Allergies in dogs manifest themselves in different ways, but the most common symptoms are skin, digestive and respiratory problems. Today, approximately 20% of the dog population suffers from allergies. They come on at different times throughout life. How do you know what to do and when to get serious?
1. Itching and scratching (Pruritus)
- One of the most common symptoms of an allergy is excessive itching, which leads to intense scratching, biting, or licking of various parts of the body. Affected areas may include the paws, face, ears, belly, or armpits.
- It could also be an increasingly common allergy to flea bites , where the area around the base of the tail itches and oozes. In this case, it is necessary to provide antiparasitic drugs so that fleas do not bite the dog at all! (Tablets are not enough).
2. Redness and inflammation of the skin (Dermatitis)
- Redness, inflammation or a rash are common signs of skin allergies, mainly secondary to the dog constantly scratching itself and spreading bacteria to its skin. Wet patches or crusts may also form . In long-term problems, the skin may thicken or darken.
3. Hair loss
- Due to intense scratching and biting, the dog may lose hair in the affected areas, leading to the formation of bald spots.
4. Ear infections (Otitis)
- Ear infections are a common symptom of food allergies in dogs. They are characterized by itching, redness, odor, and excessive sebum production . The dog may shake its head or scratch its ears.
5. Licking and biting paws
- This is the first sign that your dog is suffering from a food allergy or intolerance. Excessive licking and biting of the paws, red between the toes, blisters. Along with this , a yeast infection may develop in the fur . The fur on the paws may turn brown due to saliva, which is a sign of chronic licking.
6. Digestive problems
- In this case, it is more likely a food intolerance that can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, bloating or abdominal pain (most often a reaction to milk) . Some dogs may have chronic intestinal problems such as frequent loose stools.
- If left untreated, it can develop into chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, problems with the pancreas, and poor liver function.
7. Excessive licking and belly licking
- Some dogs react to allergens by licking their bellies and genital areas, which can lead to skin irritation or inflammation.
8. Swelling of the face or limbs
- In some cases, such as an allergic reaction to an insect sting , swelling of the face, lips, or paws may occur. Such manifestations require prompt veterinary care to prevent anaphylactic shock and cardiac arrest.
The most common allergens
Causes of allergies in dogs:
- Food allergies: They can be caused by various components of the diet, such as proteins (chicken, beef, eggs), dairy products, or grains.
- Atopic dermatitis : This is an allergy to inhalant substances such as pollen, dust mites, or mold.
- Parasite allergies : As we mentioned above, flea bite allergies are very common and can cause severe itching and irritation.
- Contact allergies: A dog may be allergic to certain materials or chemicals, such as cleaning products, cosmetics, or certain types of grass.
How to deal with allergies in dogs?
If you suspect your dog has an allergy, consult your veterinarian. He or she should perform skin swabs and other tests. For example, food allergies are difficult to diagnose, and are best diagnosed through an elimination diet – removing a certain type of protein/food from the diet for at least 3 months.
For dogs with dietary protein allergies, monoprotein foods are the safest option. Don't forget about treats! Popular and safe treats include those made from insect protein .
To relieve itching, veterinarians usually prescribe medications, but they have side effects and are a burden on the liver, so it is important to consider how much they are needed. Often, just a regular bath for sensitive skin and fur will provide relief.
Don't forget about appropriate antiparasitics too.
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