Dog Allergies and Breeds

While it’s helpful to read about dog allergies in a generalized way, what would be more helpful would be to have a list of allergies for each dog breed and within that dog breed, list the allergies that have been associated with each breed.

There are hundreds of dog breeds in the world.

In general here are the allergies most common to all dogs:

Allergies occur when a dog's immune system becomes ultra sensitive to foods, toxins, flea saliva, pollen, dust, & wool, to name but a few.  The way the dog responds is by getting itchy or developing red skin, scabby spots, hive like bumps, losing hair and even open sores.

Atopy is allergic inhalant dermatitis (Vet description).  This is seen in many breeds including Irish Setters, Golden  Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dalmatians and Miniature Schnauzers.

Food Allergies signs include severe itching and skin sores, diarrhea and vomiting.

Lick Granuloma is a condition that develops when your dog licks an area incessantly.  Thick and firm skin will develop from the constant licking and can be seen most commonly on the lower parts of the leg.  Front paws and between the toes are a favorite of many dogs to lick.

Allergic dermatitis shows up as loss of hair on the abdomen, armpits, inner thighs, between the toes and chest.  This allergy is to foreign particles such as insecticides, flea medication, soaps and pollen.

Fleas allergies can react differently in different dogs.  One dog may be severely affected by intolerable itching and scratching.  Others may not be as affected but still have fleas.

Hot Spots are areas of moist reddened sores that can rapidity enlarge and spread over the dogs entire body.  Fleas can initiate this troublesome allergy, which can last even after all the fleas have been killed.  The body is still reacting to the flea saliva.

Dog Breeds and their allergies.

I will start will the AKC recognized breeds as they tend to have more allergies than cross bred dogs.

In fact a cross bred dog (like a poodle mix) usually are far more healthy than a pure bred dog and have much fewer problems with allergies.

The dog shown is a Bernese Mountain Dog mix.  Some of his litter mates were black with the Doberman coloring but there was a lot of mix breed in this litter.  We believe this type of dog will have no problems with allergies and will have a much stronger immune system, helping him fight off disease and skin problems.

There are many factors to take into consideration as to why pure breeds have more allergies but many think it is because to concentrate on one trait of a dog and bring that trait stronger there is a lot of inbreeding.  While this does cause a dog to develop a shorter tail or larger eyes, it also causes the faults to multiply.

The perfect example is the German Shepherd.  If you look at a show quality German Shepherd you will notice that from the shoulder to the tail the back is sloped quite distinctly.  That has been acquired from breeding so that this trait becomes more distinct.  But it also causes problems with hip dysplasia.  Although this is not an allergy, I mention it because it is a common problem among German Shepherds and you can  it. 

While dog allergies are not so readily n.  Scratching and itching, skin problems and constant licking can be cause by fleas so we ask ourselves exactly what is wrong with out dog? 

Dog Allergy warning signs.

The dog wills display signs of loose bowels, vomiting, itching, hot spots, chewing of the paws, hair loss, dry skin, and bloat.

The usual course of “treatment” is to change dog foods until the food is found that your dog tolerates well.

Some vets will administer Prednisone and other medicines to ease itching and control loose bowels that often come with dog allergies.  I don’t believe in giving Prednisone as a long term immune system suppressor.  Mix a little wheat bran with some cottage cheese and this will stop loose bowels.