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Identifying & Controlling Your Dog’s Allergies
By M. H. Molock
Between 15% to 20% of all dogs in the United States suffer from allergies. As in humans, allergies may
manifest in different ways producing varied symptoms in your pet. Knowing the signs of allergy
suffering will bring your dog faster relief and happier days. As with any pet related medical issue,
always consult your veterinarian if you suspect a problem.
Food Allergies
Dogs can develop allergies or food sensitivities at any point during their lives. Often, dogs eat the
same type of food for years, so their diet may be overlooked. The most common problem causing
foods include:
· Soy products
· Beef
· Chicken
· Corn
· Wheat
· Pork
· Milk
· Whey
· Eggs
· Fish
· Lamb
· Chemical Preservatives
· Artificial Sugars
Symptoms of Food Allergies often include:
· Itchy Skin
· Ear Inflammations
· Ear Scratching
· Frequent Licking or Biting of Paws
· Anal Itching
· Face Rubbing
· Head Shaking
· Loss of Appetite
· Coughing
Remedy:
Once food allergies have been determined to be the cause of your dog’s symptoms, eliminating the
potential allergens from your pet’s diet is the first course of action. Begin by excluding foods which are
known instigators (see list above). Look for either a commercial product which contains ingredients
your dog has not eaten before or prepare home-made food for your dog consisting of two parts starch
to one part protein. Suggested protein alternatives include duck, salmon, venison, or rabbit. Potatoes
are suggested as an alternative starch. All ingredients should be served boiled and fed in normal
proportions to your dog’s regular diet. Once prepared, the food can be individually packaged, frozen,
and then used as needed. Home cooked diets are generally nutritionally incomplete and should only
be used temporarily during the test period.
One item at a time, begin adding ingredients present in your dog’s former food to his new food. If
symptoms reappear, the food allergen should be easily identified. During the test period, make certain
your dog eats only the new food. Eliminate treats, dog bones, table scraps, rawhide, chews, vitamins,
etc. Once the offending food has been identified, look for a commercial food which does not contain
that ingredient.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, or canine atopic dermatitis, is an allergic skin disease generally caused by an immune
hypersensitivity to environmental substances such as mold spores or dust mites. Indications your dog
has this sensitivity generally present themselves by the age of two. Food and flea allergies, as well as
parasitic infections, should be ruled out first as their symptoms are similar to atopic dermatitis.
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis include:
· Excessive Grooming
· Licking or Chewing of the Paws, Stomach, or between the Toes
· Change of Stomach Skin Color to an Irritated Red
· Ears which are Red or Hot to the Touch
Remedy:
Skin allergy testing can be conducted by your veterinarian to determine your dog’s specific allergy.
Flea Allergy
Caused by the saliva secreted by the flea, a flea allergy is the most common form of dog allergy.
Sometimes the bite of a single flea may cause your dog to launch into fits of self-chewing and biting
lasting for five to seven days.
Symptoms of Flea Allergy Include Severe Biting & Chewing of:
· The Tail and Surrounding Area
· Stomach
· Inside hind legs
Remedy:
A skin test can be performed to confirm your dog is allergic to flea saliva. Once a flea allergy has been
confirmed, a strict control regimen should be initiated. Flea control products are safer now than they
once were with options ranging from topical solutions to pills, shampoos and sprays. Garlic and
Brewers Yeast have also been touted to keep fleas away as have weekly topical applications of
lavender and eucalyptus oils. However these solutions have not been scientifically confirmed.
Whatever remedy you choose, consult your veterinarian first. Overly strong flea killing preparations
may cause your dog more harm than good. Additionally, regular dog grooming (through your dog’s
coat and down to the skin) will help find and eliminate fleas and flea droppings.
Inhalant Allergy
Inhalant allergies are substances in the environment which cause your dog’s immune system to react,
releasing antibodies containing histamines, serotonin, and leukotrienes. Pollens from trees, grass,
ragweed as well as mold spores, chemicals, dust mites and wood chips in pet bedding may cause your
dog substantial discomfort.
One clue to diagnosing this allergy is timing. Is your dog’s allergy seasonal or year round? If you know
to what your dog is allergic, avoidance is the best remedy. To help mitigate possible allergens, use
dehumidifiers to reduce mold, air conditioners during pollen season, air cleaners with HEPA filters for
dust and pollen residue, and vacuum frequently.
Inhalant Allergy Symptoms Include:
· Biting and scratching at the body
· Red or Irritated ear flaps which are hot to the touch
· Head shaking
· Rubbing the face
· Severe scratching or biting of the flank, groin, paws and armpit regions
Remedy:
Providing your dog relief may come in the form of a cool bath with colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera,
eucalyptus, or a medicated shampoo. However these will only provide your dog temporary relief and
will need to be repeated frequently.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents which have proven successful
in approximately 20% of dogs tested. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils such as Cod and
Omega 6 fatty acids come from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid – such as evening primrose.
Antihistamines have also proven effective in dogs with allergies with one short-term effect being
lethargy or tiredness.
Corticosteriods (steroids) are substances which interfere with the function of the immune system and
reduce itching by reducing the inflammation. They also affect all the organs in your dog’s body and
should be used under medical supervision for short periods of time or in small doses.
Blood tests and intradermal skin testing can also be performed to judge specific reactions to allergens.
Contact Allergies
Contact allergies are the least common of dog allergies. Items such as flea collars, grass, shampoos,
plants, chemicals, and wood chips may cause allergic reactions. By eliminating the irritant, symptoms
should disappear.
If you think your dog may suffer from allergies, keep a journal. Make notes as to the symptoms, their
severity, and when they occur. This will help your veterinarian pinpoint the problem and help your dog
achieve a speedier recovery.
By M. H. Molock
Between 15% to 20% of all dogs in the United States suffer from allergies. As in humans, allergies may
manifest in different ways producing varied symptoms in your pet. Knowing the signs of allergy
suffering will bring your dog faster relief and happier days. As with any pet related medical issue,
always consult your veterinarian if you suspect a problem.
Food Allergies
Dogs can develop allergies or food sensitivities at any point during their lives. Often, dogs eat the
same type of food for years, so their diet may be overlooked. The most common problem causing
foods include:
· Soy products
· Beef
· Chicken
· Corn
· Wheat
· Pork
· Milk
· Whey
· Eggs
· Fish
· Lamb
· Chemical Preservatives
· Artificial Sugars
Symptoms of Food Allergies often include:
· Itchy Skin
· Ear Inflammations
· Ear Scratching
· Frequent Licking or Biting of Paws
· Anal Itching
· Face Rubbing
· Head Shaking
· Loss of Appetite
· Coughing
Remedy:
Once food allergies have been determined to be the cause of your dog’s symptoms, eliminating the
potential allergens from your pet’s diet is the first course of action. Begin by excluding foods which are
known instigators (see list above). Look for either a commercial product which contains ingredients
your dog has not eaten before or prepare home-made food for your dog consisting of two parts starch
to one part protein. Suggested protein alternatives include duck, salmon, venison, or rabbit. Potatoes
are suggested as an alternative starch. All ingredients should be served boiled and fed in normal
proportions to your dog’s regular diet. Once prepared, the food can be individually packaged, frozen,
and then used as needed. Home cooked diets are generally nutritionally incomplete and should only
be used temporarily during the test period.
One item at a time, begin adding ingredients present in your dog’s former food to his new food. If
symptoms reappear, the food allergen should be easily identified. During the test period, make certain
your dog eats only the new food. Eliminate treats, dog bones, table scraps, rawhide, chews, vitamins,
etc. Once the offending food has been identified, look for a commercial food which does not contain
that ingredient.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, or canine atopic dermatitis, is an allergic skin disease generally caused by an immune
hypersensitivity to environmental substances such as mold spores or dust mites. Indications your dog
has this sensitivity generally present themselves by the age of two. Food and flea allergies, as well as
parasitic infections, should be ruled out first as their symptoms are similar to atopic dermatitis.
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis include:
· Excessive Grooming
· Licking or Chewing of the Paws, Stomach, or between the Toes
· Change of Stomach Skin Color to an Irritated Red
· Ears which are Red or Hot to the Touch
Remedy:
Skin allergy testing can be conducted by your veterinarian to determine your dog’s specific allergy.
Flea Allergy
Caused by the saliva secreted by the flea, a flea allergy is the most common form of dog allergy.
Sometimes the bite of a single flea may cause your dog to launch into fits of self-chewing and biting
lasting for five to seven days.
Symptoms of Flea Allergy Include Severe Biting & Chewing of:
· The Tail and Surrounding Area
· Stomach
· Inside hind legs
Remedy:
A skin test can be performed to confirm your dog is allergic to flea saliva. Once a flea allergy has been
confirmed, a strict control regimen should be initiated. Flea control products are safer now than they
once were with options ranging from topical solutions to pills, shampoos and sprays. Garlic and
Brewers Yeast have also been touted to keep fleas away as have weekly topical applications of
lavender and eucalyptus oils. However these solutions have not been scientifically confirmed.
Whatever remedy you choose, consult your veterinarian first. Overly strong flea killing preparations
may cause your dog more harm than good. Additionally, regular dog grooming (through your dog’s
coat and down to the skin) will help find and eliminate fleas and flea droppings.
Inhalant Allergy
Inhalant allergies are substances in the environment which cause your dog’s immune system to react,
releasing antibodies containing histamines, serotonin, and leukotrienes. Pollens from trees, grass,
ragweed as well as mold spores, chemicals, dust mites and wood chips in pet bedding may cause your
dog substantial discomfort.
One clue to diagnosing this allergy is timing. Is your dog’s allergy seasonal or year round? If you know
to what your dog is allergic, avoidance is the best remedy. To help mitigate possible allergens, use
dehumidifiers to reduce mold, air conditioners during pollen season, air cleaners with HEPA filters for
dust and pollen residue, and vacuum frequently.
Inhalant Allergy Symptoms Include:
· Biting and scratching at the body
· Red or Irritated ear flaps which are hot to the touch
· Head shaking
· Rubbing the face
· Severe scratching or biting of the flank, groin, paws and armpit regions
Remedy:
Providing your dog relief may come in the form of a cool bath with colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera,
eucalyptus, or a medicated shampoo. However these will only provide your dog temporary relief and
will need to be repeated frequently.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents which have proven successful
in approximately 20% of dogs tested. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils such as Cod and
Omega 6 fatty acids come from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid – such as evening primrose.
Antihistamines have also proven effective in dogs with allergies with one short-term effect being
lethargy or tiredness.
Corticosteriods (steroids) are substances which interfere with the function of the immune system and
reduce itching by reducing the inflammation. They also affect all the organs in your dog’s body and
should be used under medical supervision for short periods of time or in small doses.
Blood tests and intradermal skin testing can also be performed to judge specific reactions to allergens.
Contact Allergies
Contact allergies are the least common of dog allergies. Items such as flea collars, grass, shampoos,
plants, chemicals, and wood chips may cause allergic reactions. By eliminating the irritant, symptoms
should disappear.
If you think your dog may suffer from allergies, keep a journal. Make notes as to the symptoms, their
severity, and when they occur. This will help your veterinarian pinpoint the problem and help your dog
achieve a speedier recovery.
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