Pet Allergies in Danville, CA
Allergies are one of the most common conditions affecting pets, and Tassajara Veterinary Clinic offers thorough diagnosis and treatment to keep your pet comfortable.
Like humans, dogs may have food allergies or environmental allergies. Flea bite allergies and contact allergies, also known as atopy, are the most common types of environmental allergies in dogs. Flea bite allergies are a reaction to flea saliva, while atopy is a reaction to things a dog contacts regularly, such as dust, pollen, and mold. Atopy is usually seasonal — dogs with tree pollen sensitivities often show symptoms in spring, while those with fungal allergies tend to react in autumn.
Food allergies are the third most common type of allergy in dogs, accounting for roughly 10 percent of all canine allergies. Allergies affect all breeds equally, in males and females, neutered and intact dogs alike, and can develop in puppies as young as five months or in dogs as old as twelve years.
About Allergies
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that isn’t actually harmful. In a dog allergic to pollen, for example, the immune system reacts as though pollen poses a threat. When the body encounters an allergen, it releases histamine, a natural chemical that also causes the itching and irritation associated with allergic reactions.
Itching is the hallmark symptom of all allergies. Dogs respond to itching by licking, chewing, or scratching the affected skin, most often on the face, ears, belly, feet, and armpits. Other symptoms include chewing at the feet, constant licking of the flank and groin, rubbing the face, inflamed ears, and occasional wheezing.
Food allergies, which trigger an immune response, are different from food intolerances, which involve difficulty digesting certain foods and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Signs of food allergies include itching, scratching, red and inflamed skin, coughing, wheezing, and chronic ear problems — our ear infection page covers this connection in more detail.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies in Dogs
Early diagnosis and treatment matter for your pet’s comfort, since itching leads to scratching, and scratching can lead to secondary infections. To evaluate for food allergies, we may recommend a different food for roughly 12 weeks to see if symptoms improve. To diagnose inhaled allergies, we’ll examine your pet and ask about their lifestyle and environment. Treatment for atopy includes avoiding the allergen when possible, or managing symptoms with medication when avoidance isn’t practical. In some cases, allergy symptoms overlap with skin conditions best addressed through our pet dermatology services.
Contact Our Local Veterinarian in Danville
If you notice your dog scratching and suspect allergies, make an appointment with our team near Danville. Tassajara Veterinary Clinic is conveniently located at 3436 Camino Tassajara in Danville, CA. Make an appointment for vet care by contacting us at (925) 736-8387.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Allergies
What are the most common types of allergies in dogs?
Flea bite allergies and atopy (environmental allergies) are most common, followed by food allergies.
How can I tell if my dog has a food allergy?
Signs include itching, scratching, red or inflamed skin, and chronic ear problems. A supervised food trial is often used to confirm a diagnosis.
Are seasonal allergies common in dogs?
Yes. Atopy is frequently seasonal, with symptoms flaring in spring from tree pollen or in autumn from fungal allergens.
Can allergies be cured, or only managed?
Most pet allergies are managed rather than cured, through avoidance of triggers, dietary changes, and medication as needed.
Can allergies lead to skin infections?
Yes. Persistent scratching and licking can break the skin and lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections.
At what age do dogs typically develop allergies?
Allergies can appear as early as five months of age or develop later in life, even in dogs as old as twelve.
What’s the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance?
A food allergy triggers an immune response and causes itching or skin issues, while a food intolerance affects digestion and typically causes vomiting or diarrhea.
Is your pet dealing with allergy symptoms? We can help.