Allergies in Dogs

Allergies are very common in dogs. Although allergies are not life-threatening, the symptoms of allergies impact the dog’s quality of life and require prompt veterinary care. Without appropriate management of allergy symptoms, secondary bacterial fungal and skin and ear infections are common.

Diagnosis of allergies and identifying the best management strategy for the individual dog usually requires some trial and error. Working closely with a veterinarian is essential for a desirable outcome.

Allergic itch is more common at certain locations on the body:

• Lower back and base of the tail
• Face, eyes, and chin
• Ears
• Front feet
• Flanks
• Armpits

Excessive scratching damages the skin, and often leads to other symptoms.

Some breeds are predisposed to allergies, suggesting a genetic component.

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to benign substances in the environment, referred to as “allergens.” The reason some pets develop allergies while others do not is unknown.

The most common allergens in dogs are:

• Flea saliva
• Grasses
• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Specific protein sources in food

Allergies are categorized several ways, and some dogs have multiple forms in response to the same allergen.

Symptoms of allergies depend on the type of allergy response.

Diagnosing allergies is complex, as there are many potential causes of itchiness. Multiple tests are run to rule out other conditions before coming to a diagnosis of allergies. These tests include:

• Physical examination
• Testing for bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
• Bloodwork
• Biopsy of itchy or damaged areas to rule out tumors or other skin diseases

The type of symptoms, time when symptoms occur, and any trends in the symptoms helps categorize what type of allergy is occurring. Further tests to categorize the type of allergy include:

• Food elimination trials
• Withdrawal testing
• Patch testing
• Intradermal allergy testing

Intradermal allergy testing can help identify what allergens the dog is allergic to. Allergy testing does not diagnose allergies. Results of these tests are only significant if they correspond with the dog’s type and timing of symptoms, and the dog’s symptoms resolve when the allergen is removed.

Depending on the type of allergy and the specific allergens, the best strategy to resolve symptoms is to avoid exposure to the allergen. Avoidance strategies include:

• Keeping the dog on effective flea control
• Regular bathing to remove allergens from the dog’s skin
• Air filtration to remove allergens
• Cleaning the dog’s environment
• Limited-ingredient diets

Many cases of allergies benefit from medications that interrupt the “itch signal”, preventing the dog from experiencing itchiness. Severe symptoms may benefit from short-term use of glucocorticoids, but these are not appropriate for long-term use. Safer options for long-term management of allergy symptoms include both daily oral medications or an injection given as needed every few weeks.

Medicated shampoos and certain veterinarian-approved supplements are also helpful for helping to keep allergy symptoms at a tolerable level. The only treatment for allergies that approaches a cure is immunotherapy. A small amount of allergen is injected into the skin repeatedly over time until the immune system response to allergen is reduced. This is a complicated and lengthy process that is not always necessary for successful management of canine allergies.

Allergies are a lifelong condition. A combination of avoidance, ongoing management, and medications, is usually sufficient to keep an allergic dog comfortable and prevent secondary infections.

The root cause of allergies is unknown so it is not possible to prevent them from developing. Symptoms can be successfully managed when exposure to the allergen is limited or eliminated.

Allergies are very common in dogs. The most common type of allergy is flea allergy dermatitis, where dogs react to flea saliva.

Food allergies are very uncommon, affecting only 0.2% of dogs. Many dogs with food allergies have other types of allergies as well. Contact allergies are also very uncommon.