Canine Allergies: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Guide

Dogs can suffer from a wide range of allergies, much like humans, including food allergies, flea allergies, and environmental triggers such as pollen and mould. Understanding these allergies is important to provide effective care and improve your dog’s quality of life. This guide explores the common types of canine allergies and practical ways to manage them.

1. Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs

Approximately 10% of allergies in dogs are caused by food. Dogs commonly develop allergies to proteins like beef, dairy, and wheat products, with beef accounting for around 70% of cases. Symptoms can range from an itchy coat, inflamed ears, and skin irritation to digestive issues including diarrhoea and vomiting.

Diagnosing food allergies often involves an elimination diet, where potential allergens are removed and reintroduced over several weeks under veterinary supervision. It’s important to check dog food labels carefully as terms like “meat” or “animal derivatives” can mask allergenic ingredients. Hypoallergenic commercial diets or home-cooked meals with natural, novel proteins may be necessary. Note that dogs can develop new allergies over time, so ongoing observation is key.

2. Managing Flea and Tick Allergies

Flea and tick allergies are particularly prevalent during warmer months when infestations flourish. Dogs allergic to flea saliva experience intense itching, redness, hair loss, and secondary skin infections.

Effective prevention requires year-round use of topical flea and tick treatments, such as Frontline or Advocat, although these may lose effectiveness with repeated water exposure. Regular flea baths with hypoallergenic shampoos can also soothe symptoms. Prompt flea control not only alleviates discomfort but prevents long-term skin damage.

3. Recognising and Treating Hayfever in Dogs

Environmental allergies, sometimes referred to as hayfever, are caused by pollen, dust mites, and other airborne allergens. Symptoms typically include itching around the ears, face, armpits, and paws, alongside recurring ear infections and red, watery eyes. Unlike human hayfever, allergic reactions in dogs primarily affect the skin rather than the respiratory tract.

Management combines veterinary treatments like antihistamines or steroids with home care measures: wiping paws after outdoor walks to remove pollen, keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, regular vacuuming, and washing bedding frequently. Feeding hypoallergenic food may also help reduce inflammation.

4. Preventing and Managing Mould Allergies

Mould thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, releasing spores that can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Symptoms include skin redness and itching. Some moulds, such as Stachybotrys, can be particularly dangerous.

Prevention focuses on reducing household humidity, maintaining clean air conditioning systems, and promptly cleaning up mould, mildew, and dust. These steps minimise allergen exposure and protect your dog’s skin health.

5. Allergies to Other Animals

Dogs may also be allergic to other animals, particularly cats. Proteins in cat saliva can become airborne and settle on furniture and walls, causing itching and skin irritation in sensitive dogs. Regular cat grooming and the use of allergen-reducing powders followed by vacuuming can help reduce risk.

If you suspect your dog has any form of allergy, consulting your vet is essential. Veterinary tests can identify specific allergens and support a tailored treatment plan to relieve symptoms and promote your dog’s wellbeing.

For those seeking puppies or looking to adopt from reputable breeders, understanding allergy risks helps ensure responsible dog ownership and a happy, healthy pet.

FAQs

What are the main types of allergic reactions in dogs?

Quick Answer: The main types include food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, and environmental allergies such as pollen or mould sensitivity.

Each allergy type causes different symptoms and requires specific treatment strategies. Food allergies often involve skin and digestive symptoms, flea allergies cause intense itching due to flea saliva, and environmental allergies tend to produce itchy skin and inflammation, especially during certain seasons.

How are food allergies diagnosed in dogs?

Quick Answer: Food allergies are typically diagnosed using an elimination diet trial conducted over 8-12 weeks under veterinary supervision.

This involves feeding your dog a novel or hydrolysed protein diet while avoiding all other proteins. If symptoms improve and return when the original diet is reintroduced, the diagnosis is confirmed. Blood tests may help but are less reliable than diet trials.

How can I manage my dog's hayfever symptoms at home?

Quick Answer: Wipe your dog's paws after walks, keep windows closed during high pollen counts, vacuum frequently, wash their bedding regularly, and consider hypoallergenic diets.

These home care practices reduce exposure to pollen and other airborne allergens. Combined with veterinary-prescribed medications, they effectively ease hayfever discomfort in dogs.