Like humans, dogs can suffer from dermatitis and food allergies. It's distressing for owners when their beloved dog suffers from itching. While allergy tests for dogs are available, many people are skeptical about whether they provide accurate results.
For those of you worried after reading the article "Dog Allergy Testing Is Useless," we'll explain whether allergy testing is really a waste of time.
The bottom line is that allergy testing is necessary for dogs showing allergic symptoms.
This article explains the types of allergies dogs have and how to identify them. Reading this article will help you understand the importance of allergy testing. If your dog is showing allergic symptoms, please use this article as a reference and get your dog tested!
Dog allergy testing is necessary?
If your dog is showing allergic symptoms such as redness or severe itching, have him or her tested. Allergy testing is not a waste of time, as it is necessary to identify the type of allergy your dog has and prescribe the appropriate medication.
If you don't conduct allergy testing, you will be treating your dog without knowing what allergies it has. Without knowing the type of allergy, it's impossible to determine which medication to prescribe. Treating your dog in the wrong way will not improve its symptoms forever.
Therefore, if your dog is experiencing allergic symptoms, the quickest route to treatment is to undergo allergy testing to identify the allergen (the substance that causes the allergy).
Allergy testing for dogs is performed by drawing blood at a veterinary clinic or other facility and sending it to a testing center. Results generally take one to two weeks to arrive.
There are several types of allergy tests, and the allergens that can be tested vary depending on the test. Therefore, you need to narrow down the type of allergy test based on a rough estimate during the examination and interview. It's important to observe your dog's condition daily so you can provide as much detail as possible during the interview.
The cost of allergy testing varies depending on the veterinary clinic, but if you narrow down the types, it's usually around 20,000 to 30,000 yen.
Types of Dog Allergies
Atopic dermatitis is an allergy to environmental allergens. Allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, and house dust. Allergic reactions to food allergens are not considered atopic dermatitis.
Canine atopic dermatitis is characterized by chronic, itchy dermatitis (rash, redness, hair loss, etc.) in the axilla (armpits), inner thighs, and flexors. A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is made when allergy testing detects IgE (antibodies that protect the body against allergens) against environmental allergens.
The peak of environmental allergens varies with the season. If symptoms are seasonal, it's more likely atopic dermatitis caused by pollen or dust mites.
Atopic dermatitis is genetically inherited and is not contagious to other dogs.
- Shiba Inu
- French Bulldog
- Shih Tzu
- Westland White Terrier
It's commonly seen in dogs such as:
Atopic dermatitis is treated with medication to relieve itching and other symptoms. Skin care is also effective, including washing with shampoos containing skin-protecting ingredients and washing away allergens and irritants.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are caused by food allergens.
- Beef
- Dairy Products
- Wheat
- Lamb
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Soybeans
- Corn
Food allergy symptoms are generally considered to be allergens. There are two main ways in which food allergy symptoms manifest.
1. Typical cases of dermatitis around the eyes, mouth, and back
→ There is a high probability of food allergy.
2. Cases similar to canine atopic dermatitis
→It is impossible to distinguish between food allergies and atopic dermatitis based on appearance alone. Food allergies and atopic dermatitis may occur together.
Furthermore, unlike atopic dermatitis, food allergies have two mechanisms: IgE reactions and lymphocyte reactions. Therefore, if food allergies are suspected, there is a risk of missing the diagnosis unless both IgE and lymphocyte tests are performed.
Food allergies are common in many dogs, but the most common breeds include Boxers, American Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Collies, Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, West Highland White Terriers, and Pugs.
Food allergy treatment involves eliminating the allergen and observing whether a reaction develops within one to two months.
Mixed Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy
If symptoms of food allergy and atopic dermatitis appear simultaneously, suspect a mixed atopic dermatitis and food allergy. In this case, treatment for both the food allergy and atopic dermatitis must be administered simultaneously.
Characteristic Signs of Dog Allergies
A characteristic sign of food allergy is
- Itchy since puppyhood (under 1 year old)
- Itchy all year round, regardless of the season
- Defecates more than three times a day (for adult dogs)
- Itchy around the eyes, mouth, and back
If any of the above apply, a food allergy is suspected. Conversely, if none of the above apply but an allergy is suspected over time, canine atopic dermatitis should be suspected.
Summary
Two common allergies in dogs are "food allergies" and "atopic dermatitis." If you notice symptoms such as itchy skin, it's likely that your dog is suffering from allergic symptoms.
However, since it's impossible to determine what allergies your dog has based on allergy symptoms alone, we recommend taking your dog to a veterinarian for an allergy test.
If your dog is suffering, you want to help him as soon as possible. Get an allergy test and administer the appropriate treatment to relieve your dog of its itching.
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