Most Common Dog Allergies

If you have kids, you’ve probably noticed how vigilant childcare workers and teachers have gotten about the foods they provide kids because the risk of allergies is on the rise among children, and allergic reactions can cause hospitalization and even death. You may have realized that this is true for children, but did you know that allergens can also affect dogs? Like humans, dogs exposed to certain environmental factors and foods can develop dangerous or uncomfortable symptoms when their bodies react to the substance as if it were something dangerous. To keep your dog protected, you should be aware of common allergies and what to do if your dog has a reaction.

How do I Know if My Dog has Allergies?

Just like their owners, dogs can have a range of different reactions to different types of substances. However, itchy, red skin, runny eyes, ear infections, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, snoring, paw chewing, licking, and scratching can all be signs that your dog has allergies. If your dog is agitated and scratching a lot, and you can’t find a reason why, it’s possible that allergies are to blame.
Though they are not common, your dog might also have a severe allergic reaction that causes him or her to have difficulty breathing, a fast heart rate, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, and / or a puffy, swollen face. If your dog has these symptoms, he or she needs immediate medical care.

What do I do if My Dog has an Allergic Reaction?

If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, you need to get emergency care right away. Your dog may need medication (antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine), consistent vitals monitoring, and round-the-clock care. Although most dogs don’t have life-threatening allergic reactions, it is important to understand that a very severe reaction can threaten your dog’s life, so it is important to get him or her to the vet right away!

If your dog has a mild allergic reaction, such as itching and redness, call your veterinarian and ask about treating with Benadryl at home. Typically, you should not give Benadryl with added ingredients. Dosing typically goes by weight, and you give one mg of medicine per pound. Therefore, if your dog weighs 30lbs, you would give 30 mg of Benadryl.
Even if your veterinarian gives the go-ahead for home medication, he or she will likely ask you to bring your dog to the office as soon as possible so that you can work together to determine what caused the allergy.

What are Some Common Environmental Allergens?

Do dusty rooms make your nose itch, and does pollen make your eyes water? It may seem surprising, but dogs can suffer from these symptoms too. Some of the most common environmental allergens include tree/grass/weed pollen, mold, dust/dust mites, and dander.

Can Dogs be Allergic to Flea Bites?

If you’re a dog owner, you know that fleas can be a big problem, but did you know that not all dogs react the same way to flea bites? When dogs scratch at itchy, red skin caused by flea bites, it is because they are having an allergic reaction!. Some dogs are more sensitive to flea bites. Unfortunately for these dogs, a single bite can result in weeks of itching. In addition to fleas, your dog may also be allergic to other types of bug bites.

What are Some Common Household Allergens?

Cigarette smoke, household cleaners, and air fresheners are all things that might be in your home aggravating your dogs. It’s also possible that your dog could develop a reaction to his or her own shampoo. If your dog suddenly starts to display signs of allergic reaction, check to see if you’ve changed anything about your environment lately. Simply tossing out your newly-purchased soap or asking your out-of-town visitors to smoke at the end of the driveway could be enough to stop the problem.

What are Some Common Food Allergens?

Your dog could be allergic to any type of food, but the following are more common food allergens for dogs: pork rabbit, lamb, beef, chicken, egg, fish, corn, soy, wheat, and dairy. Unfortunately, these ingredients are in many dog foods, but your vet can help you determine which specific foods your dog is allergic to through allergen testing and an elimination diet.

Can my Dog be Allergic to Anything Else?

Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to anything. In addition to environmental, household, and food allergens, your dog might be allergic to certain medicines, and you should also report any strange behavior or reactions to medicines to your vet immediately. Although it is not common, your dog can even be allergic to your cat -- or even you! (And if you have a cat, you should know that he or she can have allergies too. Like dogs, cats can have severe allergic reactions that require immediate veterinary care, though, in cats, it is more common for allergens to trigger asthma attacks. While you can also give Benadryl to a cat in allergic distress, it’s best used as a preventative drug for felines.)

Living with allergies can be just as frustrating - and as itchy - for your dog as it is for you, but fortunately, there are treatments, and once you know what kind of allergen you’re dealing with, you and your vet can work to eliminate it from your dog’s diet or environment. If you think your dog might be affected with allergies, call Bixby Animal Clinic. As Long Beach’s premiere provider of veterinary care, we can help you keep your dogs - and cats - happy and allergy free!