What are the most common allergies in dogs?
Dogs can be allergic to many different substances. The three most common types of allergies are:
1. Food allergies
This is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to certain proteins or additives in food. Common triggers include beef, chicken, wheat, soy, or dairy products.
2. Environmental allergies (atopies)
Pollen, dust mites, mold, or grass can cause allergic reactions. These often manifest as itching, skin infections, or ear infections.
3. Contact allergies
Some dogs are sensitive to certain materials such as certain textiles or cleaning products.
How do allergies arise?
Allergies occur when your dog's immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless substances, mistaking them for harmful ones. The body produces antibodies against these substances, which can lead to inflammation, itching, or diarrhea . Exactly why some dogs develop allergies and others don't isn't fully understood. Genetics plays a role, but environmental factors and diet can also increase the risk.
Intolerance vs. allergy – what’s the difference?
The terms "intolerance" and "allergy" are often confused. But there is an important difference:
Allergies are a reaction of the immune system to certain substances. Even tiny amounts of the allergen can trigger severe symptoms such as rashes, itching, or gastrointestinal problems.
Intolerances are not immunological reactions. Here, the dog simply cannot digest or process certain substances properly. One example is lactose intolerance: Affected dogs have too little lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, and react with diarrhea.
Why should a 24-hour feeding break be taken in case of diarrhea?
If your dog has diarrhea, it's important to give the digestive tract a break. This is because the irritation makes the intestines particularly permeable to food particles.
If food is given during acute diarrhea, incompletely digested proteins can more easily pass through the damaged intestinal wall into the body. The immune system may mistakenly classify these proteins as a threat and develop antibodies against them. This increases the risk of the dog developing a food allergy.
A 24-hour fast helps the intestines to calm down and regenerate. Afterward, you should carefully introduce easily digestible foods (e.g., boiled chicken with rice or Moro's carrot soup).
What can you do if your dog has allergies?
If you suspect your dog has an allergy, you should do the following:
- Visit to the vet: Only a vet can make an accurate diagnosis.
- Elimination diet: If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet helps to identify the trigger.
- Skin and blood tests: For environmental allergies, special tests can help identify allergens.
- Alleviate symptoms: Medication, hypoallergenic food , or special care products can help make everyday life more pleasant for your dog.
Allergies can be annoying, but with the right approach, you can give your dog a symptom-free life. Stay patient and observe him closely—he'll thank you!
