysis of allergies in dogs
If you’ve ever taken an allergy test before, you know that relaying allergy analysis is often complicated.
The first thing your veterinarian can do is rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your dog’s symptoms. If your veterinarian thinks an allergy is a likely cause, they may suggest an allergy test to try to determine the cause of the allergen causing the reaction. Note, however, that testing may not always determine the cause of an allergy.
Food allergies are often diagnosed through an elimination diet. A feeding trial consists of feeding a dog a novel (i.e one) source of protein and carbohydrates for 12 weeks.
The best way to treat an allergy is to avoid the cause and the allergen. This may or may not always be possible. The treatment, however, depends on your dog’s allergy. For example, the best way to treat flea allergic dermatitis is to kill the fleas, while to treat a food allergy or intolerance the best way is to change diet.
In addition to any lifestyle changes that may be necessary, your veterinarian may also prescribe allergy relief medication for your dog to help control the symptoms associated with the allergic reaction, such as itching and secondary skin infections that may have developed as a result of Irritants.
If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, it is best to get him to an emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Alternative food for dogs
Insect protein is environmentally friendly
Insect protein is an environmentally friendly option for animal husbandry. Dog food with insect protein, for example, Bellfor, may therefore require us to get used to, but with the dogs themselves, it doesn’t.
Insects are excellent suppliers of protein and nutrients and represent a high-quality, resource-saving meat substitute in dog food.
Species-appropriate and tasty
The sustainable alternative feed tastes fantastic and is simply appropriate to species. It is even more appropriate than a vegetarian dog diet. Such diets often lead to a nutrient deficiency in our four-legged friends.
Dog food with insect protein is particularly suitable for dogs with food intolerances or food allergies. Dry food with Insect Protein, for example, is particularly suitable for sick and nutrition-sensitive dogs as well as environmentally conscious owners.