How serious is an allergic reaction in dogs

7 Signs of an Allergic Reaction in Dogs

Runny snout, itchy eyeswhats going on with your poor pooch? Well, just like us humans, allergies can plague dogs with uncomfortable symptoms. If you see your pet suffering from what looks like severe allergic reactions or long-term seasonal allergies, theres a strong chance youre right.

Its important to speak to your primary care vet if you think your dog is dealing with allergies. In serious cases, that well discuss in this blog, VEG is here with emergency treatment for your dog.

Below, you can read up on the different types of canine allergies and what to do in case you notice symptoms. Addressing this problem sooner rather than later will ease your buddys allergy blues.

TYPES OF DOG ALLERGIES

Woe is your doggo. Somethings got your furry friend feeling down and you suspect allergies. But youre not sure if its the weather, something in the home, or another reason altogether. VEG is here to help! Check out this list of the four most common types of allergies in dogs. Each has its own causes and treatments, but understanding the categories can make a big difference in how well you recognize your dogs allergic reaction.

1. Food allergies

Your dog is usually quite the foodie! But now your pal has a sick stomach after eating certain types of food. This could be a food allergy, and the most common symptoms youll see is vomiting or diarrhea. However, food allergies may also present as skin conditions or fur loss, so be on the lookout for skin and hair problems.

2. Skin allergies

Yeesh, your pup usually does well in the great outdoors, but something is wrong. Skin allergies! Make sure your pet is on regular flea/tick preventative, which you can get through your primary veterinarian. We mention this because skin allergies in dogs can often be caused by exposure to fleas or ticks. Its also possible that plants or yard treatment chemicals are irritating your dogs skin. A skin allergy will present as:

• Hives (small, raised red bumps all over the skin)
• Itchiness
• Redness

A skin allergy for your dog can be caused by other things too. Have you tried a new detergent recently? New rug cleaner? Any of these could be the culprit, but you can likely rule them out quickly if you remove the suspected irritant from any contact with your dog.

3. Seasonal allergies

Its breezy and your dog is sneezy. If you notice your dog getting sick (ear infections, licking or chewing at their feet, sneezing, etc.) around the same time every year or notice him sneezing more often when hes been outside all day, theres a chance its seasonal allergies. Check out all of the allergy types in this blog, because its important to rule out other factors to make sure this is the case.

4. Acute allergies

Dogs who have sudden allergic reactions to irritants have acute allergies. Most commonly caused by pesky insect bites or stings, acute allergies may have other causes as well. An acute allergy will show as:

• Facial swelling
• Vomiting
• Trouble breathing and collapse in severe cases, this is an anaphylaxis reaction

Acute allergies may need immediate emergency vet treatment. Call or come in to your nearest VEG if you notice any of these signs. Our ERs are open 24/7, so call anytime and speak with a doctor who will answer your questions.

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS IN DOGS

Now, were sure youre itchin to know about the seven allergy symptoms in dogs! Here are the most common reactions and what to do about them:

1. Itchiness and hives

Is your dog scratching a lot or have red areas of skin? These reactions are common in all types of allergies. If scratching and hives are the only symptoms you notice, you can wait a day or two before scheduling a GP vet visit. But if theyre coupled with any other symptoms, get to VEG soon. You may be tempted to give your dog allergy medication because theyre having a rough go of it, but call VEG for advice before doing so.

2. Diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach

If your dog has diarrhea or is vomiting, visit Veterinary Emergency Group as soon as possible so your dog can get the care he needs right away. Caution: this may be a sign of an early anaphylactic reaction.

3. Itchy ears

Though totally annoying for your dog, itchy ears usually arent a sign of anything life-threatening, and can wait for a primary care veterinary visit. However, if your pet is increasingly uncomfortable and/or starts to have any trouble walking, or your dogs head is tilted to one side, get to VEG asap for treatment.

4. Sneezing and runny nose

Your pups achoos are totes adorbs, but beware, when sneezing and/or runny nose is accompanied by fever or by any other symptoms on this list, your dog requires immediate veterinary intervention. They may be signs of seasonal allergies and could be very benign, but its important for your vet to check for the cause of your dogs allergic reaction.

5. Runny eyes

Watery, runny eyes need to be checked out by your primary care vet, even if you think theyre just due to an allergic reaction. This can also be a symptom of upper respiratory infection. Another reason for runny eyes is if there is damage to the eye itself (scratch or ulceration of the cornea). Rule out these potential issues by taking your dog to your vet to find out the real cause.

6. Frequent licking or chewing on skin

This symptom of a dog allergy kind of hides in plain sight! If your dog chews or licks his skinespecially his feetfrequently or seemingly nonstop, this is a sign hes dealing with some form of allergies. Who knew?

The problem could come from exposure to irritants in the backyard or on walks, but it may also be a symptom of food allergies in your dog. Although not an emergency, youll need to go to your primary care vet to determine how to treat it and what the underlying cause might be.

7. Swollen face

Take heed, a swollen face or snout is a sign that your dog may be headed into anaphylactic shock. Although dogs with a swollen face dont always suffer anaphylaxis, it is common. We recommend bringing your dog in to be seen by an emergency vet at VEG if there is any facial swelling. Well triage your dog immediately, and provide treatment to prevent it from getting worse. If theres enough swelling going on, it could lead to other signs such as trouble breathing, so dont wait it out.

SEE A VET FOR ALLERGIC REACTIONS IN DOGS

Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect from your dogs allergic reactions, you can determine whether or not its an emergency or if you can wait to schedule a regular vet appointment.

The veterinarians at VEG are here and ready to help with your dogs allergic reactions or any emergency your pet may be experiencing. Were open 24/7 and youll see a doctor right away. Best of all, you never have to leave your dogs side. Have questions about VEG? We have answers!

Allergic reactions in dogs

Types of reaction

Bee stings

Most dogs stung by a bee, or another insect, develop redness, pain, and swelling around the site, but recover well (on their own, or with the help of an antihistamine medication). However, just like us, some dogs are allergic to insect stings and suffer much more serious symptoms. Call your vet for advice if an insect has stung your dog.

Medication and vaccine reactions

Although its extremely rare, just like us, some dogs are allergic to certain medicines and vaccinations. Fortunately, most medication and vaccinationreactions are mild, for example developing itchy skin after a flea treatment, or feeling slightly off-colour after a vaccination. However, severe reactions do sometimes happen and cause serious symptoms that require immediate veterinary attention.

Fleas, food, pollen and other allergic skin disease

Allergic skin disease (often caused by fleas, food and/or pollen) is a different type of allergy that causes a low-level, ongoing problem, (not a sudden, acute reaction). Follow the link for more information.

Dog Hives

What Are Dog Hives?

Hives (also referred to as urticaria) are areas of the skin that appear reddened and raised. Just as with humans, hives can be very itchy for your dog. Theyre a sign that an allergy is causing the immune system to overreact.

Hives can appear very quicklyand disappear just as quickly. The raised red area of the skin is referred to as a wheal, and it can appear anywhere from a few minutes to hours after exposure to an allergen. Wheals can appear anywhere on your dogs body, but theyre usually found on the head, neck, back, stomach, and legs.

In mild cases, the hives will generally disappear within 12-48 hours after contact with the allergen. However, because of the risk that the reaction can worsen to dangerous swelling of your dogs airways or a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, you should seek out treatment any time you see hives on your dog. This is especially true for hives that occur on the face or around the throat, which can lead to dangerous swelling and possible blockage of the airways.

Symptoms of Dog Hives

• Red raised areas of skin called wheals, which can occur anywhere (including mucous membranes) but are most commonly seen on the head, neck, back, abdomen, and legs

• Intense itching

• Excessive drooling if the mouth is swollen

• Swelling (angioedema), which is particularly concerning when it involves the face and respiratory system and can have severe and life-threatening consequences

Causes of Dog Hives

The allergen that causes the hives may be environmental, chemical, or dietary. Any allergen your dog is sensitive can also lead to hives. Common causes include:

Insects bites, chemical contact, and medications are the most common.

How Vets Diagnose Hives

Your vet will closely examine your dog to locate the distinctive wheals associated with hives. Wheals typically have hair on them, and may appear in clusters. Beyond the physical examination, other parts of the diagnosis include:

• Any history you are able to provide; be as thorough as you can in describing allergens your dog might have come into contact with and when and where you first saw the hives

• Your dogs response to treatment

Treatment for Dog Hives

Dogs with hives usually respond quickly to treatment, which may include:

At-home treatments may include:

• Cold compresses over the hives or swollen areas to give relief from itching

• Antihistamines, but only under the supervision of your vet

Management of Dog Hives

Work with your vet to determine the cause of the hives, using both your dogs health history and history of exposure to allergens. Depending on the cause and the frequency, your vet may recommend:

• Allergy testing to confirm environmental allergens

• Immunotherapy treatment to desensitize your dog to specific allergens

• A food trial to find ingredients that cause a reaction and develop specific dietary recommendations

Dog Hives FAQs

Are dog hives an emergency?

Yes. Hives indicate an allergic reaction within the body. Although the hives themselves are mostly just uncomfortable, they could lead to very dangerous complications, including anaphylaxis and death. Its best to treat even mild cases of hives.

What can I give my dog for hives?

It is important to speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. The vet may recommend certain medications to give your dog now or to have ready for future episodes.

How long do hives last?

Hives can disappear within a few hours or last up to 48 hours.

Can anxiety cause hives in dogs?

Theres a small chance that psychological stress can cause dog hives, but generally, anxiety merely worsens hives that are already present.

Should I take my dog to the vet for hives?

Yes, hives indicate a larger issuean allergic reactionand require treatment to make your dog comfortable and keep the reaction from progressing.

What do hives look like on a dog?

Hives are red, often swollen areas of skin that may be very itchy. They can be anywhere on the body, but youll often spot them on your dogs head, neck, back, stomach, or legs.

What foods cause hives in dogs?

There is no one food that generally causes hives in dogs. However, if your dog is allergic to a particular food or ingredient, that can cause hives for your individual dog.