What is considered a pet Emergency?

A pet emergency is any situation where your pet shows sudden or severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.

What is considered a pet emergency?

A pet emergency is any situation where your pet shows sudden or severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.

Allergies in dogs

Allergies are common in dogs, and just like humans, your pet could suffer from a number of different allergic reactions in their lifetime. Whether they are caused by environmental factors, food or insect bites, allergies can impact a dog’s quality of life.

As a pet owner, it’s important that you know about the causes, symptoms and treatment options so you can manage your dog’s allergies to the best of your abilities.

What are allergies?

Allergies appear when a dog’s immune system reacts to substances – known as allergens – that are generally harmless (e.g. pollen, dust mites, certain foods, flea bites). When a dog comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system produces antibodies and histamine, which causes symptoms like itching, swelling or gastrointestinal issues.

There are four main types of allergies in dogs:

Environmental allergies: These are triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, mould spores and dust mites.
Food allergies: Certain proteins (e.g. chicken, beef, dairy) can trigger food allergies in dogs.
Insect allergies: Fleas, mosquitos and other insect bites can cause allergic reactions, with dogs itching and showing general signs of discomfort.
Contact allergies: These are triggered by direct contact with an allergen trigger, such as grass, chemicals, or fabrics.

Common signs of allergies in dogs

Some of the more common signs of allergies in dogs include:

Itching and scratching: Dogs excessively scratch, lick or bite their skin, especially around the face, ears, belly, armpits and paws.
Runny nose and eyes: Just like humans, dogs with allergies can have watery eyes and a runny nose.
Rashes or hives: Raised, red bumps or inflamed patches on the skin are common with allergic reactions. Hives appear as small lumps to patches of skin with swelling underneath, looking like “bumps” along the skin.
Hot spots: These are areas of inflamed, moist skin that can occur due to excessive licking or scratching. They may just be inflamed/ulcerated or become infected and have a layer of pus or dried scabbing on the surface.
Gastrointestinal issues: Dogs with food allergies can experience vomiting, diarrhoea or gas.
Ear infections: Recurring ear infections are usually linked to underlying allergies.

What are dogs allergic to?

Pollen and plants: Seasonal allergies can be triggered by pollen from trees or grasses. Direct contact with grasses and other plants can also be triggers.
Dust mites: Dust mites are a common indoor allergen that can cause year-round allergic reactions.
Food ingredients: Common culprits include chicken, beef, dairy and wheat.
Flea bites: Even one flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs.
Insect bites: Bites/stings from bees, wasps, mosquitos or ants can cause localised swelling, hives and itching.
Products and fabrics: Though less common, some dogs are sensitive to certain lotions, shampoos, fabrics, bedding, and cleaning products, as some examples.

Diagnosing allergies in dogs

Diagnosing allergies in dogs starts with identifying the specific allergen type causing the reaction. This can be done through:

Physical exam: Your vet will assess your dog’s symptoms and rule out other potential causes, such as infections or parasites.
Elimination diets: To diagnose food allergies, your vet might recommend an elimination diet, where specific ingredients are removed from the diet and gradually reintroduced to identify allergens.
Treatment trial: Your vet may recommend allergy management medication to alleviate symptoms and assess their response to these, to help diagnose the cause.

Dog allergy testing: Blood tests and/or intradermal skin tests can help identify environmental allergens. Your vet will usually refer you to a veterinary dermatologist for these tests.

How to manage dog allergies

The methods used to manage allergies in dogs can vary based on the type and severity of the allergy, but might include:

Antihistamines: Antihistamines can sometimes help control itching and inflammation in mild cases.
Medications: There are several medication options available for dogs now, including Cytopoint, Apoquel, corticosteroids and topical treatments. Your vet will assess your dog’s individual needs and determine which treatment is most appropriate for them.
Hypoallergenic dog food: For food allergies, a hypoallergenic diet for dogs, like Royal Canin Hypoallergenic, or a novel, single protein diet, may be recommended.
Flea control: For dogs with flea allergies, strict flea control is a must (e.g. regular topical/oral flea medications, collars and environmental control).
Desensitisation therapy: Also known as immunotherapy or “allergy injections”, this therapy can help desensitise your dog to specific allergens over time. A veterinary dermatologist will perform testing and organise a tailored “allergy vaccine course” for your dog’s specific allergy triggers.
Supportive Care: Probiotics, Omega 6 supplements and topical soothing skin support, like oatmeal-based conditioners, regularly, can all help support a health and more resilient skin barrier. Regular ear cleaner use is also very beneficial to dogs prone to ear inflammation and infections.

Managing environmental allergies in dogs

The best way to manage environmental allergies in dogs is to reduce their exposure to allergens and give them as much relief from the symptoms as possible. Here are some practical tips:

Regular baths: Bathing your dog with hypoallergenic shampoos and using soothing conditioners can help remove allergens from their coat and skin and hydrate the skin.
Keep your home clean: Regular vacuuming and using air purifiers can eliminate indoor allergens such as dust mites and pollen. You’ll also want to wash their bedding often.
Limit outdoor exposure: During high pollen seasons, limit your dog’s time outdoors and wipe their paws and fur when they come inside.

If you think your dog might be allergic to something, visit your vet and work with them to create an achievable treatment plan. Being proactive can help you manage your dog’s allergies and keep them comfortable year-round.

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