How long do dog allergic reactions last

Types of Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them

Have you heard someone tell you that their dog has allergies? Has your veterinarian suggested that allergies could be a problem for your dog? Do you suspect that your dog has allergies? If so, then youve probably realized that allergies in dogs are not quite as simple as we might wish. For starters, there are several different types of allergies that could be causing your dogs symptoms.

Allergies are a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the bodys immune system, which, of course, people and pets can suffer from. There are quite a few different types of allergies in dogs. Skin allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergens all pose challenges for dogs and their owners, and to make things more complicated, the symptoms of all these different types of allergies can overlap.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.

In general, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.

• Itchiness
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
• Red, inflamed skin
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Itchy ears
• Chronic ear infections
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Constant licking

Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of another condition. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice changes in their behavior to get an accurate diagnosis.

Types of Allergic Reactions in Dogs

Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Skin allergies in dogs, known as allergic dermatitis, is the most common type of allergic reaction in dogs. Skin allergies in dogs are mainly caused by one of three things: fleas, food allergies, and atopicor environmentalallergies.Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites, and some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, which can cause their skin to become red, inflamed, or scabbed because their skin will feel extremely itchy. Its the easiest type of allergic dermatitis to treat, since you can apply flea medication for dogs to help heal their skin.

Another cause of skin allergy in dogs is from food allergies and sensitivities. Just like humans can be allergic to certain foods or ingredients, dogs can be allergic, which can cause itchy skin. Dogs with food allergies usually have itchy ears or paws, sometimes along with gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, says that food allergies are not as common as you might think. True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from hives, facial swelling, and itchiness to gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea or a combination of both.

Environmental allergens can also affect the skin and be the cause of allergic dermatitis. Things like dust, pollen, fungus, and mold can cause these reactions, but in most cases, these allergies are seasonal. As with food allergies that affect the skin, the most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears (but also include the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, and in between the toes).

All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment.

Urticaria, or Hives, in Dogs

Also known as urticaria, hives on dogs are very itchy but are not life-threatening. Hives appear as a reaction anywhere from 6 to 24 hours after exposure to allergens. This consists of itchy, swelled skin, that usually looks like a red rash. Its easiest to spot hives on dogs that are hairless or have short coats. Dogs with longer hair can get them too, but its more likely that youd be able to fee the hives rather than see them. Your vet will prescribe an antihistamine in order to treat urticaria in dogs.

Edema of Face or Throat

Swelling of the throat or face looks severe, but its actually almost never fatal. This area of swelling, which can also include swelling of the eyelids or ear flaps, is known as angioneurotic edema. Its actually pretty easily treated, and despite how it looks, its a good sign in terms of allergic reactions.

If your dog has edema of any of these areas, the time for a fatal allergic reaction has most likely passed, and they arent in as much danger. Angioneurotic edema occurs anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours after exposure to an allergen, and can also come with hives.A veterinarian will often give dogs with this reaction an antihistamine injection. Untreated, it may take a day or two for the swelling to subside.

Anaphylactic Shock

Perhaps the most alarming of all the types of allergic reactions in dogs is anaphylactic shock. Like people, dogs can go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. This happens when antibodies produced by the host react negatively to the allergen, dropping your dogs blood pressure rapidly and sending them into shock. This can be fatal if not treated, but luckily, anaphylactic reactions are rare in dogs.

This can be a response to any allergen, most commonly bee or wasp stings, or vaccine reactions. Because of this, your vet will always recommend keeping a close eye on your dog after theyve been given any new vaccine, drug, or food item, as they might be allergic.

If a dog has had a past incident and survived, the owner may carry an epipen, but sometimes the first occurrence can lead to death. Fortunately these reactions are very rare in dogs.

In some rare cases, a severe food allergy reaction resulting in anaphylaxis can occur, similar to severe peanut allergies in humans. The best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy is to work with your veterinarian to manage your dogs symptoms and discover the ingredient causing the reaction.

Diagnosing Allergies in Dogs

Flea allergy dermatitis is typically the easiest allergy to diagnose. It is usually diagnosed by identifying fleas on your dogs body and applying a product that kills fleas before they can bite to see if that solves the issues.

The first thing your veterinarian will do in allergy testing is rule out any other condition that could be causing your dogs symptoms. If your veterinarian feels that an allergy is a likely cause, they may propose allergy testing to try and determine the cause of the allergen that is causing the reaction. However, keep in mind it may not always be possible to determine the cause of an allergy with testing.

If you have ever undergone allergy testing, then you know that diagnosing allergies is often complicated. Its the same for dogs, but its worth it to understand what to stay away from when it comes to your dog.Food allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet. A food trial consists of feeding a dog one source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks.

Treating Allergies in Dogs

The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen, which may not always be possible. They type of treatment depends on the type of allergy your dog has. For example, the best way to treat flea allergy dermatitis is to kill the fleas, whereas the best way to treat a food allergy or food intolerance is a change in diet.

Depending on the cause and severity of your dogs allergic reaction, your veterinarian will prescribe different things. For hives, they might suggest antihistamines, cortisones, medicated shampoos, whereas with food allergies they might suggest fish oil or other Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. For skin allergies, they might prescribe dog-safe anti-inflammatory wipes or shampoo on skin to provide irritation relief.

In addition to any lifestyle changes that might be necessary, your veterinarian may also prescribe an allergy relief medication for your dog that will help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction, such as itching and any secondary skin infections that might have developed as a result of the irritant.

If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, your best course of action is to get them to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible.

What To Know About Possible Vaccine Reactions in Dogs

What Is a Vaccine Reaction in a Dog?

TheAmerican Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)recommends that all dogs, regardless of lifestyle, be vaccinated with core vaccines unless theres a medical reason not to vaccinate.

A vaccine is an injection of a killed or altered microorganism that works by stimulating the bodys immune system to react to an imitation infection. This response helps the body learn how to fight the infection should it be exposed to it in the future.

However, when the immune system is stimulated in this way, there can be possible side effects. These side effects are called a vaccine reaction.

Symptoms of a Vaccine Reaction in Dogs

When the immune system is stimulated by a vaccine, mild side effects are common.However, if these side effects last longer than a day, youll want to contact your veterinarian.

Mild side effects from a vaccine include:

• Tenderness or pain at the site of injection

• A low-grade fever

• Fatigue

• Reluctance to eat or eating less than normal

• Coughing or sneezing if your pet received an intranasal (through the nose) vaccine

• A small bump at the site of injection

  • If this bump develops, it may take up to two weeks to resolve. If you notice any redness, swelling, pain, or discharge worsening one to two days after vaccination, its important to call your veterinarian.

More severe side effects from a vaccine, though rare, can occurincluding serious immune-mediated reactions. This is where the dogs immune system attacks the bodys own cells.

Type I hypersensitivity, oranaphylaxis, is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention. Clinical signs of an anaphylactic, life-threatening reaction are:

If you see any of these signs after vaccination, its important to contact your vet or an emergency clinic because it could indicate a serious issue.

Most Common Vaccine Reactions in Dogs

A 2005 studyof more than 1 million dogs found that there was a reaction rate of about 1 in 260 dogs and included any type of reaction regardless of severity. The study found that young dogs, small-dog breeds, and Boxers were at a higher risk for adverse reactions.

The top five at-risk breeds wereDachshunds,Pugs,Boston Terriers,Miniature Pinschers, andChihuahuas.

Additionally, this study found that the potential for vaccine reaction may be increased if a dog is given more than one vaccine per office visit.

While grouping vaccines may be convenient for scheduling and finances (less office visit fees), it may be ideal to discuss with your vet only administering one vaccine per visit if your pet is at a higher risk or has a history of vaccine reaction.

Although reactions are possible any time the immune system is stimulated by a vaccine, the following are the most common core and non-core vaccines for dogs and their associated reactions:

Canine Distemper Vaccine

Canine distemper virusis a contagious and potentially life-threatening virus. The vaccination for canine distemper virus (CDV) is considered a core vaccine, meaning that its recommended for all dogs regardless of location.

Canine Parvovirus Vaccine

Canine parvovirusis another highly contagious virus that can cause nasal disease in dogs. Although serious, the disease is preventable with vaccination. Its also considered a core vaccine.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabiesis a viral infection that can affect any mammal, and once symptoms are seen, its fatal. Because rabies can be transmitted to humans and is a fatal disease, its a core vaccine and highly recommended for all dogs/pets and horses. Most states legally require rabies vaccination for dog.

Kennel Cough Vaccine

Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is one component in the diseasekennel cough, which also includes canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), canine adenovirus 2, canine influenza virus, and sometimes canine distemper virus.

Leptospirosis Vaccine

Canineleptospirosisis a common bacterial infection that can be caused by many different strains of Leptospira bacteria, and all mammals are potentially at risk.

This is considered a non-core vaccine, but because it can be spread between animals and humans and is potentially life-threatening, vaccination is recommended.

Like the rabies vaccine, the leptospirosis vaccine is a killed vaccine (inactivated). Its often found in a combination vaccination including canine distemper and parvovirus vaccines called the DHLPP.

Lyme Vaccine

Lyme diseaseis caused by a bacterial infection,Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by tick bites, primarily by the black-legged tick (aka deer tick) and the Western black-legged tick. The Lyme vaccination is a non-core vaccine and is best discussed with your veterinarian, based on lifestyle and location.

Vaccination Failure

When a vaccine fails to provide protection in a young dog, the most common cause is the presence of antibodies that a mother dog passes to her puppies; these antibodies interfere with the immune response of the vaccination.

For this reason, vaccination typically starts around six to eight weeks of age, with boosters occurring every three to four weeks until around 16 weeks of age to ensure maternal antibodies have waned and theres a strong immune response.

In older dogs, immunosenescence is very rare but possible cause for vaccination failure. Immunosenescence is an age-related decline of the immune system; the immune system doesnt produce a protective-level response to the vaccine.

Treatment of Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs

Treatment for side effects largely depends on the severity and extent of the side effects. Usually, treatment is only recommended in severe cases. However, your vet may prescribe a medication to help your pet feel better.

In severe, life-threatening reactions, treatment typically consists of medications such as antihistamines, steroids, IV fluids, and oxygen. In extremely serious cases, dogs need to be intubated and put on a ventilator to help them breathe.

If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, areas of redness, trouble breathing, or collapse following a vaccination, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.

Keeping Dogs Safe During and After Vaccines

If your dog has had any type of reaction to a vaccine, its important to let your veterinarian know what the reaction was, no matter how mild. Reactions can become more severe with subsequent vaccinations.Additionally, some dogs are more likely to have a vaccine reaction because of their genetics, including small-breed dogs and Boxers.

In those cases, or for dogs that have had a previous reaction, consider talking with your vet about medicating your dog before the vaccination. Sometimes medications like antihistamines can be helpful in controlling an immune-mediated reaction.

However, giving multiple vaccines at one time (for example, a single rabies vaccine plus a distemper/parvo combination vaccine) or within two weeks of each other can potentially interfere with the immune response and increases the risk for an adverse reaction.

Separating vaccines by at least two weeks can help reduce risk of a reaction and allows for a more controlled study as to which vaccine caused an adverse event.

Overall, vaccines for dogs are safe, and the lifesaving benefit and protection outweigh the potential for a serious adverse reaction.

Vaccine Reactions in Dogs FAQs

Do dogs typically feel unwell after a vaccine?

Most dogs tolerate vaccines extremely well.

However, it is common and normal for pups to have less energy, a mild fever, and eat less for 24 hours after vaccination.

How long after a vaccine would a dog have a reaction?

Serious allergic reactions can occur as soon as minutes or as long as hours after the vaccination.

If youre concerned about the risk of a serious reaction, talk to your veterinarian before they give the vaccine.

You can also ask to have your dog stay in the clinic for one to two hours for observation after the vaccine is given. Most reactions occur within the first 24 hours after vaccination.

Will a half or lesser dose of a vaccine prevent a reaction?

A smaller dose does not prevent or reduce the risk of a reaction; in fact, giving a lesser dose may contribute to vaccination failure and not provide protection.

In some jurisdictions, it may be illegal to give a lesser dose for a rabies vaccine. Vaccines should be given by a veterinarian following manufacturer recommendations.

Featured Image: iStock.com/macniak

References

Buck K. VIN.Vaccine ReactionsMedical FAQs. July 2017.

Moore GE, Guptill LF, Ward MP, et al. Adverse events diagnosed within three days of vaccine administration in dogs.Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2005;227(7):1102-1108.

Brooks W.Veterinary Partner.Vaccine Allergic Reactions in Dogs and Cats. 2022

Tonozzi C.MSD Veterinary Manual.Kennel Cough. October 2022.

Yao PJ, Stephenson N, Foley JE, et al. Incidence rates and risk factors for owner-reported adverse events following vaccination of dogs that did or did not receive a Leptospira vaccine. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, November 2015; 247(10):113945.