Does your dog or puppy itch, scratch, chew, or lick themselves excessively? These are all signs that your dog may have allergies. Allergies are common in dogs—in fact, they are one of the top reasons for veterinary appointments. Dog allergy symptoms most commonly affect the skin and ears.
The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten.
The term atopic dermatitis in the dog is often used as a synonym for atopy. The main allergens are tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed), molds, mildew, and house dust mites. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens.
Dogs are most commonly allergic to the following foods (in descending order): beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb/mutton, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish.
Vets often suggest diphenhydramine to treat allergies in dogs. Known by the brand name Benadryl, this medication is completely safe for dogs, if dosed correctly. Check with your vet before you give your dog Benadryl to ensure their dose aligns with their body weight.
How long do pet allergies last? Once you're no longer around pet allergens, your symptoms usually go away after a few hours. However, if you have severe pet allergies, your symptoms may last for several days.
Any breed can develop food allergies, but there may be an increased risk for Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels. Signs of food allergy are similar to airborne allergies except there is little variation in the intensity of itching from one season to another.
Some people with dog allergies also have skin reactions. For instance, their skin might break out where a dog licks them. Others with more severe allergies might develop hives on their face or chest. People with asthma as well as pet allergies can have especially serious symptoms.
The most common places dogs with food allergies itch are their ears and their paws, and this may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms. Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause an atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis.
Your doctor will diagnose a pet or animal allergy based on your medical history, symptoms, a physical exam, and allergy test results. Allergy testing is the best way find out if you allergic to a specific animal type. Your doctor can use either a blood test or skin test to help get a diagnosis.
Dogs may sneeze, cough, wheeze, spit up, or reverse sneeze when they are dealing with allergies too. Many times, dogs with respiratory allergies will rub their faces on furniture or on people to try to scratch them, and they may scratch their itchy ears and eyes often as well.
Outgrowing allergies to animals is possible but not probable. Also, even those allergies can go away; they can come back again later in life. Keeping pets will not help to acclimate to allergies either. For some people, allergy symptoms can be worse in some seasons, especially in the heat when animals shed more.
While not usually life threatening, allergies in dogs do cause discomfort. Most symptoms are associated with dermatologic problems but some can also lead to chronic respiratory issues in some dogs if untreated for long periods of time.
1) Beef. Beef is largely composed of protein or amino acids, fatty acids, and some vitamins. Beef is a healthy and staple food for dogs which is why it is featured in many dog foods. However, consistent feeding of beef can lead to the development of a beef allergy.
Gastrointestinal issues. In some cases, food allergies cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs. The most common signs are vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, or an upset stomach and nausea. If your dog has chronic gastrointestinal issues, this may be due to an allergen present in their food.
Beef, dairy, wheat, and chicken are the most common culprits of food allergies in dogs. The development of food allergies, however, takes time. So the dog may have been eating the offending ingredients for quite a long time before symptoms develop."
Pet allergy relief
When you can't live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC® starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms. Learn more about ZYRTEC®.
Research has shown that quercetin can turn off histamine production and control inflammation. So it's often known as Nature's Benadryl. Quercetin also helps manage cellular activity associated with inflammation … meaning less itching!
Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, or aloe vera can be put on the skin to calm any itching. A relaxing oatmeal bath can relieve itching, burning, and dry skin.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used to treat and prevent pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect bite reactions in cats and dogs.