Does Your Dog Have Signs of Allergic Itch?

As owners, the well-being of our pals is essential. However, it would seem we may need to pay closer attention. It has recently come to light that as dog breeds have evolved, so have their sensitivities to a whole manner of things. Food allergies can be a pain. Many dogs nowadays are showing signs of intolerance to ingredients you would find in regular dog food.

Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment – American Kennel Club

Treatment will be offered by your vet and they may suggest that you could have a dog allergic to wheat or grain. There also may be areas of hair loss due to stress, constant scratching, or excessive licking. Watching your dog suffer from ear infections can be a trying time. If your dog is scratching its ears or pawing at them, take a look. Their skin should be cool to touch and normal in color. If their ears seem to be inflamed and sore then you may be facing an ear infection. If these are becoming more frequent, it could be an indicator of a grain allergy. This is probably the most common sign you will notice if your pal is feeling under the weather. The same applies to our furry friends. If they have an intolerance to wheat or grains, it generally presents itself as diarrhea, vomiting, or the need to poop more often than usual. Keeping on the butt theme. From time to time, your dog may need its anal glands drained. This could be down to their stools being too soft or constipation.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

It could also be a sign that your dog has intestinal worms. Frequent draining can point to an issue in their food. Grain intolerance can be to blame. You and your furry best friend have a bond like no other. Many animals naturally become the fur-babies of the family, and just as you have to with children, you need to listen to your gut instincts. If you find that your canine companion is feeling miserable or acting out of sorts, your vet may suspect a gluten intolerance. However, a gradual change is suggested, not a straight swap. Grain allergy and dog wheat allergy symptoms are similar, so, refer to the signs above and discuss the best course of action with your vet. That said, if these issues persist, your vet may suggest a blood panel to find out if there are any other illnesses to consider. Typically your dog can develop a grain allergy at any point in its life, but it usually starts before your dog turns 12 months old. Yet, the good news is that many pet stores offer grain-free foods.

Hence, whether you feed your beloved pet wet food or kibble, there is bound to be a brand that suits you and your dog. If you have suspicions, seek advice from your vet. Dogs can be allergic to many ingredients. Grains are not as common as most allergies, and in fact, the most common allergy in dogs is beef. However, if you have a dog allergic to grain, the main culprit is known to be wheat. If your dog displays any of the following symptoms, seek advice from your vet before changing their diet. In some rare cases, a severe reaction resulting in anaphylaxis can occur—similar to severe peanut allergies in humans. But what about all of those dogs that are on special hypoallergenic dog food diets? What most people mean when they say that their dog has a food allergy is that their dog has a food sensitivity, also known as a food intolerance. Dogs with food sensitivities can present with several symptoms, including gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea , or dermatologic signs like itchiness, poor skin and coat, and chronic ear or foot infections.

Perhaps the most alarming of all the types of allergies in dogs is an acute allergic reaction. Dogs, like people, can go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. This can be fatal if not treated. Bee stings and vaccine reactions, among other things, can cause an anaphylactic response in some dogs, which is why it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your dog following the administration of any new vaccine, drug, or food item. Luckily, anaphylactic reactions are rare in dogs. Your dog may also develop hives or facial swelling in response to an allergen. Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyelids, or earflaps may look serious, but is rarely fatal, and your veterinarian can treat it with an antihistamine. The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.

Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of another condition. Make an appointment with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis and to help your dog start feeling better. If you have ever undergone allergy testing, then you know that diagnosing allergies is often complicated. If your veterinarian feels that an allergy is a likely cause, he or she may propose allergy testing to try and determine the cause of the allergen that is causing the reaction. However, keep in mind it may not always be possible to determine the cause of an allergy with testing. Food allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet. A food trial consists of feeding a dog a novel i. Flea allergy dermatitis is typically the easiest allergy to diagnose. The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen. This may or may not always be possible. For example, the best way to treat flea allergy dermatitis is to kill the fleas, whereas the best way to treat a food allergy or food intolerance is a change in diet.

In addition to any lifestyle changes that might be necessary, your veterinarian may also prescribe an allergy relief medication for your dog that will help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction, such as itching and any secondary skin infections that might have developed as a result of the irritant. If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, your best course of action is to get him to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid.

Wheat Allergy in Dogs

Additional Resources AKC. Featured Products Video Training Consultations. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment. Published: Mar 07, 4 Minutes Updated: Sep 21,