Just like us, dogs can suffer from allergies. An allergy is a disease where the immune system reacts abnormally to everyday substances. These may be pollens, dust, insect bites, foods or chemicals/drugs. The offending substance may be inhaled, eaten or touched by your dog. The most common sign is scratching. The scratching can be so severe that the dog creates bleeding sores. You may also notice your dog rubbing their face, constantly licking their feet or scooting. Sometimes secondary infections develop causing red, greasy skin with an obvious odour. Chronic ear problems are a common problem associated with allergies.

What are some causes of scratching?
1) Mites
2) Bacterial skin infection
3) Fungal skin infection
4) Allergies

What types of allergies commonly occur in dogs?

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
FAD is the most common canine allergy. Flea allergic dogs react to the flea’s saliva. Every time fleas bite they introduce a small amount of saliva into the skin. A single fleabite can keep your dog scratching for weeks. The most common site to see your dog scratching is above the tail, but they may be itchy all over.Diagnosis involves eliminating the fleas for a set time frame. We use a monthly flea product every fortnight for 3 months. If a significant improvement is seen in this time, flea allergy is very likely. Treatment involves completely eliminating fleas from the dog’s environment and using flea repellent products. Other treatments may be necessary while flea control is being achieved – cortisone or antibiotics. Cortisone has significant side effects from long-term use, so shouldn’t be used as a ‘quick-fix’.

Food allergies
Dogs can react to any component of their diet. The most common offending substances are beef, dairy products, eggs and poultry products, wheat, soy and corn. Itching is not usually related to a change in diet. It is more common for the dog to have been on the offending diet for several years. We diagnose food allergies by putting your dog on an allergen-free diet for at least 6 weeks. If an improvement is seen then your dog’s diet will need changing.

Atopy
Atopy is a disease where dogs react to multiple environmental allergens – pollens of grasses/trees/weeds, moulds, house dust mites and other common airborne substances. Atopic dogs scratch excessively, particularly around the face, feet and belly. Atopy can only be ruled out by eliminating other common causes of scratching. A blood test or skin test may then be used to identify the allergens your dog is reacting to. Unfortunately it is almost impossible to avoid airborne allergens. Once atopic pets are diagnosed they require lifelong treatment or desensitisation to the offending substances, through immunotherapy. Immunotherapy will reduce or eliminate the need for cortisones.

Although canine allergies are not life threatening, the itching that they cause can make your dog miserable!