If you’re an experienced dog owner, you are likely very aware that dogs can have allergies. First time owners may be surprised to learn that our four-legged companions can have, and develop, allergies throughout their lifetime. However, allergies in dogs are not as cut and dry as they can be in humans. Even seasoned dog owners can be stumped when it comes to identifying and treating their dog’s allergies. While each allergy case is nuanced, there are some universal signs and treatments that can get you started on the right path to managing your dog’s allergies. Allergy symptoms in dogs By definition, allergies are a reaction to foreign substances by the body’s immune system. These can present in different ways but typically fall within three categories: food allergies, skin allergies, and environmental allergies. Because nothing can be simple, the symptoms for each of these allergy categories can be similar and even overlap. If you suspect your day may have an allergy of some sort, be on the lookout for any of these symptoms which may indicate an allergic reaction:
  •       Hives
  •       Itching
  •       Red, irritated skin (in between paws, ears, etc.)
  •       Sneezing
  •       Runny, watery eyes
  •       Persistent licking
  •       Vomiting
  •       Diarrhea
Some of these symptoms could be related to other issues, but always check in with a vet. Diagnosing allergies in dogs To diagnose an allergy or allergies in your dog, your veterinarian will be a bit of a guessing game. Narrowing down an allergen source can take some trial and error before getting it right, particularly in the case of food allergies. First, your vet will likely pull blood or perform a skin test on your dog to look for any reactions to common allergies. Skin and blood tests are not always definitive in their results but provide a foundation for which your vet can build a treatment game plan around. Treating allergies in dogs Depending on the type and severity of the allergy, there are several options an owner may have when it comes to treating their dogs allergies. The easiest of which is to avoid the irritant as best as you can. For skin and environmental allergies, some veterinarians may offer injections like Cytopoint or oral medication like Apoquel to help ease symptoms. These can also be treated through topical solutions like corticosteroids and medicated shampoos. Food allergies can be treated by adjusting your dog’s diet, including supplements like fish oil and probiotics. There’s also the tried-and-true method of giving your dog an antihistamine to help with any lingering effects of allergies. Always clarify dosage with your veterinarian and if allergies are severe in nature, seek immediate help.