Understanding Common Causes and Treatment Options for Allergies in Dogs
What kind of allergies can dogs suffer from?
I start with three main sources of allergies in dogs: fleas, environmental factors, and food. Flea bite allergies are common, as are environmental allergies from contact with pollens, grasses, and similar elements. Food allergies are another significant category.
Are allergies common in dogs?
They're definitely common, just like in humans. It's a simple conversation with your vet to narrow down the triggers.
What kind of steps will our veterinarians take to diagnose a dog with allergies?
The first step is often ruling out the easiest possibility, flea allergies, by starting the dog on flea and tick prevention. If the dog is already on such prevention, we can rule out flea allergies. This is particularly common in dogs with longer coats or frequent hot spots. Environmental and food allergies can be trickier. Seasonal issues might indicate environmental allergies, while symptoms starting early or late in life might suggest food allergies. If environmental allergy treatments don't bring relief, a food trial is recommended to explore possible food allergies.
Can allergies in dogs then lead to other health complications?
They definitely can. If a dog is constantly itchy due to food, flea, or environmental allergies, they might scratch enough to create abrasions, potentially leading to infections like pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection. Dogs with food allergies may also experience anal gland issues, gastrointestinal problems, chronic diarrhea, or irregular stools.
What about behavioral changes? Is that also a possibility?
Definitely. Constant itchiness is irritating and can lead to behavioral changes. Dogs with anal gland issues might act as though something catastrophic is happening, displaying behaviors like scooting. Cats, if itchy, can become very irritable. Painful hot spots can also cause behavioral issues; a dog might become snappy if touched in a sore area, especially if they have long hair covering those spots.
What kind of treatment options are there if a dog has allergies?
The first step is bathing your dog to remove any contact allergens. I bathe my itchy dogs every other week to keep them comfortable and itch-free without medication. If bathing isn't enough, medications are available. For food allergies, food trials are the primary approach, guided by your vet. The main food culprits are often chicken and beef. Consult your vet if you suspect food allergies.
I've also heard about something called immunotherapy. Is that something that can help with my dog's allergies and what is it?
Immunotherapy is common in human medicine, involving injections to identify triggers. For dogs, it's inconsistent and not very reliable. Saliva tests and similar methods exist, but they're costly and not often worth the investment. I recommend focusing on food trials, managing environmental triggers, controlling itchiness, and addressing active parasites instead.
At Alpine Animal Hospital, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (970) 963-2371, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!