Like people, dogs may be allergic to many substances, including foods, additives, pollen, molds, fungi and animal dander. But unlike people, the symptoms of allergies in dogs include more skin and digestive problem.
Signs and Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
Dogs experiencing allergies reactions do not react the same way that people do. People tend to sneeze, develop a runny nose or itchy eyes when experiencing an allergic reaction. Dogs on the other hand feel their allergies in their skin and digestive tract. Dogs may bite their paws or scratch their ears constantly. They may bite, lick or chew their skin until it bleeds. They may experience bouts of unexplained diarrhea. Complications from allergy symptoms in dogs include infected sores, ear infections and secondary Candida Albicans (yeast) or mite infections of the ears, and dehydration and malnutrition from diarrhea.
Diagnosing Canine Allergies
Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnosis pet allergies. Dogs exhibiting potential allergy symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Other potential causes can be ruled out.
If the veterinarian believes allergies to be the cause of the pet's discomfort, he may recommend one or more of the following methods to pinpoint the allergic substances:
- Elimination Diet: An exclusion diet helps pinpoint food allergies. The veterinarian may recommend starting the dog on a simple diet consisting of beef or chicken and rice. A new foods is introduced for a limited period of time while the dog's symptoms are monitored carefully. If the food produces an allergic reaction, it is eliminated from the diet. This takes rigorous attention to detail by the pet owner and may take many weeks or months to pinpoint every allergen in the dog's food supply.
- Blood Test: A blood test may determine the substances to which the dog is allergic. Two tests, the ELISHA or RAST tests, may be used together or separately. Many veterinarians feel the ELISHA test is more reliable. The test results provide pet owners with a comprehensive guide to the many substances to which the dogs tests positively for allergies, including pollen, mold, and food. The drawback is that the test can be expensive.
- Skin Test: A skin test conducted by a veterinarian places potential allergens on the skin. The test may be conducted as a patch test, in which substances are placed on the dog's skin, or the dog may be sedated and many allergens injected under the skin and monitored. This is considered the most reliable of all three methods, according to the Pet Information Center on the Drs. Foster and Smith site.
Treatment for Dog Skin Allergies
Veterinarians may recommend medication, food and lifestyle adjustments or topical skin treatments, or a combination of methods to combat the symptoms of canine allergies.
Food allergies may be treated by eliminating the foods which produce the allergic reaction. This may be easier said than done when most commercial dog foods contain myriad ingredients; scanning the list of ingredients uncovers potential allergens in almost any brand. Many blood test results come complete with a printout of commercial brands which may be safe for the dog to eat. Check the ingredients on every bag or can, however, and avoid feeding the dog foods containing known allergens if at all possible.
Ear infections caused by incessant scratching may be treated by cleaning the ear with veterinary products and using ear drops. Prescription creams can heal areas the dog bites, licks or chews.
Antihistamine medications, which suppress the histamine or allergic response, and in extreme cases cortisone-type medications may be prescribed in certain situations.
The Truth About Allergies in Dogs
The truth about allergies in dogs is that any dog can develop allergic symptoms. Purebred or mixed breed dogs may develop allergies. The only way to tell for certain if the pet's symptoms are caused by allergies is to consult with a veterinarian. Depending upon his or her recommendation, pets may be tested or given medication to alleviate symptoms. Follows the veterinarian's recommendations, eliminate as many allergens as possible, and keep pets comfortable and clean.
