Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies in dogs occur when their immune system identifies a particular ingredient in their food as harmful. This triggers an immune response, resulting in symptoms such as itching, gastrointestinal upset, and skin problems. Common food allergens for dogs include beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, soy, corn, and eggs.

Symptoms of food allergies in dogs can vary but may include:

• Itching, scratching, or biting at the skin, especially around the ears, paws, or rear end.
• Red, inflamed skin, often with areas of hair loss or hot spots.
• Chronic ear infections.
• Digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas.
• Persistent licking of paws.
• Skin infections or bacterial overgrowth due to excessive scratching.

Environmental allergies in dogs, also known as atopic dermatitis or allergic dermatitis, occur when a dog’s immune system is weak and pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and certain grasses or trees can cause issues.

 Symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs can be similar to those of food allergies and may include:

• Itching, scratching, or biting at the skin, especially around the face, paws, belly, or groin.
• Red, inflamed skin, often with areas of hair loss or hot spots.
• Chronic ear infections or inflammation.
• Sneezing or coughing.
• Watery eyes or runny nose.
• Excessive licking or chewing of paws or other body parts.

It’s very important to gain proper help and diagnose those issues.

Untreated allergies in dogs can lead to various health issues and discomfort, affecting their overall well-being. Here are some potential consequences of untreated allergies in dogs:

• Skin Problems: Allergic reactions in dogs often manifest as skin problems, such as itching, scratching, redness, inflammation, hot spots, and hair loss. Continuous scratching and biting can lead to secondary skin infections, making the condition worse.
• Ear Infections: Dogs with allergies may develop ear infections due to inflammation and increased production of wax and moisture in the ear canal. Chronic ear infections can cause discomfort, pain, and even hearing loss if left untreated.
• Chronic Discomfort: Dogs with untreated allergies may experience persistent discomfort and irritation, affecting their quality of life. Itching and scratching can become incessant, leading to behavioral changes, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
• Secondary Infections: Constant scratching and chewing can create openings in the skin, making dogs more susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections. These secondary infections can worsen the allergic reactions and require additional treatment with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
• Hair Loss: Severe allergic reactions can lead to significant hair loss in affected areas, leaving the skin vulnerable to further irritation and infections.
• Digestive Issues: In some cases, dogs with allergies may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas. These symptoms can worsen if the underlying allergy is not addressed.
• Behavioral Changes: Chronic discomfort and pain associated with untreated allergies can lead to behavioral changes in dogs, including increased aggression, anxiety, or depression.
• Reduced Immune Function: Persistent allergic reactions can weaken the immune system over time, making dogs more susceptible to other health problems and infections.

Please remember that antibiotics won’t help with allergies and steroids will only weaken the immune system and won’t solve the allergy issues.

Get a holistic assessment to see what’s causing health issues with your pup and treat it accordingly.