How Allergies Affect Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. Dogs can be allergic to food or things in their environment, like grass or pollens. Some dogs are even allergic to other animals, the most common being fleas. In all these cases, the allergies affect the dogs in almost identical ways, making it hard to diagnosis without testing from a vet.

Food Allergies in Dogs

Dogs are most often allergic to proteins in their food, such as chicken, beef or eggs. When the allergen is ingested, the dog’s immune system sees it as a threat and creates antibodies to “attack” something that normally should be tolerated. Interestingly, dogs usually develop allergies after being fed the same food/protein over a long period of time.

While proteins are the most common allergen in dogs, dogs can also be allergic to other foods. I knew a sheltie allergic to canola oil and almost all grains!

Flea and Environmental Allergies in Dogs

When it comes to fleas, some dogs are allergic to the flea saliva. When they get bit, their antibodies attack the flea saliva, causing the outward symptoms we see in our pet.

Environmental allergies can produce similar reactions to flea or food allergies. Like above, when the dog breathes in, or comes in contact with, something in their environment they are allergic to, their body creates antibodies to attack it, resulting in the uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

If your dog suffers from an allergy or allergies, you may see some or all of the following symptoms:

· Itchy, red and/or inflamed skin especially ears, paws and base of tail

· Hives

· Hair loss

· Hot spots (usually from over licking)

· Obsessively licking paws

· Chronic ear infections

· Trouble breathing including coughing or wheezing (anaphylactic shock can happen in rare cases)

· Vomiting

· Diarrhea

· Irritability/aggression

· Weight loss

· Lethargy or hyperactivity

As you can see, the problem with this list that many other medical conditions can also cause these same symptoms. And you won’t be able to tell by the symptoms if its an allergic reaction to fleas, something in their food, or an environmental allergy.

If the symptoms come and go with the seasons, however, that is a big clue it’s most likely environmental. Food allergies won’t go aways as long as your dog is on that food.

Do Some Breeds of Dogs Have More Allergies?

While any dog can have allergies, there are dog breeds that are more prone to allergies than others. Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, German Shepherd dogs, Shar Peis, Boxers, Boston terriers, Dalmatians, Lhasa Apsos, West Highland Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, and Scottish Terriers all seem to be very prone to allergies, whether food, flea or environmental.

The easiest thing to do is have an allergy test done by your vet, then you will know what is bothering your dog and how to avoid in the future and/or what medications you can give your dog to help ease their symptoms. Some people like to switch up their dog’s food now and then, to avoid development of allergies. If you decide to do this, Stay Loyal has two formulas with 3 different protein sources each for all breeds, making it easy for you to switch back and forth without your dog’s nutritional needs being forfeited.