Signs & Symptoms of Dog Allergies

Allergies in dogs are unpleasant for both animal and owner. Often they require intensive preventative management by a veterinarian when flareups occur. Food allergies and flea allergies are usually the culprit behind most dogs with upset stomachs or excessive itching. Certain breeds are more prone to having allergies, and this should be taken into consideration when choosing a pet. Fortunately, with consistent care from an owner, the allergy symptoms can often be kept in check.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a dog with allergies are itchy and irritated skin, ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea. The dog have one symptom, or several. Sometimes the symptoms are isolated incidences, but usually they are a recurring problem, because the symptoms may come back some time after treatment. The intensity of symptoms can vary, from mild itching to large, oozing, hot spots.

Causes

The two most common causes of allergies are something in the diet or flea allergies. In many cases, the animal will start with one allergy and have it complicated by another. For example, a dog with a food allergy that causes irritated skin may be bitten by fleas, setting off another reaction and irritating the skin further. The dog then scratches himself, traumatizing the skin, and becomes quite miserable.

Breed Specific

Golden retrievers are predisposed to allergies. Their symptoms include constant itchy skin, hot spots and ear infections. Labrador retrievers are another breed that seem to be plagued with allergies, specifically ear infections. All breeds can be affected by flea allergies and food sensitivity.

Treatment

Talk to your vet if your pet is showing symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections and hot spots. Shaving and cleaning the affected areas may be necessary, as well as a course of antibiotics or steroids. Symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to life-threatening issues and should be handled immediately. For recurring ear infections, your vet will provide you with medications to treat it at home.

Prevention

Food elimination diets are a good first place to start, when your pet keeps showing signs of allergies. Limiting the diet to one or two ingredients and keeping him on only that food may eliminate symptoms. It can take months to see if a food will work, so your persistence and compliance is important. Also, a consistent flea prevention program can eliminate many problems and flareups of symptoms.