Skin conditions are a common occurrence for many dogs and allergies are one of the many possible causes. Here, our vets in Nashua talk about the different types of allergies that can affect your dog's skin and the treatment options for allergic dermatitis.
Allergies in Dogs
When dogs develop allergies, the symptoms are most likely to present themselves in the skin and gastrointestinal system.
This is because dogs' skin contains more mast cells, which release histamines and other vasoactive substances when they encounter or are exposed to allergens.
Dogs may experience hot spots, itching and scratching, a shaggy coat, diarrhea, gastrointestinal pain/discomfort and flatulence. If your dog suffers from thyroid disease, his condition may worsen.
Dogs suffering from allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis (atopy) have a hereditary predisposition to develop allergy symptoms to a generally harmless substance (allergen) to which they are repeatedly exposed. Dogs usually begin to show signs of allergy between the ages of one and three.
As the condition is hereditary, it is more common in golden retrievers, Irish setters, bulldogs, most terriers, and English sheepdogs. Even so, allergic (atopic) dermatitis can develop in all dogs.
Common Types of Allergies in Dogs
Below, we have listed some of the common allergies behind allergic dermatitis in dogs:
Food Allergies
Did you know that your dog can suddenly develop an allergy to a type or brand of food that they have already been eating for an extended period? This can happen no matter how expensive the brand is. If any ingredient in their food triggers an allergic reaction, your dog will experience symptoms. However, premium dog foods tend to contain fewer filler ingredients, which could be the source of an allergy.
Flea Allergies
While we commonly believe that reactions to fleas are caused by the bite, it is the saliva of the flea that creates an uncomfortable reaction in the skin. Interestingly, dogs occasionally exposed to fleas are more likely to show symptoms than those constantly exposed to these external parasites.
Contact & Inhalant Allergies
Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to things like mold, pollen, trees, weeds, and dust mites. Pay close attention to when the symptoms appear to determine which one your dog may be allergic to. If your dog's symptoms are seasonal, pollen may be to blame, but if they occur all year, they may be allergic to mold.
Staphylococcus Hypersensitivity
When a dog's immune system reacts excessively to the normal Staphylococcus bacteria on its skin, it develops bacterial hypersensitivity. This condition causes specific changes in the blood vessels of the dog's skin at a microscopic level. To diagnose bacterial hypersensitivity in dogs, a bacterial culture and examination of a biopsy sample can be done by a veterinarian. Dogs that have pre-existing conditions such as hypothyroidism, inhalant allergy, and/or flea allergy are more susceptible to developing bacterial hypersensitivity.
Diagnosing Dogs With Allergic Dermatitis
The most reliable way to diagnose a dog's allergy is to conduct an allergy test. Different types of allergy tests are available, but the most common one is a blood test that examines a dog's blood for antigen-induced antibodies.
Another method is intradermal skin testing, which involves shaving a portion of a dog's skin to inject a small amount of antigen into it. After a certain period, the skin is examined to identify the allergens through a small raised reaction. Your vet will start developing a treatment plan once your dog has been diagnosed with an allergy.
Treatment for Dogs With Skin Allergies
If your dog has skin allergies, the treatment will be determined by the particular allergen causing their symptoms. This could include one of the following:
- Immunotherapy (hypo-sensitization) can also be referred to as allergy shots. Hypersensitizing injections are specially manufactured in a lab for your dog's specific allergy and are given to your pup regularly (frequency depends on your dog's specific case). While this method is often highly successful, it can take 6 to 12 months for there to be any visible improvement.
- Medicated baths with shampoos containing antimicrobial and antifungal agents and other ingredients can help soothe a dog's injured skin, reduce inflammation, and remove allergens.
- Flea control regimes can help prevent and get rid of fleas. Your vet may recommend giving your dog flea medications to keep fleas from thriving on your pet.
- Antihistamines might be able to help control your dog's symptoms. However, they don't always work. On the other hand, if antihistamines are effective, this could be an affordable option that typically has a very low risk of side effects.
- Hypoallergenic diets can either remove, replace, or reduce the food ingredient your dog is allergic to.
- Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents should be used as a last resort to manage a dog's itching and scratching when the allergy season is short or to relieve extreme discomfort (and in small quantities). This method may result in increased urination, increased thirst and appetite, skin jaundice, and behavioral changes. Long-term use of this method may result in diabetes or decreased resistance to infection.
- Controlling your dog's environment could be the best way to manage your dog's allergy if you are aware of the allergen and can remove it or minimize your dog's exposure to it effectively. Even if your pup is on another medication, reducing their exposure to the allergen is still best if possible.
Acupuncture for Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs
Acupuncture treatment can help encourage increased circulation, which can help hot spots, granulomas, and allergic dermatitis. It can also improve healing and reduce pain, leading to less itching and subsequent over-grooming.
At Animal Hospital of Nashua, we feel that we can obtain the best results by using acupuncture as a supplement to medical therapy to help restore your pet's health and vitality.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.