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Is your dog or puppy scratching, chewing, or licking themselves excessively? These are all indications that your dog may be allergic to anything. Allergies are widespread in dogs, and they are one of the leading causes of veterinary visits.
The skin and ears are the most typically affected areas in dogs with allergies.
Types of Allergies in Dogs
Flea Allergies
The most frequent skin problem encountered in dogs is a flea allergy. A single or two flea bites
each week are enough to make affected dogs itchy. The allergen that causes the itching is
thought to be flea saliva.
Seasonal/Environmental Allergies
Seasonal or environmental allergies, also known as atopy, are caused by compounds found in
your home, backyard, and wherever else your dog spends time.
These allergens can be ingested, like pollen, or absorbed through the skin when your dog comes into contact with them. Pollens, plant or animal fibres, dust mites, and mould spores are all common allergens that cause allergic reactions.
Food Allergies
Adverse food reactions are another name for this. Dogs can develop a food allergy at any time
their lives, regardless of whether they had previously consumed these brands or types of foods. The most common food allergy in dogs is to a protein source, however allergies to grains and/or other components can also occur.
Dog Allergies Signs
• Itchy skin
• Scratching
• Licking
• Face rubbing
• Red skin
• Loss of fur
• Recurrent skin and ear infections
• Gastrointestinal (GI) signs
Signs of Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs
Itchy skin and discomfort near the base of the tail are the most prevalent symptoms of flea
allergy dermatitis, although other parts of the body may also be affected.
Seasonal/Environmental Allergy Signs in Dogs
Scratching/itchy skin, licking (particularly the paws), and face rubbing are all common signs.
Red skin, hair loss, and recurrent skin and/or ear infections are all possible symptoms in affected
dogs. On your dog’s paws and lower legs, face, ears, armpits, and belly, you may see red skin or
fur loss.
Signs of Food Allergies in Dogs
Food allergies share many of the same symptoms as seasonal/environmental allergies. GI symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or an increase in the number of bowel motions per day may also be present.
Dog Allergy Treatment
Treatment for Flea Allergies
The goal of flea allergy dermatitis treatment is to alleviate itching skin and irritation until the
fleas are gone. Flea control is necessary to eliminate allergy symptoms in a flea-allergic dog.
There are numerous flea control solutions and pills on the market that are really effective. Some, like Advantage, Revolution, or Vectra, are topical and come in the form of a liquid that you press onto your dog’s skin. Others, such as Bravecto, NexGard, and Comfortis, are taken orally as chewable tablets. Consult your veterinarian to identify the best course of action.
Treatment for Food Allergies
Food allergies in dogs are treated by feeding a hypoallergenic diet for 8-12 weeks. The only way
to tell if your dog has a food allergy is to do so.
Hypoallergenic diets feature fewer components and employ an unusual protein source, or they
are processed differently (hydrolyzed) to reduce allergic symptoms. The idea is that a dog cannot be allergic to something it has never eaten before.
Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best diet for your pet. For a proper food experiment,
over-the-counter foods are not suggested. During the trial period, treats, flavoured drugs, and human meals may have to be avoided.
Treatment for Seasonal/Environmental Allergies
If allergy testing has not been performed, then the treatment is symptomatic, meaning that it aims to reduce or eliminate your dog’s symptoms. Treatments can include:
• Oral medications
• Injectable medications
• Fatty acids
• Steroids
• Frequent bathing