My dog is scratching: is he allergic?
Can my dog have allergies?
The answer is yes! Allergies are very common in humans, but they are also seen in our four-legged friends, especially dogs. In this article, learn more about allergies in dogs :
What is an allergy in dogs?
But what exactly is an allergy? It's a disorder of the immune system that reacts abnormally to a harmless substance (often several), treating it as if it were an invader and thereby triggering a whole cascade of inflammation (itching, redness, hair loss, etc.).
This harmless substance is called an allergen. An allergen can be anything (e.g., an insect or flea bite, food, pollen, dust, etc.). This immune disorder is often genetic and tends to appear later in the animal's life.
The multiple causes of an allergy
As with humans, the causes of allergies in dogs are often multiple. Of course, there is a disruption in the functioning of lymphocytes; a type of white blood cell that reacts abnormally to the allergen.
Following various research and advances in the veterinary field, we now know that the causes are broader and often involve the skin barrier. Indeed, the skin of pets is the largest barrier in their bodies and must remain intact to protect them from the many bacteria and microorganisms in their environment. Allergic animals often have defects in this barrier , which can complicate the situation.
Recognizing the symptoms of an allergy
Help, doctor, my dog is itching! Unlike humans, who more often experience nasal congestion and respiratory symptoms, allergic dermatitis typically presents as excessive scratching and biting , causing small skin lesions, abnormal hair loss, and often secondary superinfections.
Difficult to make the right diagnosis
It can be difficult for a veterinarian to diagnose an allergy, especially during your pet's first visit. There are many factors that can influence the diagnosis, such as the history of symptoms, age, breed of the pet, the number of affected animals in the household, the season, etc.
A diagnosis of exclusion
Then, allergic dermatitis often turns out to be a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning you have to make sure to eliminate other causes that could explain why your dog is scratching before suspecting an allergy. There are hundreds of possibilities to explain your dog's itching: fleas, ear mites, hair or body mites, ringworm (skin fungus), etc.
The main types of allergies in dogs
There are several types of allergies, but we'll cover the three main ones.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Flea allergy dermatitis, or flea bite allergy, is the easiest type of allergy in dogs to control. This type of allergy occurs in some animals, who will overreact and very severely to the slightest flea bite.
Food allergy
Food allergy is a very common type of allergy. In this case, the allergen is found in the food, most often in animal protein , but could also be found in dairy products, eggs, or any other substance present in the food.
In addition to skin scratching symptoms, certain digestive signs may also appear. Your veterinarian may opt to perform a food allergy test using either a protein your pet has never eaten before or a hydrolyzed protein diet, which is chemically cut to avoid detection by the immune system.
If you choose to do the test, be aware that it is usually quite long (about 8 weeks). Also, it is very important NOT to cheat and to use a proper elimination diet under the supervision of your veterinarian!
Atopic dermatitis
In the case of atopic dermatitis, the situation is more complicated because the allergen is a substance in the animal's environment. It can be absolutely anything: pollen, dust mites, dust, household products... Some dogs are even allergic to humans! Very often, it is impossible to eliminate the allergen from the environment.
Most of the time, relief can be achieved with shampoos, ointments, and oral medications. Unfortunately, unlike with humans, Benadryl or other antihistamines often have limited effectiveness.
Allergy Treatments for My Dog
Allergy control
We talk about allergy control rather than cure because complete cure is very rare. As with many chronic illnesses, treatment can be complex. Allergy control often requires meticulous monitoring and treatments that can be costly.
Avoid the allergen
One way to eliminate allergy symptoms in your dog is to eliminate the cause (the allergen). For example, in the case of DAPP, this means getting rid of fleas. In the case of a food allergy, this means avoiding giving your dog the allergenic food.
Medicines
Cortisone
Cortisone is one of the most commonly used medications for treating itching. However, it can cause significant side effects. While it may not be the ideal treatment for your pet, it is often chosen due to its affordability. Be aware that frequent blood tests will be required to monitor your dog's condition.
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is a non-cortisone medication used for atopic dermatitis. This medication has few side effects and fewer long-term risks than cortisone . However, it is expensive and may take at least a month to show its full effect.
Apoquel
Apoquel is a medication used to block allergens from entering cells . It has few side effects. While it may seem expensive depending on the dog's weight, it is often more economical than recurring visits to the vet to treat infections and other allergy-related conditions.
Cytopoint
Cytopoint is a monoclonal antibody that blocks one of the main proteins responsible for itching associated with environmental allergies. It must be administered by subcutaneous injection at your veterinary clinic. This biological antibody is very safe and has few side effects .
Hyposensitization
As with humans, your dog can be tested for allergies to identify allergens. Hyposensitization treatment then involves administering injections containing the animal's specific allergens periodically. Improvements may not be seen for 3 to 12 months, or even never. Your dog may still need anti-itch medication, but at reduced doses. This is a long-term process, but it can greatly improve your pet's quality of life.
Conclusion
Dog allergies are a fairly common phenomenon, with varied and sometimes complex causes. Whether due to flea bites, food, or environmental factors, it's important to observe the symptoms and consult a veterinarian to obtain an accurate diagnosis , eliminating all other possibilities.
Although dog allergies often cannot be completely cured, there are several treatment options available to help alleviate them . Whether through medication, dietary adjustments, or more targeted treatments like hyposensitization, it is possible to control symptoms and improve your pet's quality of life.
Talk to your veterinarian to choose the treatment best suited to your pet's needs to improve their comfort and preserve their quality of life.