If you suffer from allergies, you know they’re no walk in the park. That’s probably why you’re here asking yourself, “Can dogs get allergies, too?” It’s a reasonable question with a simple answer: yes!
Many of the same airborne irritants that make you sniffly and sneezy can also affect your four-legged friends. Dogs can be allergic to dust, pollen, mold, and insect bites as well as household cleaning products. They can even have allergies to ordinary dog food ingredients like beef, eggs, milk, and wheat.
If your dog is constantly scratching or gnawing at an itchy spot on their skin, or if they have trouble with ear infections, gas, or diarrhea, it could be due to an allergic reaction. We explain how to recognize the signs of allergies in dogs so you can help your pet find relief from irritation and pain.
What Causes Allergies in Dogs?
- Environmental allergies are the most common, affecting about 4% of dogs. Things like pollen, dust, mold, feathers, cleaning products, fertilizers, and pesticides can all trigger an allergic response.
- Insect allergies are next, affecting about 2% of dogs. Many types of biting insects cause allergic reactions like itching and swelling. These include fleas, flies, mosquitos, spiders, wasps, and bees. In rare cases, insect stings may also cause respiratory distress or anaphylactic shock.
- Food allergies are the least common, as they affect less than 1% of dogs. However, because food allergies can cause chronic health problems, they should always be taken seriously.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Dog Food?
Yes—dogs can be allergic to many types of ingredients in dog food. Beef, dairy products, chicken, eggs, and wheat are the most commonly reported food allergies. Dogs can also be allergic to corn, soy, pork, rabbit, lamb, and many other ingredients.
Never feed your pet table scraps—since dogs don’t digest food the same way that humans do, sharing your food is not a good idea. For example, turkey basted in butter or cooked with onions could mean a nasty bout of diarrhea for your dog.
If you think your dog is having a negative reaction to their dog food, it’s best to consult your vet. They can advise you on whether you should try an elimination diet or switch to a hypoallergenic brand of dog food.
What Are the Signs of Allergies in Dogs?
Environmental Allergy Symptoms
Contact allergy symptoms can present as sneezing, excessive scratching, goopy eyes, stinky ears, biting or licking their paws, hair loss, hot spots, and shaking or rubbing their heads. If you notice any combination of these symptoms after a walk, it could be a seasonal allergy. These symptoms could also indicate an allergic reaction to pesticides or fertilizers on your neighbor’s lawn. Dogs can also be allergic to common household products like laundry soap, tile cleaner, or even your hand lotion.
Insect Allergy Symptoms
Reactions to insect bites typically include itching, swelling, and hives. However, in some cases, insect stings may cause difficulty breathing or even respiratory distress. For example, if your dog accidentally swallows a bee, and the bee stings their mouth or throat, the swelling could make it hard for them to breathe. Anaphylactic shock is extremely rare, but it is a possibility. If your dog is struggling to breathe or is having seizures, go to the nearest emergency vet.
Food Allergy Symptoms
If you recently switched to a new type of dog food—whether it’s kibble or raw food or treats—watch your dog for signs of an allergic reaction. Skin irritations like rashes and hives are the most common symptoms of food allergies. However, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, stinky farts, or more frequent bowel movements can indicate a food allergy or sensitivity.
If You Think Your Dog Has Allergies, See a Vet
Dogs can get allergies, just like humans. And just like humans, they also suffer from allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching, and upset stomachs. Allergies in dogs can be difficult to diagnose, but at Anasazi Animal Clinic we want to help you figure out what’s causing your pet’s symptoms. Keep track of which symptoms you’re noticing and when they tend to happen. This will help us make a diagnosis. If your pet has allergy symptoms contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Photo by Christopher Ayme on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 9/4/24.