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Did you know that up to 20% of dogs may develop allergies at some point in their lives? That means as many as one in five dogs can suffer from allergies. Most allergies tend to show up after a pet is six months old, and most affected dogs are over the age of one or two.
Although there are breeds that are predisposed to allergies, any dog can develop symptoms at any age. Mild allergy symptoms can be combated by building up a dog's immune system through feeding a fresh food diet, building a healthy gut microbiome, or adding a whole food supplement, like local raw honey or bee pollen, to the diet.
In this article, I'll dive deeply into dog allergies, explaining what to look for and how to treat mild allergy symptoms and providing a step-by-step guide for an elimination diet.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are abnormal immune responses to substances that are typically harmless. When a dog (or human) comes into contact with an allergen, such as pollen or certain foods, their immune system overreacts, triggering a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. In my experience, allergies were fairly mild and could be managed with fresh food and whole-food supplementation. However, a dog's allergy symptoms can be so severe that allergy shots or immunotherapy may be recommended.
Environmental vs. Food Allergies
Environmental Allergies: Environmental allergies, also known as atopic or inhalant allergies, occur when a dog's immune system reacts to substances in their environment. A few examples of environmental allergens include pollen, grass, dust mites, fleas, mold spores, and certain chemicals. Dogs primarily inhale these allergens, and symptoms often manifest as skin-related issues, such as itching, redness, and inflammation.
Food Allergies: Food allergies (sensitivities) arise when a dog's immune system reacts to specific ingredients in their diet, most commonly proteins like beef or chicken or grains like wheat and corn. Unlike environmental allergies, which primarily affect the skin, food allergies can lead to various symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress (chronic loose stool and diarrhea), chronic ear infections, itching, and generalized discomfort.
Maintaining a planner is an excellent way to determine if your dog is suffering from environmental or food allergies. I have a Happy Planner for my dogs – I track their diet, weight, health/behavioral changes, vet appointments, and more. Keeping notes on my dogs is also helpful for their veterinarian because I can identify the symptoms and when they began.
Why Dogs Develop Allergies
There isn't a singular cause for allergies in dogs; allergies are believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some common reasons dogs may develop allergies include:
1 – Genetic Predisposition: Certain breeds, such as bulldogs, golden retrievers, and terriers, are more prone to allergies because genetics affect how a dog's immune system functions.
2 – Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or certain chemicals can trigger an allergic response in dogs. Over time, repeated exposure to these allergens can lead to the development of allergies.
3 – Food Sensitivities: Dogs can develop allergies to specific ingredients in their diet due to repeated exposure. This can occur even if the ingredient has been a part of their diet for a long time. It's been suggested that dogs allergic to chicken developed this sensitivity because of vaccinations, which are grown in eggs, and the practice of adding chicken to everything.
Common Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
Signs of allergies in dogs can vary, but common symptoms include:
1 – Skin-related Symptoms: Itching, scratching, redness, hot spots, rash, inflamed or infected skin, hair loss, and recurring ear infections.
2 – Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, bloating, and changes in appetite.
3 – Respiratory Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and nasal discharge.
4 – Paw Chewing or Licking: Constant chewing or licking of paws, often leading to paw pad inflammation or infection.
5 – Chronic Ear Infections: Frequent ear infections, indicated by shaking the head, scratching at the ears, or odor coming from the ears.
It's important to note that other health issues can also cause these symptoms, so consulting a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis is important.
3 Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
The following tips alone have reduced or eliminated allergy symptoms in my dogs. For dogs with more severe allergy symptoms, the following steps will improve your dog's gut health and boost their immune system, which may make it possible for you to use less prescription medication.
1 – Feed a Fresh Food Diet
When I switched my dogs to a raw diet, Rodrigo, our only dog with allergies, improved significantly. Fresh food is more bioavailable than highly processed pet food due to the natural enzymes. This makes fresh food better for gut health and the immune system. I also add whole foods that support the immune system and reduce inflammation – fatty fish, leafy greens, and hemp seeds.
If a dog is experiencing environmental allergies, adding local raw honey or bee pollen may help reduce symptoms.
2 – Build a Healthy Gut Microbiome
70-80% of the immune system lives in the gut, making maintaining gut health crucial in keeping our dogs healthy. A fresh diet is the first step; the next step is adding foods (or supplements) to support a healthy gut microbiome. I like alternating products and have found the following are most beneficial for my dogs:
Gussy's Gut DAILY is a powder supplement made specially for dogs. It comprises fermented organic superfoods like dark leafy greens, vegetables, berries, and herbs. This supplement supports your dog's gut health, aging, and detoxification. It is also a great formula to use for everyday health and protection.
Daily Dawg is a gluten-free, non-GMO, veterinary-curated supplement for dogs from Real Mushrooms. It's a multipurpose supplement containing a functional mushroom blend, including organic Reishi, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shiitake, and Chaga mushrooms. Daily Dawg also contains natural ingredients like herbs and probiotics. Daily Dawg is designed to address various canine issues, including Joints and mobility, Immunity, Digestion, Gut health, Heart health, Weight management, and Allergies.
Additional supplements that support the immune system include:
- Earth Buddy Pet Immune Tincture
- Adored Beast Apothecary Digestive Supplements – Gut Soothe, Fido's Flora, Wolf (tincture), Soil & Sea
3 – Identify Allergens
And finally, it's essential to identify allergens. This is the third step because the first two are necessary for all dogs, as they work together to promote overall health. A sensitivity test or food elimination diet serves to help identify triggers. There are several sensitivity tests on the market. I've had success with the Glacier Peak Holistics test.
- Glacier Peak Holistics – The Original Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan
- Nutriscan at-Home Pet Food Intolerance and Sensitivity Test for Dogs
The test results can be overwhelming; however, a reputable company will offer a consultation to explain the results and offer recommendations. The Glacier Peak sensitivity test covers food and environmental triggers. While we may be unable to avoid all triggers, we can make some adjustments to reduce exposure to triggers.
Whether your dog has mild or severe allergies, it's important to explore treatment options with your veterinarians.
