What are Common Signs of Allergies in Dogs?

Just like their human counterparts, dogs can suffer from allergies. Approximately 20% of dogs have some type of allergy and exhibit symptoms through their skin, through their respiratory system, or even through their digestive system. Dogs can have allergies to many of the same things that people are allergic to, which can include food, inhalants, and even fleas.

Dogs most commonly tend to have some sort of irritating skin condition, which will cause them to scratch or lick part of their body obsessively. This irritation may even lead to loss of hair. They can also cough, sneeze, or wheeze, or, their digestive tract can be affected, which will show up in the form of diarrhea or vomiting.

Skin allergies usually develop within the first few years of a dog’s life. It is infrequent that they will arise later in a dog’s life. They typically tend to make a dog scratch, itch, and lick away at parts of his body. Skin allergies may also be a problem if redness develops in areas of the body, such as the ears or the belly.

Food allergies are difficult to identify as a cause because in dogs they do not come on concurrent with the introduction of the food. In fact, canine food allergies develop long after the dog has been eating the culprit food, as it takes several weeks for it to invade the dog’s systems. The symptoms are diverse and a dog can exhibit a number of different problems, ranging from itching, red skin, to vomiting or diarrhea. The most common symptoms of a food allergy are vomiting and diarrhea, and the most common irritants are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, chicken eggs, corn, and soy products. If you suspect your dog might have a food allergy, a lamb and rice based dog food, without the items noted above, might be a good alternative. Once you find a diet that your dog can tolerate, then you can introduce a single type of food back into his diet, one at a time, so that the allergy-inducing culprits will stand out.

Inhalant allergies can be seasonal or year round, depending on what the exact offender is. Grass or tree pollen allergies tend to show up seasonally, while dust mite or mold allergies can be bothersome year round. Even though they can potentially be an issue year-round, the most likely seasons for this problem to arise are spring and fall.

Female dogs are more likely to suffer from inhalant allergies than their male counterparts, and certain breeds are more disposed to inhalant allergies. These include Schnauzers, Irish Setters, Boston Terriers, Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Cairn Terriers and Wire-Haired Terriers. If your dog has an allergy to grass or tree pollen, then the symptoms will show up seasonally, as they do in their human counterparts, and you will most likely see watery eyes, itching of the skin and licking at the paws.

Flea allergies are quite common in dogs and are likely to show up during flea season. Through allergy testing, you can positively determine if your dog has this allergy. the most common symptoms of a flea allergy are scratching or biting at the hind legs, tail and abdominal area. The best treatment for this allergy is to work to eliminate the source of the allergy and implement a strict flea control regimen.

If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consult a trained veterinarian for advice. The vet can help you identify and control whatever it is your dog is allergic to, or detect if the symptoms are being caused by another issue altogether. Your vet can also prescribe allergy medications in the correct dosage to relieve your pet of allergy related discomfort, and some nutritional supplements may help in skin conditioning to better the health of your dog.


How Can I Help My Dog?

Oatmeal Baths

If allergies are causing your dog to constantly itch away, try giving her an oatmeal bath, which can do wonders to soothe the itchy skin. Oatmeal shampoos can be purchased online or at pet stores, or you can try the following home remedy:

• In a bowl, combine oatmeal and warm water at a 1:1 ratio. Stir until the mixture softens and becomes gooey.
• Take an old sock, stocking, cheesecloth, or rag and put the oatmeal mixture into the cloth.
• Rinse your dog in the bathtub with warm water. (If you'd like to shampoo first, you can.) Then with circular motions, rub the oatmeal-filled cloth/sock over your dog's coat, paying close attention to areas where dog is frequently itching. Continue to rub for 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse your dog with warm water and dry.

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