Dogs and Allergies

What is an allergy?

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts or becomes hypersensitive to a normally harmless chemical. allergens are proteins found in plants, insects, animals, and foods.

Allergies occur when the immune system becomes sensitised to a particular allergen after repeated exposure over a period of months or years. The dog’s immune system normally works to defend it from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, but in the case of allergies, the body’s response to allergens can actually be harmful. Some people think of allergies as a pointless immunological response to a harmless outside agent.

Allergies entail intricate interactions between the body’s immune system and the allergen. In most cases, an allergic reaction begins when protein allergen molecules bind to antibodies in the blood, which then bind to a specific type of cell known as a mast cell. As a result, mast cells can be located in a wide variety of tissues. Mast cells release powerful compounds, such histamines, that induce local inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching, when they react with antigen and antibody. Many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction are brought on by this inflammation.

True or false: “Allergies are extremely frequent in dogs of all breeds and origins.”

What are the symptoms of allergies in dogs?

Itchy skin, either regionally (in a specific place) or systemically (all over), is the most prevalent manifestation of canine allergy (all over the body). Sometimes the digestive tract is affected, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea due to an allergic reaction.

How common are allergies in dogs?

Allergies are a prevalent problem in dogs of all kinds. Most dogs don’t start showing symptoms of allergy until they’re over a year old; some don’t show symptoms until they’re over three.

Are allergies inherited?

A genetic predisposition has been proposed for several allergic reactions. Atopic dermatitis (atopy), as well as allergies to environmental substances like pollen (see “What is Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) and how is it treated?” below), are inherited allergies.

What are the common allergy-causing substances (allergens)?

Allergic reactions can be triggered by a wide variety of chemicals. Proteins from insects, plants, and animals are the most common allergens, but tiny chemical compounds can also trigger a reaction. Pollen, mould spores, dust mites, dead skin cells (similar to pet allergies in humans), insect proteins like flea saliva, and even some drugs might cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.

What are the different types of allergies?

Allergies can be categorised in a number of different ways. Classes contain the following examples:

Caused by: pollen, food, or other allergens
The entry point of the allergen in the body: allergens in the air, on the skin, or in the food
duration of immunological response: The two types of allergic reactions are immediate hypersensitivity, which includes anaphylaxis and shock, and delayed hypersensitivity, which takes longer to manifest.
Locations on the body where symptoms manifest when exposed to an allergy
Typical Family Trees: hay fever, or allergic rhinitis

What is flea or insect bite allergy, and how is it treated?

An insect bite or sting can cause an allergic reaction in certain people, and this reaction is often severe. Sensitive dogs might develop an allergy to the bites of certain insects and arachnids. This includes fleas, blackflies, deerflies, horseflies, mosquitoes, ants, bees, hornets, and wasps.

To paraphrase the study, “most dogs report modest local irritation from flea bites.”
Dogs with flea allergies typically have skin inflammation and itching because flea saliva is the most frequent bug allergen (FAD). In most cases, flea bites on dogs only cause slight local irritation. A single bite from a FAD dog will cause extreme localised irritation. When a dog has FAD, he may shave off considerable amounts of hair, especially around the base of his tail, by biting and scratching at himself. The areas of skin damage are at risk for a subsequent bacterial infection.

Strict flea management is necessary because even one flea might cause problems for a dog with FAD. Keeping your dog’s environment pest-free is challenging due to the flea’s lengthy life cycle, but with the help of a monthly flea preventative and home treatment alternatives, you can do this (for more information, see the brochure “Flea Control in Dogs”). If you want to know how to keep fleas away from your dog and other pets, your vet can help. If your vet determines that thorough flea control is not an option or if your pet is experiencing extreme itching, he or she may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids (steroids) to prevent the body from having an allergic reaction. An appropriate antibiotic will be administered in the event of a subsequent bacterial infection. For further reading, please refer to the brochure titled “Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs.”

What is atopic dermatitis (atopy), and how is it treated?

Atopy is commonly used interchangeably with the word atopic dermatitis in the dog. Pollen from trees (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grasses, weeds (ragweed), moulds, mildews, and home dust mites are the most common allergens. Ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens are just a few examples of seasonal allergens. Molds, mildews, and house dust mites, however, are perennial problems. Atopic dermatitis causes a dog’s skin to itch (pruritus). It’s normal for your pet to lick his face, paws, and axillae (underarrms).

Atopic dermatitis typically manifests in dogs between the ages of one and three. Dogs with this condition frequently have reactions to many allergens, such as fleas and food. Dogs with known allergies should have as little contact with the allergens as possible, and this is made easier if the tests used to identify them are intradermal skin tests rather than blood tests. This is challenging, and repeated episodes are expected, because most of these allergens are found in the natural environment. Atopy can be managed, but there is typically no way to completely eliminate symptoms.

This is challenging, and repeated episodes are expected, because most allergies are environmental.
The duration of the particular allergy season is a major factor in treatment. It could involve any of the three treatments below.

The use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Most allergic reactions can be rapidly stopped with anti-inflammatory medicines such corticosteroids or antihistamines. In rare cases, the reaction to steroids and antihistamines might be enhanced by dietary supplementation with fatty acids. Recent advances have made it possible to use other methods to inhibit the chemical impulses that cause itching in canines. There are both long-acting injectables such lokivetmab (Cytopoint®) and daily oral treatments like oclacitinib (Apoquel®). A trip to the doctor can help you figure out if these drugs are safe for your dog.

Treatment via shampoo. Scrubbing with hypoallergenic shampoo on a regular basis might help relieve itchy, irritated skin. Allergens in the fur and skin are both washed away in a good bath. Your pet may benefit even more from the use of a therapeutic shampoo because some of these products contain anti-inflammatory chemicals.

Therapeutic desensitisation or hyposensitization. Your dog may benefit from an allergy injection serum or allergy shots if testing identifies the precise troublesome antigens. This therapy entails injecting extremely minute amounts of the antigen once per week. The goal of these frequent administrations is to desensitise or reprogram the immune system. This treatment’s success rate varies widely. About half of the treated dogs show considerable improvement in clinical symptoms, and another quarter show reduced corticosteroid consumption.

Therapy based on the manipulation of one’s diet. The itching associated with atopic dermatitis can be alleviated with a special type of diet. These diets contain anti-inflammatory and skin-health promoting substances that help alleviate itching in pets with food allergies. Your veterinarian is likely to stock these diets.

For further details on this kind of allergy, please refer to the document titled “Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs.”

What is food allergy, and how is it treated?

Almost any protein or carbohydrate in food has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction. Diet allergies in dogs typically manifest as a reaction to the protein in the food, and common allergens include beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, dairy products, and soy. It’s possible to develop a food allergy at any time. Itching, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory distress are typical clinical manifestations. Multiple allergens, including those to food and to dust mites, can cause symptoms in itchy dogs, making a definitive diagnosis difficult.

It’s possible to develop a food allergy at any time.
Medical therapies, such as corticosteroids, are often ineffective against food allergies. In order to treat the problem, it is necessary to isolate the offending dietary factor or factors and remove them. Using a veterinarian hypoallergenic diet in an elimination diet trial is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. You’ll need to feed your dog nothing but the special diet for eight to twelve weeks so that his or her body can purge itself of any traces of the other foods it has consumed. Your veterinarian will let you know what to do next based on your dog’s response and the improvement in clinical symptoms.

It must be stressed that the trial diet must be fed entirely for the results to be genuine. During the course of the tests, you will not be allowed any solid foods, including regular food, treats, and vitamins with flavouring. It’s possible that chewable versions of drugs like heartworm preventives will have side effects. The doctor will go through the exact diet and any limitations that are needed for your dog. For further information, please refer to the “Food Allergy in Dogs” information sheet.

What is contact allergy?

It’s unusual for a dog to have a contact allergy. Allergens in flea collars, insecticides, grasses, carpets, and bedding (whether natural fibres like wool or synthetics) cause this condition when touched directly. Almost anyone, at any age, can develop an allergy to something they came into contact with.

“Contact allergies are extremely rare in dogs.”
Skin irritation and itching at the places of contact, typically the feet and stomach, will occur if your dog is allergic to any of these substances. Once an allergen has been identified, removing it is usually enough to resolve the issue, though in certain cases, topical or systemic treatments may be necessary.

Allergy symptoms may mimic those of other diseases or develop simultaneously with them, so be cautious. For this reason, you should consult a veterinarian before making any diagnoses about your dog. Get ready for a thorough diagnostic examination to rule out other potential reasons of your pet’s itching and skin problems. If your pet has been diagnosed with an allergy, you and your family must adhere strictly to your veterinarian’s treatment recommendations.