If you’ve ever noticed that your dog has runny eyes after a walk outside, or that they lick their paws obsessively after returning home, it could be due to seasonal allergies. Yes, dogs can get allergies, too! Just like humans, irritants like pollen, dust, insect bites, and some types of food can make your dog have an allergic reaction. Depending on the type of allergy, your dog might have itchy skin, respiratory issues, or an upset stomach. The vets at East Valley Animal Hospital offer diagnosis and allergy treatment for dogs—here’s how to recognize the symptoms.
Can Dogs Get Allergies?
Yes! Dogs can be allergic to many things they encounter on their daily walks, like various insects or pollen from plants and trees. They can also have allergic reactions to certain ingredients in their dog food, or to indoor irritants like dust and mold.
Not every dog gets allergies, but up to 20% of them will develop allergies between the ages of one and two. The type of allergy and the severity of the symptoms will vary on a case-by-case basis, depending on your dog’s sensitivities.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
Allergies in dogs usually present as some type of skin irritation, but they can cause digestive upset as well. Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:
- Itchy ears or chronic ear infections
- Itchy, runny eyes and sneezing
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and stinky gas
- Constant licking of the paws or skin
- Hot spots or red, inflamed skin
- Hives or swelling of the face, ears, lips, or eyelids
Common Types of Allergies
Food Allergies in Dogs
Some of the most common ingredients in dog food are also the most common allergens. Dogs can be allergic to chicken, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy, as well as corn, wheat, and soy. To diagnose a food allergy, we’ll start by placing your dog on an elimination diet. By avoiding certain ingredients, we can determine which one is causing an adverse reaction.
Insect Allergies in Dogs
Have you ever had an unbearably itchy mosquito bite? That itch is an allergic reaction to mosquito spit! Dogs can also be allergic to bites and stings from fleas, ticks, bees, and other insects they encounter on hikes and walks. Fitting your dog with a flea and tick collar will help repel biting insects and protect your dog from insect allergies. Specially formulated shampoos and sprays can help as well.
Environmental Allergies in Dogs
Airborne irritants like pollen, dust, and mold can cause respiratory symptoms and dermatitis in dogs. Environmental allergies in dogs may come and go, much like seasonal allergies in humans. Shedding, wheezing, scratching the ears, or biting the paws can all indicate allergic responses. If you notice allergy symptoms only at certain times of the year, wiping down your dog’s fur after a walk or giving them more frequent baths can help.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl?
Always talk to a vet before giving your dog any medications, especially those intended for humans. Giving your pet the wrong type of medication or the wrong amount could have disastrous results. Don’t mess around with over-the-counter remedies. If you want to help your dog find relief from allergies, we can prescribe the right medications based on your pet’s size, breed, symptoms, and medical history.
Allergy Treatment for Dogs in Gilbert, Arizona
Can dogs get allergies? Absolutely! Whether your dog has a food allergy or an environmental allergy, they don’t have to suffer. The vets at East Valley Animal Hospital would be happy to help your pet find relief. If your dog has allergy symptoms, keep a record of when and how often they occur to help us with diagnosis. Then schedule a visit online or call us at 480-892-1577.
Photo by Tadeusz Lakota on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/26/2022.