Explore the hidden struggles of skin allergies in dogs with our latest dive into canine health. Our experts reveal symptoms, common causes, and what you can do to help.
Jan 26, 2024
As pet owners, we know how much happiness and friendship dogs bring into our lives. But just like us, dogs can have health issues, and one common problem is skin allergies.
These allergies, also called allergic dermatitis, can make dogs feel uncomfortable, itchy, and even cause pain. It’s important to understand what causes these allergies, what signs to look for, and how to treat them so that our dogs can stay happy and healthy.
In this article, we will learn about the impacts of dog skin allergies, what causes them, and what steps to take to help our dogs feel better.
Skin allergies, or “allergic dermatitis”, are the most common form of allergies in dogs. Allergies can be caused by many different substances (allergens) in the dog’s environment and its food.
When a dog comes into contact with something they are allergic to, their immune system overreacts. This is called hypersensitivity. The symptoms of skin allergies in dogs occur because of this overreaction by the immune system.
These symptoms can make the dog feel very uncomfortable and even cause pain, which can greatly affect their daily life. These signs can also have a negative impact on the owner’s life. Some of the impacts on dogs include:
The skin isn’t the only thing that can be affected by allergies. For instance, dogs with bad skin allergies might not want to play, walk, or run as much because they are uncomfortable and more worried about scratching their itches. Because of this, they may gain weight, which can lead to other health problems.
Also, allergy symptoms are often worse at night, leading to disrupted sleep for both the dog and its owner. This can further impact the dog’s energy levels and overall health.
A dog skin allergy can have several causes. The most common ones are food sensitivities, environmental triggers such as pollen and dust mites, and flea bites.
Dogs can also develop contact allergies to things they touch, such as grass, carpets, or household cleaners. The areas of the body that will be affected are those that are in direct contact with the item or substance that they are allergic to.
Other insects like mosquitoes, mites, and ticks can also cause skin reactions. Reactions to bites or infestations of these insects are typically localized, with itchy and red patches in the affected areas.
Genetics also play a role, and certain breeds may be more prone to skin allergies. Dog breeds that are more likely to develop allergies include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, and Dachshunds, to name a few.
Allergies can become better or worse depending on the season. Dogs that have seasonal allergies might have worse signs during those times of the year when there are higher levels of pollen or mold.
Lastly, stress and anxiety can weaken a dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to allergies and skin problems.
Dog skin allergy treatment requires a holistic approach to ease clinical signs, minimize allergen exposure, and improve overall skin health. Here’s a step-by-step outline for treating dog skin allergies:
Each dog’s allergies are different, so the treatment plan should be made for their specific needs. That is why it’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian to manage and treat your dog’s skin allergies properly for the best results.
Dealing with dog skin allergies can be a challenge for dog owners. However, understanding the potential causes and knowing how to effectively manage and treat these conditions can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life.
If your dog has skin allergies, you need to work with the veterinarian, be diligent about at-home care, and take preventive measures to effectively manage the condition. It may take time and patience, but with the right care, you can help your dog live a happy, itch-free life.
Dog allergies that are seasonal may go away once the seasons change and allergens such as pollen are gone. However, the allergies will return each year when the allergen returns. In other cases, the triggers are always present, and the allergy symptoms will not go away without proper management and veterinary care.
Your veterinarian may be able to do food allergy testing to identify the specific allergen causing the reaction. In most cases, an elimination diet is recommended. This is where certain ingredients are removed from your dog’s diet to see if the symptoms improve. Once the allergen is identified, your veterinarian can help you find a suitable hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet that avoids the problem-causing ingredient.
It is not possible to say exactly what foods should be avoided without allergy testing or elimination diet trials. It is known that specific proteins such as chicken and beef are most commonly associated with food sensitivities in dogs, and elimination diets usually focus on removing one or both of these proteins first to see if the allergies improve.
Diphenhydramine, also commonly known as Benadryl(r), is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine, a chemical produced by the body during an allergic reaction. While antihistamines can help some dogs with mild allergy symptoms, in general, they are not very effective in dogs and do not treat the underlying allergy. You should never give this medication to dogs unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
Your veterinarian may recommend or prescribe the following medications for treating allergies in your dog:
If your dog has mild skin allergies or allergies to pollen, dust, or grass, bathing them once every one or two weeks with a hypoallergenic shampoo can be helpful. This helps to rinse off allergens from their coat and skin. More severe cases with secondary yeast or bacterial infections may need to be bathed two to three times a week with an antifungal or antibacterial shampoo until their condition improves.
The following dog breeds have been identified as being most prone to skin allergies: Boston Terriers, Boxers, Cairn Terriers, Dalmatians, English Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Schnauzers, Pitbull Terriers, Pugs, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, Welsh Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Wirehair Fox Terriers.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29067183/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15206474/
Small Animal Dermatology, Kinga Gortel DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVD, VSAC 463: Western College of Veterinary Medicine, November 2014
The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook, Sophia Yin, DVM, MSc, Third Edition, 2010
Allergen Immunotherapy for Canine Atopic Dermatitis: An Update
https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/think-twice-steriods-dog-itch
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