Dogs can be allergic to a wide variety of airborne and environmental materials. Airborne allergies (atopy) and food allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to common---and normally harmless---substances. When inhaled or absorbed, histamines are produced, causing inflammation. Allergies can be treated successfully once the allergen is identified.
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Airborne Allergies (Atopy)
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Airborne allergies to pollen, grass, trees or dust can cause reddened, itchy skin and hair loss, especially around the face, ears, front legs and feet. Other symptoms include water eyes, nasal discharge and sneezing.
Atopy usually starts between the ages of six months and three years. Any dog can develop allergies, but some breeds are more likely to suffer seasonal allergies, including Golden and Labrador Retrievers; Boxers; Boston, Scottish and West Highland Terriers; Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus.
Airborne allergies are usually seasonal, but the season can be spring, summer or fall. If symptoms appear at different time of year, suspect atopy. Your veterinarian can conduct allergy tests to identify the specific allergen.
Managing Atopy
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To reduce allergy symptoms, reduce exposure to the irritant. Clean all living spaces thoroughly and keep your dog indoors as much as possible.
Control the symptoms with antihistamines and topical anti-itch lotions.
If your dog is extremely allergic, you can administer allergy shots. Allergy shots---also known as immunotherapy---can take several months to become effective.
Food Allergies
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Food allergies can cause symptoms similar to airborne allergies, but the symptoms are present year-round and may be accompanied by gastrointestinal problems.
Many commercial dog foods contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, including corn, wheat, soy, beef, chicken, eggs and dairy. Usually, dogs are allergic to only one or two of these ingredients.
Elimination Diet
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An elimination diet can identify allergens. Your veterinarian may prescribe a prescription food formulated with hypoallergenic ingredients. Your dog will eat this food---and only this food---for at least 12 weeks. Slowly, traditional foods are reintroduced. When (and if) a reaction occurs, the food is identified as allergenic.
Limited Ingredient Diet
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An alternative to the elimination diet is the limited ingredient, alternative protein diet. There are several brands now available that contain very limited ingredient lists and use atypical proteins such as duck, venison or rabbit. Unlike the prescription hypoallergenic diets, these foods are designed for lifetime use.
Flea Bite Dermatitis
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Most dogs are allergic to the saliva injected into the skin during a flea bite, but some dogs have an extreme reaction. Flea allergy dermatitis causes intense itching and hair loss, usually on the legs.
Current available flea treatments have eliminated much of the suffering associated with fleas, but in some very sensitive dogs, even a single wayward flea can cause a reaction. Treat all living and outdoor areas to ensure flea population eradication.
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