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Canine Allergy Symptoms

A canine allergy can have a multitude of causes ranging from food allergies, environmental (atopy) allergens, adverse reactions to medications and an allergy to fleas and flea bites.

It must be noted that a canine allergy is very common, effecting 1 in 7 dogs.  If a dog is having an allergic reaction it is usually manifested in one of three ways. Most commonly by severe itching and in some cases inflammation of the skin either localized or all over the body. The respiratory system can also be effected with the dog sneezing, wheezing and/or coughing. There may also be eye and/or nasal discharge present. And finally, some allergies can involve the digestive system, with the dog suffering from vomiting or diarrhea.

Dog allergies come from the ‘inside’ and not from ‘outside’ allergens as one would expect. Dogs that develop an allergy often already have a compromised immune system mainly due to emotional stress from boredom or limited exercise, a hormone imbalance or a fungal or bacterial infection. These dogs are prone to a canine allergy symptom when exposed to allergy causing factors such as poor quality food, fleas and toxins. If your dog is showing any symptoms it is important to consult your local vet and arrange a complete check-up for your pet. Isolating and treating the ‘root’ problem will ultimately strengthen the overall health of your much loved pet.

Common Canine Allergies include:-

Canine Atopic Dermatitus -

or canine atopy is very common and is a genetic inflammatory condition.

• Seasonal allergens – pollens, weeds, dust mites
• Non-seasonal allergens – molds, mildew, food

Dog Flea Allergy

the cause is the flea saliva when the dog is bitten. There are some great ‘across the counter’ treatments available that should clear up the problem, but of course if the problem persists, consult your local vet.

Dog Food Allergy

develops when the dog is allergic to one or more ingredients in their food. Starting an elimination diet is the only way to diagnose a food allergy.

Contact Dermatitis

is quite rare in dogs and is caused by direct contact.

Common causes can  be:-  soaps, shampoos, detergents (used to wash bedding) flea collars, weed killers, insecticides, fertilizers, and other garden and household chemicals.

How to Identify Dog Allergy Symptoms

When your dog is presenting with uncontrollable scratching, licking and itching the most likely cause is an allergic reaction.

Dog allergy symptoms can become quite unbearable for your dog and if left unattended can result in a severe reaction.

At the first sign of irritation it is advisable to check your dog for either a rash, welts or broken skin. It is important to identify dog allergy symptoms in the early stages rather than later. There are a number of different allergies in dogs and each may require a different treatment.

Type of Allergy

A dog food allergy is possibly the easiest allergy to treat but unfortunately the hardest to diagnose. The allergy is caused by certain ingredients in the dog’s food and an elimination diet is the best way to identify the culprit. Fleas can also cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. In most cases the dog is allergic to the saliva left behind by the flea when the dog is bitten. Airborne particles such as pollen, dust and also mold spores can in some instances cause an allergic reaction in dogs.

Another common dog allergy symptom is an atopic or atopic dermatitis, which is a genetic condition. This is identified by the dog’s skin becoming scaly, itchy, red and very irritated. Other allergies which can prove difficult to treat are a  hormonal imbalance, a bacteria or yeast infection and also parasites. A visit to your local veterinarian is important for a definite diagnosis, and the vet may also recommend some tests, such as:

• fungal culture  – helps to identify ringworm
• thyroid panel  -  will identify a hormone abnormality
• skin scrape  -  to identify the presence of parasites
• skin smear  -  to identify organisms such as yeast or bacteria

It is important to note that any dog can be prone to allergies but some seem to be more genetically prone than others. Symptoms usually appear around the age of 6 months to 3 yeas but this can vary of course.

Dog Skin Allergy Symptoms

A dog skin allergy would be one of the most common health problems and also most difficult condition to treat in dogs.

To isolate what your dog is allergic to it is advisable to first implement an elimination diet. Food products and a lack of proper nutrition would be the most common cause of a dog skin allergy. Other potential allergens may include trees, weeds, pollen, mold spores and dust mites.

Symptoms may include:

• constant scratching
• inflamed ulcerated skin
• hair loss
• constant yeast or bacterial infections

A hormone imbalance can also cause an adverse skin reaction. The L-thyroxine hormone is essential for healthy skin and when this hormone is deficient dogs will scratch constantly resulting in inflamed open sores. This hormone deficiency is more common in neutered dogs.

Hair Loss and Swelling

Hair loss and swelling is one of the first signs of a skin allergy. It can be a symptom of the actual allergy or a result of the constant irritation and scratching. The hair loss is usually patchy and can continue for a short period of time after the allergy has been treated.

Digestive Problems

Digestive problems are not uncommon for dogs with allergies, so watch for any diarrhea or vomiting. If a food allergy is the culprit a special diet may be required.

Irritation

If your dog is constantly chewing, biting and licking this is also a good indication of a dog skin allergy.

Treatment

There are a number of different treatment options available for dogs from over the counter to prescribed medications.

Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements will also help to increase a dog’s immune system and the effects of allergens.

1. Vitamin A – is helpful for dogs suffering from respiratory conditions and dermatitis.
2. Vitamin C – helps with the production of collagen in the skin and promotes the healing of wounds from any allergic reaction.
3. Vitamin E – keeps the skin membrane tissue healthy.

Hypoallergenic Pets

Hypoallergenic means to cause less allergic reactions in allergy sufferers. Hypo means less, not none, as is commonly thought.

Hypoallergenic pets may still cause allergies in people that are  severe allergy sufferers, but because of the pets absence of fur or coat type the animal produces less allergens than other breeds of the same species.

For animal lovers who suffer allergies a hypoallergenic pet may be their best option. The key for these people is to find a pet that produces a small amount of allergens and also sheds less dander and fur than other breeds.

Cat breeds that are recommended for allergy sufferers are the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Sphynx, LaPerm and the Russian Blue.

The following dog breeds are often recommended for people with allergies, you can choose from the Yorkshire Terrier, Poodles and the Poodle cross breeds, Kelly Blue Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel and the Schnauzer.

If you do suffer from severe allergies having a pet may not be a viable option for you. It would be advisable to discuss your allergy treatment and prevention options with your doctor as you may wish to consider a treatment series to help desensitize yourself.

Allergic to Dog Symptoms

It can be quite frustrating to be a dog lover and also be allergic to dogs.

What are the causes?

Dog allergies are a far more prevalent problem than most people may realize. Some people think that the allergy stems from the fur/hair on the dog, and think that breeds with longer hair trigger the allergy symptoms. While shorter haired breeds are less likely to induce an adverse reaction.

In actual fact it is often a protein contained in the dried dead skin flakes (dander) that is causing the allergic reaction. The dander sticks to the dog’s fur and is released during the normal shedding process. As we know, shed dog hair can end up on every surface around the house, both inside and out. Therefore when the dander comes into contact with people who are allergic to dogs, their body identifies a potential threat, hence the allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms?

It is important to note that dog allergy symptoms can differ in reaction and severity from one person to the next. People with minor sensitivity may not notice symptoms for several days after initial contact, and may only suffer some mild nasal congestion while others may have an adverse skin irritation. Some people may suffer from both reactions when allergic to dog.

It can be common for some people to start wheezing and coughing when in contact with a dog. Also their eyes may start to water and become itchy, red and swollen. Among some people that are allergic to dog another symptom may be a skin reaction, or even a rash or breakout where the dog has licked them. People who have a severe allergy may develop hives on their body, usually around the face and chest. Asthma suffers are very susceptible to serious reactions.

How Canine Skin Allergies can Affect your Dog

Canine skin allergies are fairly common, and you will find most dogs will suffer one or more skin problem at some time during their lives. Fortunately a large majority of canine skin allergies are easy to treat and clear up quite rapidly.

The most common skin problems in dogs seem to be warts, abscesses, dermatitis and eczema. These conditions can also indicate an underlying medical problem such as a compromised immune system, a toxin buildup or a thyroid problem.

Canine skin allergies are not uncommon and your dog’s coat can be affected by an allergic reaction to foods or medications, flea bites, as well as fungal and bacterial infections.

There are several forms of treatment for canine skin allergies, ranging from:

Baths -

washing your dog regularly with a hypo-allergenic shampoo will help alleviate the symptoms related to the allergy.

Anti-histamines and/or hydro-cortisone -

treating the affected area with anti-histamine or hydro-cortisone creams and sprays can provide speedy relief for the dog. Both products are available through pet stores and larger supermarkets.

Cortisone -

a veterinary diagnosis should be made before treating a dog with cortisone. Cortisone can be administered by injection, oral pills, or sprayed on the affected area. It is one of the most effective canine skin allergy treatments.

Limiting Exposure -

limiting and/or eliminating exposure to the suspect allergen is of utmost importance.

Diet Supplementation -

Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be a natural anti-inflammatory and often help reduce allergy symptoms. 2 or 3 tablespoons of olive oil mixed through dog food can also reduce skin allergies.

Final Note:

it is important never to ignore any canine skin allergies your dog may have no matter how minute. Besides causing your dog to feel unwell some allergic skin conditions can signal a more serious underlying medical problem.

Best Dogs for People with Allergies

Unfortunately many adults and children suffer from allergies and feel they have to miss out on the joys of being a dog owner.

Thankfully, there are a number of dogs for people with allergies to choose from, granted the selection may be limited but dog ownership is a possibility.

It is important to note that people are not allergic to a certain dog breed or breeds but in actual fact are allergic to the dander that is shed from dogs. Dander is dry flakes of skin that becomes airborne causing an allergic reaction, with symptoms such as watery eyes, coughing, sneezing and for some people, respiratory problems. There are certain breeds that produce less dander therefore making these dogs ideal for many allergy sufferers.

Research is important when choosing an allergy friendly dog. Research all the breeds that have little shedding and produce minimal dander. Dogs in this category come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments, so carefully consider which breed will best suit your lifestyle and family.

Maybe one of the smaller breeds may suit, especially if you plan on keeping the dog indoors most of the time.

A medium sized dog, such as the Irish Water Spaniel, Samoyed or Bearded Collie are all active, fun loving dogs that shed very little dander.

If you prefer a larger breed of dog consider either a standard Poodle or a giant Schnauzer. The Poodle is an intelligent breed with hair rather than fur. Bear in mind that a larger dog will require more exercise than a smaller breed, so taking your dog for a daily walk may also be beneficial to the owner.

Before making your final decision always visit a breeder or a dog rescue center to spend some time with the dog you are considering. Spending an hour indoors with the dog will indicate whether you will possibly have an allergic reaction.

Remember to choose carefully and take your time when choosing dogs for people with allergies.

How to Identify Canine Allergies

Similar to the human population the incidence of canine allergies is increasing. There are three main categories of canine allergies.

1. Food Allergy
2. Flea Allergic Dermatitis
3. Atopy

Some dogs can be affected by one or more of these allergies.

The symptoms of canine allergies or an allergic reaction are not always straightforward. Canine allergies tend to show up on the skin and unfortunately can go unnoticed by the owner for an extended period of time and if left unchecked  can develop into a severe infection.  The symptoms can present as:

• biting
• chewing at feet
• face rubbing
• scratching
• thickening of the skin
• greasy skin
• diarrhea
• vomiting (rare)
• sores from irritation
• itching
• constant licking
• anal itching

Identifying the allergy triggers

Allergens can be inhaled (pollen), found in food, body contact and fleas. Trial and error is the most practical way to isolate an allergen. It may be possible to determine the cause of the allergy by observing the symptoms.

• inhalant – in most cases there will be severe itching in the groin, flank, face and feet
• contact – affects the areas that have been in contact with the allergen, usually the trunk, belly, flank and legs
• food – usually presents as anal itching, diarrhea and in severe cases vomiting
• fleas – besides excessive itching, there may be skin swelling, redness and sores around the bit area. Flea bites can cause symptoms that can last for more than one week

Identifying the allergen

There are common culprits for each allergy, so you must first identify the cause to properly treat the actual allergy.

• inhalant – likely culprits can be mold, pollen (from trees, grass, flowers), smoke, dust, chemicals, cleaners, mites
• food – may include preservatives, beef, chicken, eggs, fish, dairy, wheat, corn, dairy
• contact – common culprits can be shampoo, sprays, grass, detergents, bedding

Eliminating the cause

After identifying the allergen it should be eliminated from the dog’s environment and/or diet as quickly as possible.

Allergy Dog Food – is there a solution?

Many owners are not aware of the fact that allergy dog food accounts for a significant percentage of allergy issues in dogs. Unfortunately in some cases the condition can go unnoticed for an extended period of time.

If your pet is an allergy dog food victim, the most common symptoms include:

1. swollen stomach
2. weepy eyes
3. skin rashes
4. labored breathing
5. dermatitis
6. lethargy

Dogs can become sensitive to certain ingredients in dry and processed foods, even if they have been eating the same foods for years without incident. Your local vet can make a diagnosis and suggest allergy dog food or a special diet to help with and prevent ongoing symptoms. It is not uncommon for dogs suffering from food allergies to also have other allergy problems.

The likely ingredients to cause food allergies in your pet may include:

• chicken and beef
• dairy products
• eggs
• corn
• wheat
• soy

It must also be noted that these are the most commonly used ingredients in commercial dog food, and allergies usually result from over exposure of certain foods.

The best way to determine if your dog is an allergy dog food victim is to run a food trial. This can involve a fair amount of work and patience for the owner. A food elimination diet will determine the foods that are safe for your dog. Remember to also avoid all treats during this time frame. Unfortunately a blood test cannot detect a dog food allergy.

Once you have isolated the foods that are causing the allergy, you should eliminate them from the dog’s diet completely.

Homemade and allergy dog food really are the best choice for your much loved pet. There are plenty of guides for making your own dog food as well as a good variety of commercially made anti-allergy food available through pet stores and vets. If you are having trouble making a choice just ask your vet for recommendations.

When introducing a new food to your pet, feed the food to your dog for at least four weeks to determine if the dog can tolerate the food and look for any allergic reactions. If you notice an adverse reaction, cease immediately.

Treating the Symptoms of Dog Skin Allergies

Dog skin allergies can be quite difficult for owners to treat. Diagnosing the cause of the dog’s skin allergy is the first step in treating the problem, as exposure to the irritant must be eliminated all together.

In many instances, dog skin allergies can arise quickly. Contact dermatitis can cause severe discomfort for many dogs, some of the main irritants can be, shampoo or sprays that are applied directly to the dogs coat. Household cleaners and chemicals can also cause an irritation. Certain plants, insects and parasites may also trigger adverse reactions. Some dogs can also be allergic to fleas, and a bite can cause a large itchy rash.

Medications and food (or food ingredients) can often cause a more chronic and less sudden skin allergy in dogs. Some diseases and medical conditions may create symptoms similar to an allergy.

For dogs, fungal infections and a thyroid disease would be among the most common allergy triggers causing skin irritation and/or hair loss that in some instances can be mistaken for dog skin allergies.

Listed below are some steps that may help in easing your dog’s skin allergies.

• limit exposure to the suspected irritant – if you are aware of what is causing the actual irritation, exposure should be eliminated entirely.
• washing the dog – plants and chemicals tend to leave a residue on the dog’s skin and coat, causing continued exposure to the irritant. To help ease the irritating symptoms washing the dog in dish soap will breakdown and remove the irritating oils. Normal dog shampoo will not achieve this.
• Oral medication relief – in addition to topical treatment, a dose of Benadryl administered every 8 hours (1 or 2 milligrams per pound of body weight) will help with most moderate skin allergies.
• topical medication relief – hydro-cortisone and anti-histamine creams or sprays will help alleviate many skin allergies. These medications can be purchased at most pet stores, or in the pet section of larger supermarkets.
• supplements – skin dryness and flakiness can be improved by a dietary supplement. A couple of tablespoons of olive oil mixed through the dog’s meal can greatly improve most dry skin conditions. Of course if the condition persists consulting your local vet would be advisable.