Do Dogs Have Allergies?

If your dog is sniffling, scratching, and seemingly in a bit of a fog, they could be suffering from allergies. Just like humans, dogs can react negatively to substances in the air, their food, medication and certain products. They can even experience seasonal allergies right along with you—although that won’t stop them from wanting to sniff all the flowers when they’re out with their friendly Dog Walker!

In this article, we’re going to cover all the information you need to know about what allergies look like in dogs and what you can do to help soothe your pup’s discomfort. But remember, even if you think your pupper has allergies, it’s always a good idea to have them checked by a vet to rule out any other medical conditions.

What are the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs?

When you think of allergies, the human symptoms probably come to mind first: sneezing, watery eyes, a scratchy throat. And those can also appear in dogs with allergies. You might notice, for instance, discharge around the eyes, nose, or ears as well as wheezing or coughing.

That being said, the most common symptom of allergies in dogs is actually itchy skin. A dog suffering from allergies may scratch at their ears, chew at their paws, and rub themselves along furniture and carpeting to try to ease their itchiness. This can lead to hair loss and hot spots either in one area of the body or all over.

If your dog is suffering from a food allergy, they may exhibit the above symptoms as well as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Are some breeds more susceptible to allergies than others?

All dogs can suffer from allergies, but it appears that they are more common in the following breeds:

Members of the terrier group, such as Bull Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and Scottish Terriers
Lhasa Apsos
Shar Peis
Dalmatians
Boxers
Labrador and Golden Retrievers
Bichon Frise
Cocker Spaniels

At what age do dogs typically develop allergies?

In general, a dog’s immune system will continue to develop during the first 12 or 14 months of life. So, it makes sense that Dog Owners typically notice allergies in their dogs around the 6 month mark. After all, this is when your pupper is exploring the world snoot-first, putting their still-developing immune system to the test!

How can you find what’s causing your dog’s allergies?

The big question, of course, is what is causing your dog’s allergies? Knowing what is triggering your dog’s immune response will help you put together a treatment plan to lessen your doggo’s discomfort. Let’s look at a few steps that you can take to get to the bottom of your dog’s allergies:

Check for fleas. Fleas are one of the most common reasons for allergic reactions in dogs. And, you might see the results before ever seeing these tiny parasites. Check for signs of a flea infestation in your dog’s fur and make sure that they are up-to-date on their flea medication.

Rule out a food allergy. As we covered in our article, What’s the Best Diet for Itchy Dogs, some of the most common allergy-inducing ingredients include animal protein and improperly stored grains. Putting your pup on a high-quality, fresh diet can be a great option for sensitive stomachs.

Take a look at your cleaning products. It’s no secret that our dogs have much more powerful sniffers than we do. And that means that they tend to be more sensitive to chemicals and strong scents in cleaning products. You might consider switching to all-natural cleaning products, cutting back on essential oils, and removing your dog from the room when you’re cleaning.

Think about their environment. Your doggo may love to smell the flowers in spring and roll around in crunchy leaf piles in autumn. But, these outdoor activities could trigger seasonal allergies. If your dog does have allergic reactions, consider taking them to areas with fewer allergens, at least during peak pollen season.

Are there allergy medications that can help?

The good news is, your dog doesn’t have to struggle through allergies without helpful remedies. In fact, Pet Chemist offers a range of both topical and oral supplements that can help soothe your dog’s allergies:

Omega 3, 6 and 9 Supplements. All-natural oils containing fatty acids are a great way to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin and digestion. These supplements and solutions can be added to your dog’s food bowl, or you can opt for dog food high in these fatty acids.

Medicated Grooming Products. From anti-fungal shampoos to sensitive skin treatments, there are plenty of topical products that can help ease your dog’s skin. Run a warm bath for Fido and start soothing allergy-related itchiness!

Flea and Tick Prevention. As we mentioned, keeping your pup up-to-date on their parasite medication is another key way to prevent allergies and bacterial infections from fleas and ticks.

While all of these products are available without a prescription, it’s also a good idea to check with your vet to see if they recommend an additional treatment plan.

What else can you do to prevent allergies in dogs?

Getting to the root of your dog’s triggers and finding the right treatment options are important first steps to soothing your dog’s allergies. Here are a few more simple changes that can make a big difference in preventing doggy discomfort:

Invest in an air purifier. Filtering out the pet dander in the air will help all allergy-sufferers in your home, whether they’re two-legged or four-legged.

Remember to change your air filters. Along with introducing an air purifier, it’s also a good idea to regularly clean your air filters and change them as necessary.

Regularly wash all dog bedding and clothes. Not only can allergens embed themselves in the fabrics where your pup loves to snooze, but these places can also harbour parasites like fleas.

Opt to leave your dog with an experienced Pet Sitter rather than a kennel. When your pup is in the middle of an allergy episode, you can help them by limiting their exposure to allergens. If you’ll be leaving them with a sitter, avoid crowded kennels in favour of a home setting with few to no other pets.