Signs & Symptoms of Steroid Allergies in Dogs

Dogs are frequently treated for various allergies with anti-inflammatory steroids. It can appear that the cure has become the problem when steroid use precipitates a seeming allergic reaction. An allergic reaction differs from side effects, which are not uncommon with steroid use.

  1. Identification

    • A true allergic reaction is the body's overreaction to an allergen as being invasive and harmful. A severe reaction will show very pronounced, potentially life-threatening symptoms generally within a matter of seconds or minutes.

    Types

    • Allergic reactions can be categorized as either mild or severe. Mild reactions to steroid will likely be treated as side effects. Unlike mild reactions, a severe allergic reaction comes on quickly and could cause shock, a potentially fatal condition. Signs that your dog is struggling to breathe or is unresponsive should be treated as cause for immediate action. Additionally, long-term use of steroids could cause the onset of Cushing's disease, which is not an allergic reaction but will require specific treatment by a professional.

    Misconceptions

    • Steroids are successfully used to treat a host of allergies. In all likelihood, any reaction your dog might have to steroid treatment is a side effect, something far more common and generally less serious than a true allergic reaction.

    Features

    • In a recent article by Vet4Petz.com, the side effects commonly associated with anti-inflammatory steroid use include increased thirst, appetite, weight gain, panting and possible mood changes. While not specifically an allergic reaction, if these symptoms are considered more problematic than the benefits of the steroids, your veterinarian may elect to change medications.

    Expert Insight

    • Be sure an allergic reaction is caused by steroid use. According to an article published by the Animal Clinic in Peachtree City, Georgia, a "food allergy causes itching and scratching identical to inhalant allergy, but it responds very poorly to steroids." It may be that your problem is food-related, rather than steroid-related. If you suspect your dog has an allergic reaction to a food ingredient, work with your veterinarian to accurately change her diet.