Dog Allergies: How to Diagnose & Get Them Under Control
How common are allergies in dogs?
At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we see allergies in dogs quite frequently. Unfortunately, they’re relatively common—probably similar to the rates in humans. While we don’t have exact statistics, we estimate that between 25% and 30% of all dogs have some form of allergies, and this percentage could be even higher if we include reactions to things like fleas.
How common are allergies in dogs?
At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we see allergies in dogs quite frequently. Unfortunately, they’re relatively common—probably similar to the rates in humans. While we don’t have exact statistics, we estimate that between 25% and 30% of all dogs have some form of allergies, and this percentage could be even higher if we include reactions to things like fleas.
What are some common dog allergies?
Many dogs are allergic to flea bites, which is understandable given how irritating these parasites can be. Some dogs can be covered with fleas and show no signs of discomfort, while others may have extreme reactions to just a few bites. More commonly, we see contact allergies. These occur when dogs are exposed to:
- Grasses
- Molds in grasses
- Mold or dust mites in our homes
- Pollens that land on their fur and skin
Unlike humans who often have more aerosol allergies, dogs primarily experience contact allergies. They can have inhalant allergies too, but it’s mainly things their bodies come into direct contact with that cause issues.
How do allergies impact the health and wellbeing of my dog?
As veterinarians who have treated numerous dogs with significant allergies, we can attest that these conditions can make dogs extremely uncomfortable. The primary symptoms include licking their feet, scratching, and general discomfort. The severity varies tremendously between dogs, their symptoms, and the types of allergies they have, but we’ve seen some very uncomfortable canine patients at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care.
How do allergies impact the health and wellbeing of my dog?
As veterinarians who have treated numerous dogs with significant allergies, we can attest that these conditions can make dogs extremely uncomfortable. The primary symptoms include licking their feet, scratching, and general discomfort. The severity varies tremendously between dogs, their symptoms, and the types of allergies they have, but we’ve seen some very uncomfortable canine patients at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care.
What are some signs and symptoms of allergies in dogs?
The most common signs of allergies in dogs include:
- Scratching
- Itching
- Licking (especially their paws)
- Rubbing their faces
- Scooting their rear ends on the ground
What are some signs and symptoms of allergies in dogs?
The most common signs of allergies in dogs include:
- Scratching
- Itching
- Licking (especially their paws)
- Rubbing their faces
- Scooting their rear ends on the ground
Can I diagnose my dog’s allergies at home?
While you can observe symptoms at home, it’s not advisable to attempt a diagnosis on your own. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we often have clients come in thinking their dog has allergies when, in fact, the issue is something else entirely, such as fleas. As professionals, our job is to accurately identify the cause of your pet’s discomfort. We always start by ruling out external parasites, as eliminating these can sometimes resolve the issue entirely.
How will a veterinarian diagnose allergies in my dog?
At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, our approach to diagnosing allergies often involves a process of exclusion. We start by:
- Removing any external parasites
- Considering the possibility of food allergies (which are less common but still significant)
- Examining the skin for bacteria or yeast infections
- Looking for other potential causes of itching and discomfort
It’s important to understand that this is a process that can take time. Our veterinarians, Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, are committed to seeing your dog’s allergy situation through, even if it takes several months to get things under control.
How are dog allergies treated using anti-inflammatory therapies?
At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we have access to many excellent medications for dogs that weren’t available in the past. While we used to rely heavily on topical therapies and corticosteroids, we now have amazing new medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint. These medications can effectively stop the itch, but it’s crucial to also address any underlying infections. Our approach to treating allergies involves multiple components, including both oral medications and topical therapies.
How are dog allergies treated using anti-inflammatory therapies?
At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we have access to many excellent medications for dogs that weren’t available in the past. While we used to rely heavily on topical therapies and corticosteroids, we now have amazing new medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint. These medications can effectively stop the itch, but it’s crucial to also address any underlying infections. Our approach to treating allergies involves multiple components, including both oral medications and topical therapies.
How is shampoo therapy used for a dog’s allergies?
Shampoo therapy is an essential part of allergy treatment, especially for contact allergies. The right shampoo can:
- Remove surface antigens like molds, spores, and pollens
- Control low levels of bacteria and yeast
- Help improve the skin barrier, which is often compromised in dogs with allergies
Our veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care will work with you to find the best topical treatments for your dog’s specific needs.
How is shampoo therapy used for a dog’s allergies?
Shampoo therapy is an essential part of allergy treatment, especially for contact allergies. The right shampoo can:
- Remove surface antigens like molds, spores, and pollens
- Control low levels of bacteria and yeast
- Help improve the skin barrier, which is often compromised in dogs with allergies
Our veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care will work with you to find the best topical treatments for your dog’s specific needs.
What are dog allergy shots?
Allergy shots, also known as hyposensitization, involve a process where we determine what specific substances your dog is allergic to through blood tests or skin testing. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we can test for numerous potential allergens. Once we identify the specific allergens, we create a solution that allows us to give your dog small amounts of these substances, helping to decrease their reaction over time.
While hyposensitization can be effective, we now have many other excellent medications and treatment options available. Our approach often involves a combination of therapies tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Managing dog allergies is a process that requires patience and understanding. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re committed to helping you control your dog’s allergies effectively. While we may not always be able to cure allergies completely, we can usually manage them well, improving your dog’s quality of life significantly.
If you have concerns about your dog’s potential allergies or any other pet health issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. You can call us at (657) 756-5683 or visit us at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. Our team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, is here to provide comprehensive care for your beloved pets.
Remember, every dog is unique, and so is their allergy situation. We’re here to work with you to find the best solution for your furry family member.
Final Thoughts
Managing dog allergies is a process that requires patience and understanding. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re committed to helping you control your dog’s allergies effectively. While we may not always be able to cure allergies completely, we can usually manage them well, improving your dog’s quality of life significantly.
If you have concerns about your dog’s potential allergies or any other pet health issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. You can call us at (657) 756-5683 or visit us at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. Our team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, is here to provide comprehensive care for your beloved pets.
Remember, every dog is unique, and so is their allergy situation. We’re here to work with you to find the best solution for your furry family member.
