How common are allergies in dogs?
Allergies are very common in dogs, especially environmental allergies. Approximately 60 to 70% of dogs have some form of allergy. Food and flea allergies are also common, but not as prevalent as environmental allergies.
Dr. Adele Hilliard
Haywood Road Animal Hospital
What are some common dog allergies?
Environmental, flea, and food allergies are the most common types of allergies in dogs. When it comes to food, dogs are typically allergic to chicken, beef, or dairy products.
How do allergies impact the health and well-being of dogs?
Chronic allergies can cause skin infections, itching, and overall discomfort in dogs, making their lives pretty miserable.
What are some signs and symptoms of allergies in dogs?
Common signs and symptoms of allergies in dogs include licking of the feet, brown stains between the paws from licking, redness on their belly, groin area, and armpits. Sneezing, runny eyes, and runny nose can also occur, but these are less common in dogs than in people. Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea can sometimes be allergy-related. In rare cases, allergic reactions can cause swelling of the face or hives.
Can I diagnose my dog's allergies at home?
No, it is not recommended to diagnose your dog's allergies at home. There are other reasons why dogs may have skin issues, so it is best to consult a veterinarian.
How will a veterinarian diagnose allergies in my dog?
A veterinarian will diagnose allergies in your dog by taking a combination of a thorough history, physical exam, and sometimes skin testing to determine if a bacterial infection is also present.
How are dog allergies treated using anti-inflammatory therapy?
There are two main types of anti-inflammatory therapy for dog allergies. One is called Cytopoint, which is an injection that can last anywhere from four to eight weeks and specifically stops itching. The other option is called Apoquel, a tablet taken daily to help with both inflammation and itching. Sometimes both treatments are used together, depending on the specific issues your dog is facing.
How much shampoo therapy is used for dog allergies?
Shampoo therapy, or topical therapy, is often used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory therapy. It is important to keep the skin clear of bacteria and yeast infections, and many shampoos can also provide relief from itching for your dog.
What is hyposensitization or desensitization therapy for dog allergies?
Hyposensitization or desensitization therapy for dog allergies is similar to allergy shots or drops for people. These treatments can be formulated by a dermatologist or other medical professionals and are usually administered after allergy testing, such as blood tests or skin tests, has been performed.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (864) 288-7472, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Allergies - FAQs
Dr. Adele Hilliard
Haywood Road Animal Hospital
How can you tell if my dog has allergies?
We determine if a dog has allergies through a combination of a thorough physical history, going over everything that the dog has been exposed to and the signs they have, and a full physical exam. A lot of times, we'll run some blood work to help us eliminate other issues that could be going on, and sometimes we will send the dog to a dermatologist.
How common are allergies in dogs?
Allergies are extremely common in dogs, with about 60 to 70% of patients having some kind of allergy. The prevalence of allergies in dogs depends on the area that you live. For example, Greenville is one of the highest pollen producers in the whole country, which contributes to a higher number of allergies.
What are the symptoms of allergies in dogs?
Common symptoms of allergies in dogs include licking of the paws, redness on the belly, in the groin area, in the armpits, and sometimes on the face. Rarely, dogs may exhibit sneezing, watery eyes, and a watery nose. Some dogs with allergies may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
What is a contact allergy in dogs?
A contact allergy in dogs occurs when a dog is allergic to something they physically touch, such as grass, pollen, weeds, carpet, or detergents.
How can you tell if my dog has a food allergy?
Food allergies are more difficult to diagnose. First, we have to eliminate other potential causes, such as flea or environmental allergies. We diagnose food allergies through a food trial, which involves giving the dog a prescription food over a period of weeks and monitoring their response to it.
Do dogs suffer from seasonal allergies?
Yes, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies just like humans. This is another reason why obtaining a full physical history is essential for diagnosing allergies in dogs.
How are allergies in dogs different from allergies in humans?
While the allergies themselves can be similar, the signs and symptoms are usually different. Dogs typically don't experience sneezing, runny eyes, and congestion as humans do. Instead, they usually exhibit skin issues such as excessive itching, licking of the paws, and redness.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (864) 288-7472, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram