How to Take Care of Your Dog With Allergies

Dog allergies are just as frustrating for dog parents as they are for the poor pooches. We hope that by reading this article, you’ll find out everything you need to know about canine allergies and how to properly take care of them!

Table of Contents

What is a dog allergy?

The term “allergy” refers to an immune system response whereby your canine’s body perceives something harmless as a threat and tries to protect itself by producing antibodies. An allergy is an overreaction to an environmental trigger that involves the immune system and causes a release of histamine, which leads to inflammation.

There are different types of allergies depending on the particular immune reaction involved and how it affects your furry friend, so vets usually test for specific allergies during a dog allergy test.

Although it might seem like a lot of work at first, caring for your pup when they are suffering from an allergic reaction can be very rewarding and it will also provide you with the opportunity to bond with them on a more intimate level. After all, during the worst times of their lives you will need to take care of them, so why not start doing that now?

What is the most common cause of allergies in dogs?

The top three triggers for allergies in dogs are food, fleas, and other environmental factors including pollen or dust mites.

The reason your pup may develop an allergic reaction is because their body perceives something about the environment around them or something they eat as a threat and they try to protect themselves by producing antibodies that destroy the trigger.

The dog’s immune system sends white blood cells (neutrophils) and other substances to help clean up any irritants in the area. This problem usually starts when their immune system overreacts to harmless substances, but there might also be other factors involved, like genetics or environmental triggers.

Allergies are hereditary – if your furry friend has a parent or sibling with allergies then he might develop the same health problems.

Learn to pay close attention to what changes in your pet’s behavior and try to identify any patterns which could indicate a specific cause of his discomfort.

If you notice that there is something wrong but are not 100% sure about why your dog suddenly started having trouble with itching then don’t hesitate to ask your Vet for help to determine the exact nature of the allergy problem and suggest appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms of dog allergies?

symptom of dog allergy - constant scratching

Typically dogs with allergies will have these symptoms like itchiness, scratching and licking the paws excessively, redness around the eyes (conjunctivitis), or recurring ear infections as well as dry skin.

Itchy skin – one way to see this for yourself is by gently stroking your pup’s skin, if they start scratching or licking afterwards then this is the first sign that something is wrong.

Hot spots – another symptom commonly associated with allergies is the formation of hot spots, which manifests itself as a red and inflamed area covered in scabs on your pet’s skin. If you look closely at them you will see that they almost look like pimples, only more swollen and with strange crusts in-between.

Redness – if you notice that your dog’s rashes have become darker or expanded over a larger area then there is a strong possibility he contracted an inflammation-related disorder.

Hair loss – when allergies reach their peak hair loss can occur around the facial regions of your dog, but it might also affect other parts of their body.

Excessive shedding – just like hair loss allergies will often result in an excessive amount of fur being shed from different parts of the body

The best thing you can do for your pup when they have allergies is to identify their triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

What is the difference between dog food allergy and skin allergy & how can I tell which one my dog has?

Skin allergies are triggered when your dog is exposed to something that they touch and the reaction can range from itchy skin to an allergic reaction that causes hives and anaphylaxis. Skin allergy occurs when the immune system perceives normal elements as harmful entities inducing an allergic reaction.

This condition most commonly affects dogs’ ears and paws but it can also appear as allergic dermatitis (hives, scabbing and hair loss). Skin allergy is not life-threatening but it can become extremely annoying for both the affected pet and its owner.

Food allergy is triggered by something he eats and this can cause loose stools, vomiting or even diarrhea in some severe cases.

Dog food allergies, on the other hand, are triggered by something he eats and this can cause loose stools, vomiting or even diarrhea in some severe cases. The most common triggers are beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, egg, and soy.

Dog food allergies are less common than skin allergies but they do have more serious consequences if left untreated. In fact, if your dog suffers from anaphylactic shock due to ingestion of specific ingredients it might be fatal.

If you find yourself wondering what’s the difference between dog food allergies and skin allergies we can help clear up that confusion by giving you some tips on how to identify each condition:

Dog food allergy – signs of a dog food allergy are often quite subtle but they will usually include recurrent bouts of itching and scratching, which can cause hair loss in certain parts of their body.

Skin allergies – dogs suffering from skin allergies show symptoms like redness, licking or scratching and lesions on their skin, caused by constant licking or scratching.

If you are unsure what might be causing allergic reactions in your dog, then consider using a vet-recommended hypoallergenic or elimination diet to determine if food is triggering these symptoms.

“Dogs come into this world naturally equipped with a powerful immune system that allows them to fight off infection and illness, but when they are bombarded by potentially harmful allergens throughout their lives, their systems become overwhelmed.”

What can I do to prevent my dog from developing an allergy attack?

how to prevent dog from allergy attack

What you can proactively do to prevent an allergy attack is to seek professional help from your vet when your pup has just begun to show signs of allergies. This is because, at this point, it could still be possible to eliminate certain food groups from his diet.

It can be helpful to have your pup tested for allergies, especially if there is a family history of allergies in pets. A veterinarian can conduct a skin test to determine if your pup is experiencing an allergic reaction. This will help you know what allergens are most likely to trigger an allergic reaction so that you can take precautions and avoid them as much as possible.

If your dog has been diagnosed as being allergic or sensitive to certain foods, you should speak to your vet about switching their diet to an elimination diet or hypoallergenic diet until their allergies clear up.

Once it’s clear that they are no longer experiencing any reactions, then you may gradually add back one food at a time until you determine what is triggering the allergy reaction.

Depending on your dog’s age and breed you might want to buy small amounts of different dog foods and then feed him with one meal in the evening and another one in the morning to see whether he will react to any of them.

Don’t forget it might take some time before you notice improvements so you should give your pup at least a couple of days to recover.

Yes, it might be difficult if they’re used to a certain type or quality of kibble, but being consistent and persistent will get them adjusted in no time!

What is the most common treatment for dog food allergies?

The same treatment is also used for skin allergies – it’s usually Benadryl which is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies.

Maintaining a proper diet is imperative as well but if your pup can’t tolerate any of the ingredients in his current dog food then you might need to find a veterinarian who will be able to give you some advice about what brands or formulas he should try out.

However, there are no guarantees when it comes to trying out new foods so you must be prepared for multiple trials before you find something suitable.

What is the best food to give dogs with allergies?

type of food that is best for dogs with allergies

If you’re looking for the best food for your pup with allergies, consider a diet that is made up of high-quality ingredients and grain-free because there should be absolutely NO grains such as corn, wheat, soybean oil, rice bran flour or oatmeal protein! This also includes any sort of processed meal that contains these ingredients!

They should instead have an animal protein source at the very top of their list. It doesn’t matter what kind; just make sure it’s the best quality. Protein should be your top source of food in their diet! It’s important to find a diet with the right type of protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Dog parents should be wary of what you are feeding your dog as some foods may produce an allergic reaction. Consider trying out one of these hypoallergenic dog diets if you are unsure what might be triggering reactions in your pup:

Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Diet with duck or chicken for dogs who have skin allergies. The formula is low protein, but high-fat content which will help provide balanced nutrition without sensitivity triggers.

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Care Formula Dog Food has been clinically shown to reduce inflammatory responses from all sources such as environmental allergens and certain ingredients including beef. This makes it perfect for those pups with sensitive stomachs!

For more recommended dog food for allergies, read our reviews on the best dog food for allergies.

What is the best allergy aid for dogs?

You could give your dog salmon oil and omega-3 supplement (read our reviews on the best omega-3 for dogs) to help their coat stay healthy and shiny! Omega fatty acids also help alleviate inflammation and are a natural antihistamine. They help treat allergy symptoms like itchiness, redness around the eyes, ear infections and dry skin.

Salmon oil is rich in omega fatty acids that can help relieve allergy symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, and excessive licking.

You could give your dog salmon oil and omega-3 supplements to help their coat stay healthy and shiny! Omega fatty acids also help alleviate inflammation and are a natural antihistamine. They help treat allergy symptoms like itchiness, redness around the eyes, ear infections and dry skin.

Salmon oil is rich in omega fatty acids that can help relieve allergy symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, and excessive licking. (Read our reviews on the best salmon oil for dogs)

If your dog is suffering from dry skin, try adding coconut oil to their food. Coconut oil also provides essential fatty acids that will improve your dog’s skin condition. It is another great natural remedy for allergies and will help improve your pup’s coat. 

If they seem more prone to itchiness then consider adding coconut oil into their bath and shampoo. (Read our reviews on the best coconut oil for dogs)

You can also try using a humidifier or vaporizer to help keep the air moist and dust down – this will reduce allergens floating around the house!

Keeping carpets clean by vacuuming regularly is another good idea, as well as wiping off any household surfaces that might be collecting pet hair like your kitchen counters.

Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to suck up dust particles from carpets and furniture.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces where pets frequently sit or lie – this can remove allergens from those areas too!

How do I care for my dogs when they are suffering from an allergy attack?

If your dog has been diagnosed with a skin allergy then make sure that you give him some Benadryl when he shows signs of discomfort – this will reduce the inflammation and alleviate his pain.

The best thing you can do for your dog during an allergy attack is to make them as comfortable as possible, so remember these golden rules:

Keep their fur short and clean – this might seem like a trivial tip but it really does help. A very important step that is often overlooked is to have your pup groomed regularly, especially if it’s shedding hair! If your pup’s allergies are severe you will probably see hair loss and if that happens frequent brushing or washing will be necessary to avoid discomfort.

When we’re all covered in hair, we know how itchy and uncomfortable this can be – so imagine what our furry friends go through on a daily basis! Regular grooming sessions will help remove any loose hairs or dander (which are the primary allergens) from their coat.

Plus, having them shaved down during shedding season makes life much easier for everybody involved! Just remember: do not bathe before a grooming session because then you’ll just be brushing out dead skin cells which mean more of those pesky allergens floating around indoors…so keep bathing as normal but don’t take a bath before you go in for grooming.

Choose the right food – what they eat greatly affects how they feel, so check with your vet on whether there are any specific diets you should incorporate into their diet. During a food allergy outbreak, it is recommended to buy small amounts of different dog foods so you can determine which ingredients might be causing harm to your pooch. Do note however that this shouldn’t be done without professional advice because changing one nutrient might affect how other essential nutrients are processed by your dog’s body.

Choose the right shampoo for your pup – to help reduce an allergic reaction is by switching up what we use to wash them! Use dog shampoo that is specially formulated for dogs with allergies as most commercial pet shampoos are loaded with fillers, soaps/detergents, and other harmful chemical ingredients which can irritate a dog’s skin.

Switched from using a regular shampoo to an anti-allergen shampoo that contains no perfumes or dyes so as not to further irritate his skin condition. Read our reviews on best dog shampoo for itchy skin.

It is best practice not to bathe pups with sensitive skin too much because this could cause their skin condition to worsen. Consider bathing only twice per month. If they seem more prone to dryness then consider adding salmon oil or other fish oil into your dog’s food to help relieve dryness. Read our reviews on the best salmon oil for dogs.

How do I know if my pup has allergies?

Typically dogs with allergies will have itchy skin or recurring ear infections as well as excessive licking or scratching at themselves. A veterinarian can conduct a skin test to determine if your pup is experiencing an allergic reaction.

What can I do if my pup is currently experiencing an allergic reaction?

Here are some things you can do:

  • Make sure you’re feeding your dog high-quality food that doesn’t contain any allergens, like corn or wheat.
  • Provide a clean and cool place for your dog to rest.
  • Give your dog plenty of fresh water and make sure the bowl is clean at all times.
  • Keep their nails trimmed short so that they don’t scratch as much.
  • Use dog shampoo that is specially formulated for dogs with allergies
  • If the allergies are from food, make sure to give them omega fatty acids like salmon oil or coconut oil. And consult your vet about whether or not you should switch their diet.
  • If the allergens seem to be environmental factors such as dust mites or pet dander, consider trying best practices:
    • Keep your pup away from areas where they might come into contact with pollen and other triggers.
    • Be mindful of pollen levels wherever you go with your pup and make sure they stay inside when it rains because this time of year often has high pollen counts.
    • Limit the time they spend outside so that you can best prevent them from coming into contact with these allergens
    • Keep an eye on what they come into contact with while out there and if they are itching excessively or scratching their paws you should limit what surfaces they come in contact with.
    • Use a HEPA filter or high-quality air purifier in the home.
    • Vacuum weekly with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.

The best way to prevent any allergic reactions is by keeping away from allergens as much as possible.

What should I do if my dog's allergic reaction is severe or long-lasting?

When your dog starts scratching himself without stopping it might be a sign that his allergies have reached an advanced stage. However, it might not always be so easy to recognize the symptoms considering that pets can react differently (even to similar allergens).

If your pup’s allergic reactions last longer than one month then you might have to contact your vet for some advice on how to treat it properly at home because although prevention is the best solution when it comes to dealing with allergies sometimes medical treatment is needed in order to get the right results and restore them back to their former selves.

If your canine friend has developed some serious complications as a result of his allergies then it is recommended that you seek professional help immediately – in such situations, delay can have devastating effects because the worsened symptoms might distract pet owners from noticing the severity of their dog’s until a certain point.

What can you give a dog with allergies?

If your vet says you should give antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, Chlortrimeton, Atarax, or other medications then don’t start administering them on your own – this is most likely going to cause more trouble than it would help! Make sure that you are giving your pup the right dose of medication at the right time.

For some dogs, antihistamines work well in controlling symptoms of allergic skin disease. For other dogs, the effects are minimal and it is important to try at least three For others, the effects are minimal and it is important to try at least 3 different types of antihistamine medications before giving up on this therapy altogether.

How much does veterinary care cost when it comes to treating allergies in dogs?

As with any other medical condition, there is no set price that applies to all types of allergic reactions – depending on your dog’s age and breed you might need to spend anywhere between $50-$200 per session at the vet’s office and take into consideration the fact that a series of follow-up appointments might be required in order to properly treat your pet’s allergies.

Don’t forget they might need additional vaccinations to protect them from contracting diseases they were not previously affected by and, depending on your dog’s age and breed, he may also need to see a veterinary dermatologist so the rashes caused by his allergies can be properly treated.

You should be prepared that if your dog’s symptoms become severe there will be a need for some special medications or other treatments, which might cost thousands of dollars depending on how long they have been suffering from their allergy attack.

Be prepared for some extra expenses when taking care of your allergic pet: while going through a crisis it is normal for dogs’ owners to take them to the vet more often than usual.

To help you reduce the medical cost, make sure you have good pet insurance coverage. Save up to 90% on your pet’s vet bills with PetFirst Pet Insurance. Get your dog the care they need without worrying about the expensive cost of veterinary care. Click here to browse PetFirst insurance plans today!

How can I soothe my dogs allergies?

Chamomile & Herbal Tea Soaks

When the skin is irritated, itchy patches are likely to get rubbed raw. Chamomile, green tea and calendula soaks can provide relief for these hot or inflamed areas by soothing and cooling them down without causing any further irritation because they have natural properties that make this possible!

Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to soothe dry, itchy skin and is also safe when used on pets. It’s even found in most hypoallergenic dog shampoos as an active ingredient that soothes the irritation and fights against itchiness. It also works wonders on your pup’s coat.

How can I treat my dogs allergies at home?

Don’t supplement natural home remedies without first consulting your vet.

There is no scientific proof that colloidal silver helps dogs with allergies so don’t give it to your pet as an alternative treatment! If there were some studies conducted on the beneficial properties of these natural supplements then they would be available on the market over-the-counter but, as long as they are not regulated by the FDA (or any other government agency), their producers can make all kinds of claims without needing to provide proof for their statements.

Don’t use colloidal silver or any other alternative remedy without consulting a vet first!

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