Symptoms of Allergic Reactions in Dogs and What to Do
If you are ever in any doubt about the severity of your dog’s condition, contact your vet or go to an emergency vet immediately.
Here are some of the most common allergic reactions in dogs and what you should do if you notice them:
If you notice your dog scratching a lot or see hives or redness on his skin, then he may have an allergy. These reactions are common in all types of allergies.
If they are the only symptoms you notice, you can wait a day or two before scheduling a vet visit. However, if they’re coupled with any other symptoms, plan to get to the vet soon.
While it does not always work in dogs/cats, you can also administer Benadryl to help with clinical signs and irritation. Call your local VEG for instructions on giving Benadryl to dogs.
If your dog is having diarrhea or is vomiting, it’s best to schedule a vet visit as soon as possible so your dog can get the care he needs right away as this may be a sign of an early anaphylactic reaction.
Itchy ears can usually wait until your next vet visit for attention, as they aren’t usually a sign of anything life-threatening.
However, if your pet is increasingly uncomfortable and/or starts to have any trouble walking or a tilted head to one side, head to the vet for treatment as soon as possible.
When sneezing and runny nose are accompanied by fever or by any other symptoms on this list, they require vet treatment right away.
They may be signs of seasonal allergies and could be very benign, but it’s important for your vet to check for the cause of your dog’s allergic reaction.
Runny eyes need to be checked out by a vet even if you think they’re just an allergic reaction in dogs.
Many upper respiratory infections in dogs present with runny eyes early on, and this can also be a symptom of damage to the eye itself (scratch or ulceration of the cornea). Rule out these potential issues by taking your dog to the vet to find out what’s causing his eyes to be runny.
If your dog chews or licks his skin—especially his feet—frequently or seemingly nonstop, this is a sign he’s dealing with some form of allergies.
The problem could come from exposure to irritants in the backyard or on walks, but it may also be a symptom of food allergies in your dog. Although the problem isn’t an emergency, you’ll need to go to the vet in the coming weeks to determine how to treat it and what the underlying cause might be.
A dog with a swollen face is suffering from an acute allergy, most likely related to an insect bite or sting. This may also be a sign your dog has breathed in an allergen, such as a large amount of pollen.
If you see a swollen face or snout, this is a sign that your dog may be headed into anaphylactic shock. Although dogs with a swollen face don’t always suffer anaphylaxis, it is common. We recommend bringing your dog in to be seen by an emergency vet if there is any facial swelling so that it can be treated and prevented from getting worse, which could lead to other signs such as trouble breathing if there is enough swelling.
What are the symptoms of allergies in dogs?
In dogs, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itchy skin, either localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body). In other cases, the allergic symptoms affect the digestive system, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
Your allergist can help determine what treatment would be best to treat your cat allergy. Nasal symptoms often are treated with steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines or other oral medications. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Respiratory or asthma symptoms can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.
A skin-prick test is the most common way of diagnosing a cat allergy. For this test, a small amount of an extract of cat allergen is placed on your skin. Your skin is then pricked with a small, sterile probe, allowing the liquid to seep under the skin’s surface. You’ll then be monitored for swelling and redness or other signs of a reaction, signaling an allergy. Results typically become evident within 15 to 20 minutes.
Dogs produce multiple allergens, or proteins that can cause allergy. These allergens are found in dog hair, dander, saliva and urine. All dogs produce allergens; studies have not shown that dogs can be hypoallergenic (not cause allergy). Dog allergen levels increase if the dog lives indoors and are higher in the rooms where a dog is allowed.
While poodles, Portuguese water dogs and a number of other breeds (including several types of terriers) have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, a truly allergy-free breed does not exist. A 2011 study compared dust samples from homes with dog breeds reported to be hypoallergenic and those of homes with other dogs. The levels of dog allergen in homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs did not differ from the levels in homes with other breeds.
If your nose runs and your eyes water or you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a cat, you likely have a cat allergy. A cat allergy can contribute to constant allergy symptoms, as exposure can occur at work, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if a cat is not present.