But on the whole, experts say that isn't the case. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment. By: Sharon Dianora Most dog allergy symptoms start with an itchy dog. The typical dog allergy signs include sneezing, coughing or rashes on the surface of the skin. All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. It’s less common for dog allergies to manifest in their eyes, but it is possible. They may perform tests to rule out more common or more serious diseases that can cause similar symptoms. The skin may become quite odorous and can take on a notably different texture. True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from skin conditions (hives, facial swelling, itchiness), gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and/or diarrhea) or a combination of both. When you throw in dogs with inhalant or environmental allergens (like pollen or mold) and flea allergies, you’re looking at a sizeable portion of the canine population that’s suffering from allergies. Seasonal Allergy Symptoms. You might think that the skin is the area that’s most commonly affected by allergies in dogs, but the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is just as likely to suffer when a dog’s allergies are poorly controlled. If you feel like you’re always treating a new hot spot on your dog, talk to your veterinarian about allergies. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. If so, then you’ve probably realized that allergies in dogs are not quite as simple as we might wish. Often, allergy triggers must be found using a process of elimination, and sometimes just good old intuition. In the dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body). One of the most effective treatments for Atopy related allergies is the use of Hypersensitisation. GI-related allergy symptoms include: Diarrhea. Flea allergy dermatitis is typically the easiest allergy to diagnose. Highly sensitive people can develop symptoms, including breathing problems or a rash, within minutes of touching a cat or entering a house with a cat. Cough 8. The severity of the itchiness can vary from quite mild, in which case the skin and haircoat look mostly normal, all the way to nonstop scratching. The redness may be accompanied by squinting or pawing at the face. Environmental Allergies The second type of allergy your dog may be suffering from is environmental allergies. Some people with dog allergies also have skin reactions. Here’s what you need to know about dog allergies. Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat 6. Food sensitivities, unlike true allergies, do not involve an immune response and are instead a gradual reaction to an offending ingredient in your dog’s food, for example to beef, chicken, eggs, corn, wheat, soy, or milk. Whether we are talking about people or pets, the cause of allergies is an overactive immune system. In most cases, these allergies are seasonal, so you may only notice your dog itching during certain times of the year. But what about all of those dogs that are on special hypoallergenic dog food diets? If your dog is also licking their feet, it’s not because they’re cleaning—their feet are itchy. As with food allergies, the most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears (but also include the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, and in between the toes). Allergies are common in dogs. Dogs that have gone years with allergies that are either undiagnosed or undertreated will often have ears that are raw, smelly and thickened. True food allergies may not be as common as people think, according to AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein. Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of another condition. There are quite a few different types of allergies in dogs. For starters, there are several different types of allergies that could be causing your dog’s symptoms. If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, your best course of action is to get him to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible. Dogs with food allergies can have symptoms that manifest in the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract (i.e. This type of allergy … Has your veterinarian suggested that allergies could be a problem for your dog? Difficulty breathing 2. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. Food allergies and sensitivities can cause itchy skin, as well. How can you tell if your dog has allergies? Like ear infections, hot spots can arise on their own, or they can be secondary to underlying allergies. The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen. If your veterinarian feels that an allergy is a likely cause, he or she may propose allergy testing to try and determine the cause of the allergen that is causing the reaction. Dog Allergy Symptoms How To Recognize Them. This makes affected dogs extremely itchy, especially at the base of the tail, and their skin may become red, inflamed, and scabbed. Dog allergy symptoms can be hard to recognize, especially since dogs can suffer from allergies to a range of substances. Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyelids, or earflaps may look serious, but is rarely fatal, and your veterinarian can treat it with an antihistamine. These small symptoms can add up to largely indicate an unaddressed allergy. Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. You may have heard that some dog breeds trigger allergy symptoms while others don't, or that short-haired dogs are safe while long-haired dogs prone to shedding are not. Known as allergic bronchitis, this condition is more common and more severe in cats, but it is a possibility in a dog with allergies. The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. For instance, their skin might break out where a dog licks them. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. So how is this symptom related to allergies? The inflammation associated with skin allergies breaks down the normal skin barrier over time. Swollen face: You may see swelling in your dog’s lips, eyelids, or ear flaps. The skin around a dog scratch may become red. People who are prone to a more acute allergy may develop a rash on their face or chest. But, in terms of treatment, it depends on your dog’s type of allergy. Dogs with food sensitivities can present with several symptoms, including gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, or dermatologic signs like itchiness, poor skin and coat, and chronic ear or foot infections. Wet Cat Food vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Better. If you start having these symptoms, wheezing or shortness of breath only when you are near a dog, you may be allergic to the dog. Itchy, red or watery eyes 4. As always, talk to your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog may have allergies. The classic corn chip odor of the feet, which many people believe to be completely normal in dogs, is caused by skin infections, either from bacteria (usually Staph) or fungi (usually yeast). About 1-2% of all dogs have a food allergy, and as many as 25% of dogs with skin problems have a food allergy. Some clues you … Dog Allergy Symptoms in Humans Dogs shed dander on a regular basis. You might think that the skin is the area that’s most commonly affected by allergies in dogs, but the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is just as likely to suffer when a dog’s allergies are poorly controlled. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva. Causes of allergy to dogs The most common dog allergy symptoms are swelling and itching of the areas around the eyes and nose, usually leading to eye inflammation and a stuffy nose. In most cases, exposure to dog allergens will also worsen other related conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, snoring, sleep apnea and eczema. Skin allergies, called allergic dermatitis, are the most common type of allergic reactions in dogs. Also, because the allergy response may depend on other variables, such as the allergen level and sensitivity of the sufferer, it may take time for the symptoms to develop (See also: Do Allergies Result From Nature or Nu… Throat 6 with food allergies can have symptoms that manifest in their eyes, but it possible. 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