From pollen in the air to peanuts in our food, allergies are widespread in humans, and our dogs are no different! Dogs might be allergic to parasites, certain foods, or environmental allergens, explains Kyla Jackson, DVM, Dermatology Resident at Missouri Veterinary Dermatology Center.
No matter what causes a reaction, Shannon Barrett, DVM, owner of Downward Paws, says a trip to the vet is essential if symptoms appear. In rarer cases of anaphylactic shock, seek immediate medical help from an emergency vet or hospital.
Keep reading to learn more about dog allergic reactions and how to best support a pup with allergies.
What Are the Symptoms of Dog Allergic Reactions?
It can be hard to figure out exactly what your dog is allergic to, but it’s easy to see when they’re uncomfortable.
Dr. Jackson says that allergy symptoms can happen at any time of the year. Most dogs with allergies show signs between 1 and 3 years old.
Mild to moderate symptoms
- Paw licking
- Face rubbing
- Recurrent skin infections
- Ear infections
- Over-grooming
- Hair loss
- Hives
- Facial swelling
Severe symptoms
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction and can be a life-threatening emergency. It usually occurs immediately after exposure, with signs showing within seconds or minutes.
Common signs of anaphylactic shock include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Pale gums
- Cold limbs
- Seizures
- Coma
What Causes Dog Allergies?
Dr. Barrett explains that dog allergies happen when their immune system overreacts to allergens and triggers harmful reactions. Here are some common causes:
- Food allergies: Common foods that cause allergies include beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, and lamb.
- Environmental allergies: Pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain grasses can cause seasonal allergies.
- Fleas: Flea bites can cause allergic reactions in dogs.
- Medications: Some dogs can be allergic to medicines like antibiotics, pain meds, or vaccines.
- Contact allergies: Dogs can react to things they touch, like floor cleaners.
- Insect bites: Bites from bees, wasps, or ants can cause allergic reactions.
How Do Vets Diagnose Allergic Reactions?
Once your dog has an allergic reaction, diagnosis is key. Dr. Jackson says vets typically rule any medical conditions through blood work or a skin biopsy. Next, they’ll use a process of elimination to identify your dog’s allergy.
- Flea and Parasite Allergy: Vets often recommend year-round flea prevention.
- Food Allergy: Vets might try an elimination diet for eight weeks.
- Environmental Allergy: Vets use blood or skin tests to diagnose these allergies.
What Dog Allergy Treatments Are Available?
Dr. Barrett says that the treatment depends on the type and severity of the allergy. Common treatments include:
- Flea control: Get rid of fleas from your dog and home.
- Avoidance: Keep your dog away from things they’re allergic to.
- Topical therapy: Special shampoos can help manage skin allergies.
- Medications: Vets might prescribe drugs to help with chronic allergies.
- Hyposensitization injections: These can help with long-term environmental allergies.
Can you give dogs human allergy medicine?
Some human allergy medicines, like Benadryl, can be safe for dogs if given correctly, explains Dr. Renee Schmid, DVM, Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. But always check with your vet first. Giving your dog the wrong medicine with a decongestant can make them sick.
Dr. Schmid says a common decongestant often included with antihistamines is called pseudoephedrine. She explains that this drug can cause:
- Upset stomach
- Tremors
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Can You Prevent Dog Allergic Reactions?
The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid the things that cause them. While you can’t always avoid everything, you can reduce exposure by:
- Using hypoallergenic wipes to clean your dog’s paws.
- Regularly grooming your dog with anti-itch shampoo.
- Using flea and tick prevention.
- Giving your dog allergy supplements.
- Switching to a hypoallergenic diet.
- Using pet-safe cleaning products.
