Top dog breeds prone to skin allergies

While any dog breed can be affected by food or environmental allergies, some breeds are more at risk of developing them than others. Being aware of the common health problems your dog may be predisposed to can be helpful when creating a care plan with your veterinarian. Since allergies are one of the most common health problems dogs can have, it’s helpful for owners to know:

• Which dog breeds are more prone to allergies
• Types of allergies dogs can have
• What to do if your dog shows signs of allergies

Breeds with a known predisposition to allergies include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, West Highland white terriers, Scottish terriers, bull terriers, boxers, dalmatians, Chinese shar-peis, French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and others.

Flea saliva is the most common environmental trigger for allergic skin disease in dogs, but dogs may also have an allergic reaction to pollen, mold spores, dust mites, or certain proteins in food. The most common clinical signs include itchiness — especially of the paws, face, ears, and belly — along with redness, hair loss, and skin irritation. Dogs with allergies often develop secondary problems, such as hot spots due to excessive scratching and self-trauma, and recurrent ear infections. Allergies can’t be cured, so online vets are a great resource to help with convenient, ongoing management.

An allergy is when the body’s immune system overreacts to a usually harmless substance (allergen) from the environment or in food. The immune response results in widespread inflammation that causes itchiness and other symptoms, primarily involving the skin.

There are different types of allergic skin disease depending on what triggers the allergy:

• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis (inhalant allergies)
• Food allergies
• Contact dermatitis

Although these allergies are triggered by different allergens, they are all classified as types of allergic skin disease because they cause similar skin-related symptoms. Allergies from flea bites are the most common type of allergy in dogs.

Allergic skin diseases are chronic, lifelong conditions that can’t be cured. Affected dogs develop symptoms whenever they’re exposed to an allergen if their condition isn’t well controlled with medication or other management strategies.

Chronic allergy symptoms are very different from acute allergic reactions. Acute allergic reactions are sudden and usually cause mild symptoms, like facial swelling and hives. More rarely, acute allergic reactions can be life threatening, with symptoms like difficulty breathing, collapse, vomiting, or pale gums. This is known as anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Acute allergic reactions are not the focus of this article and are less influenced by genetic factors than chronic allergies.

Itchy skin is the most common symptom of canine allergic skin disease. Other symptoms may include:

• Rash or red, inflamed skin, including hot spots (pyotraumatic dermatitis)
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Excessive chewing or licking of paws
• Crusty, scaly skin (seborrhea)
• Sores or bumps on the skin
• Recurrent ear infections
• Skin becoming thicker or darker/gray (lichenification, hyperpigmentation)
• Dark or reddish staining on fur
• Bad odor to ears, fur, or skin

Clinical signs may occur year-round or only seasonally, depending on what the dog is allergic to and when they’re exposed to it. Symptoms tend to improve on their own when the triggering allergen is no longer present, such as with the change of seasons or after an environmental exposure ends. This natural fluctuation can make it difficult to know whether improvement is due to a treatment, such as a diet change, or simply a temporary reduction in allergen exposure.

Dogs of any breed can develop allergic skin disease. However, some breeds are more likely to have allergies than others. Breeds that are more likely to have environmental allergies include:

• Chinese shar-peis
• Wirehaired fox terriers
• Golden retrievers
• Labrador retrievers
• Dalmatians
• Boxers
• Boston terriers
• Lhasa apsos
• Scottish terriers
• Shih tzus
• West Highland white terriers

Breeds that are more likely to have food allergies include:

• Labrador retrievers
• Golden retrievers
• West Highland white terriers
• Cocker spaniels
• Boxers
• Chinese shar-peis
• German shepherds

Allergies in purebred vs. mixed-breed dogs

“Allergies can affect any dog, but research shows that certain purebred dogs are diagnosed with allergic skin disease more often than mixed-breed dogs, likely due in part to inherited genetic factors,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. While genetics play a role in the development of allergies in dogs, environmental factors and lifestyle also make a difference. Dog allergies are complex and multifaceted conditions in which genetics and breed play a role, but they are not the only factors.

It’s important to seek veterinary care any time there’s a change in your dog’s physical health. Allergies are very common in dogs, but other health issues can cause symptoms like skin irritation and itchiness as well, including external parasites, and yeast or bacterial infections of the skin or ears. A vet can give a definitive diagnosis for the cause of the symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan.

Allergic skin disease is managed using a combination of treatments, and individual dogs can respond differently to the same therapy; some trial and error is often needed to find the most effective management plan for the long term. The best way to quickly find a safe and effective treatment plan is to get professional guidance. Home remedies are unlikely to resolve the problem and, in some cases, may make symptoms worse.

How an online vet can help with a dog’s allergies

Virtual vet appointments are a convenient way to keep in touch with a veterinary professional about your dog’s symptoms. An online vet can:

• Observe your dog’s response to treatment and adjust treatment as needed
• Advise you on what tests or in-person care may be needed next
• Offer specific treatment, including, in some cases, prescriptions

The level of care a virtual vet can provide varies based on local laws and regulations. To learn more about what’s available where you live, visit this interactive map from the Virtual Veterinary Care Association. Allergic skin disease is a lifelong, chronic condition, so keeping in touch with a veterinarian is highly beneficial for long-term management.

What dog breed is most prone to allergies?

There isn’t a single breed that is most prone to allergies, but research shows that certain breeds are diagnosed with allergic skin disease (canine atopic dermatitis) more often than others. These breeds include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, West Highland white terriers, French bulldogs, boxers, Chinese shar-peis, and others. This increased risk is thought to be partly due to inherited genetic factors that affect the immune system, though environmental influences also play a role.

Any dog, purebred or mixed, can develop allergies. If your dog shows signs such as persistent itching or licking, or recurrent ear or skin infections, consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and create an individualized long-term management plan.

Can allergies be genetic in dogs?

Yes, genetics can play a role in the development of allergies in dogs. Allergic skin disease (canine atopic dermatitis) is a complex condition influenced by both inherited and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain purebred dogs, such as Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, West Highland white terriers, boxers, and bulldogs, are more likely to develop allergic skin disease, suggesting a genetic predisposition. However, environmental exposures, infections, and other triggers also contribute, and any dog, including mixed breeds, can be affected.

Are purebred dogs more prone to allergies?

Some purebred dogs appear to be more prone to allergic skin disease than others, but this varies by breed. Research has identified certain breeds as having a higher risk of developing allergies, likely due in part to inherited genetic factors. However, this does not mean that all purebred dogs are at increased risk, and mixed-breed dogs can also develop allergies. Environmental exposures, infections, and other triggers play an important role in allergies for all dogs.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.