Just like people, our dogs can suffer from allergies that lead to discomfort, itchiness, and skin issues. While these allergies can make life miserable for our pets, understanding their root causes can help us provide effective relief.

We commonly see three main types of allergies in dogs: environmental allergies, food allergies, and flea allergy dermatitis. In this post, we’ll briefly break down each type, discuss their causes, and explore treatment options to help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Environmental Allergies (Atopy)

Environmental allergies in dogs are often similar to hay fever in people. These allergies can be seasonal or year-round, depending on the allergens involved. Common environmental triggers include:

• Pollen (from trees, grasses, and weeds)
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Household products

Dogs with environmental allergies usually show signs of itching and inflammation, especially around the paws, face, and belly. You may notice your dog licking, chewing, or scratching more than usual, which can worsen the skin irritation and lead to secondary infections.

Symptoms of Environmental Allergies:

• Red, inflamed skin
• Excessive licking or chewing, often on the paws
• Ear infections
• Watery eyes or nasal discharge

Food Allergies

Food allergies are another common cause of itching and discomfort in dogs. Unlike environmental allergies, food allergies are typically year-round and often involve proteins like beef, chicken, and lamb. These ingredients are some of the most common triggers for dogs with food sensitivities. While grains were once thought to be a primary cause of allergies, they are actually less likely to be allergens compared to animal proteins.

Grain-Free Diets: A Cautionary Note

In recent years, grain-free diets have become popular for dogs. However, studies have shown that completely grain-free diets may increase the risk of heart disease, ,particularly a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). If you suspect your dog has food allergies, it’s best to work with your vet to find a balanced diet that may eliminate problem ingredients without omitting grains unnecessarily.

Symptoms of Food Allergies:

• Itchy skin, often focused on the ears, paws, and rear end
• Ear infections
• Digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common allergies we see in the clinic. Dogs with FAD are allergic to flea saliva, meaning that even a single flea bite can trigger a severe reaction. This can lead to intense itching, hair loss, and secondary skin infections. Unlike environmental or food allergies, FAD is caused by an external factor that can be more easily managed with regular flea prevention.

Symptoms of Flea Allergy Dermatitis:

• Intense itching, particularly around the tail base, belly, and inner thighs
• Hair loss or “hot spots”
• Red, inflamed skin that may become scabby

Treating Allergies in Dogs: Breaking the Itch-Scratch Cycle

When dogs experience intense itching, they tend to scratch, lick, or chew on the affected areas. This leads to broken skin, which creates an entry point for bacteria and yeast, resulting in secondary infections. To successfully manage allergies, we must address both the primary cause of the allergy and the secondary infections caused by the itch-scratch cycle.

1.  Accurate Diagnosis: Cytology for Secondary Infections
   Diagnosing secondary skin infections is crucial in allergy management. Cytology is a simple, painless test where a small sample of cells is taken from the affected skin to identify any bacteria or yeast. By knowing the specific organisms involved, we can provide targeted treatment and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
2. Anti-Itch Medications
   Relieving the itch is key to preventing further skin damage. Several effective anti-itch medications are available, each with different benefits:
   Cytopoint: This injectable treatment specifically targets itch-causing proteins. It’s particularly effective for dogs with environmental allergies and can provide relief for up to a month.
   Apoquel: An oral medication that reduces itch and inflammation. Apoquel can work quickly to provide relief, making it a good option for short- or long-term management.
   Steroids: While steroids can effectively reduce inflammation, they are typically used short-term due to potential side effects. For severe cases, steroids can provide immediate relief while longer-term treatments are established.
3. Topical Treatments for Superficial Infections
   When secondary infections are limited to the surface of the skin, topical treatments are preferred over oral antibiotics. Special shampoos, sprays, and medicated wipes can target specific areas, helping to reduce bacteria and yeast without affecting the body’s natural microbiome. This approach helps minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
4. Supporting Ear Health and Anal Glands
   Dogs with allergies are more prone to ear infections and anal gland issues. The same inflammatory response that affects the skin can also cause inflammation in the ear canals and anal glands. Regular cleaning, medication, or diet adjustments can help manage these related issues.

Diet and Supplements

Food Trials

For dogs with suspected food allergies, a food trial is a highly effective way to identify triggers. This involves feeding a novel protein diet or a hydrolyzed protein diet (like Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d) for at least 6-8 weeks. By limiting the diet to ingredients the dog has never been exposed to, we can identify if specific foods are causing the allergy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are natural anti-inflammatories that can help reduce itching and improve skin health over time. Combined with a balanced diet, omega-3 supplements can be a valuable addition to an allergy management plan.

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy

For dogs with environmental allergies, managing symptoms alone may not be enough to provide long-term relief. Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) is a specialized treatment designed to help desensitize your dog to specific allergens. This therapy works by gradually introducing small, controlled doses of allergens over time, allowing your dog’s immune system to build a tolerance and reducing its overreaction.

How ASIT Works

The process begins with a detailed allergy test that identifies the specific allergens affecting your dog. Based on the results, a unique immunotherapy solution is created, targeting your pet’s particular triggers. These allergen doses are administered regularly either by injection or as an oral formulation, depending on what suits your pet best.

Benefits of Immunotherapy

While allergen-specific immunotherapy requires commitment and patience, it offers a potential long-term solution that can reduce or even eliminate the need for medications.

With time, many dogs experience fewer allergic reactions and less intense itching and discomfort. It’s particularly beneficial for pets who react poorly to medications or have severe environmental allergies that are difficult to manage otherwise.

Is ASIT Right for Your Dog?

Not every pet will be a candidate for immunotherapy, but if your dog suffers from chronic environmental allergies and standard treatments aren’t providing enough relief, ASIT could be a valuable option. Our team at Forestside Veterinary Clinic can help you determine if allergen-specific immunotherapy is suitable for your dog and provide guidance through every step of the process.

Managing Allergies in Your Dog: Working Together for Relief

Allergies in dogs can be complex and frustrating, but with the right approach, we can help your pet find relief. At Forestside Veterinary Clinic, we believe in creating tailored treatment plans that address both the cause and symptoms of your dog’s allergies. If you think your dog may be suffering from allergies, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Together, we can work to improve your pet’s quality of life and make them feel comfortable again!