Dogs can have allergic reactions to a variety of substances found in their environment or food. These so-called allergens trigger reactions that can range from itching to gastrointestinal discomfort . To ensure your pet's well-being, the allergy-causing substance should be avoided. To do this, however, you first need to find out what your dog is allergic to. In the following, we will therefore give you a brief overview of the most common allergens in dogs.
From: Alena Thielert
Allergens are actually harmless substances that trigger an overreaction of the immune system in some dogs. Normally, the immune system protects the body from harmful intruders such as viruses or bacteria. In the case of an allergy, however, it classifies certain substances - so-called allergens - as dangerous, even though they are actually harmless. This overreaction can cause itching, skin irritation and digestive problems, among other things.
Allergens can be found in food, the environment and even grooming products and can significantly affect your four-legged friend's well-being. To find out exactly what triggers the allergic reaction, it's worth taking a look at our list of the main dog allergens.
Many dogs suffer from food allergies, where they are allergic to certain food components. The most common triggers include animal proteins, cereals and dairy products. According to a study published in 2016, the main allergens in dogs are:
Other foods that were less frequently allergenic in the study were:
If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet with a few clearly defined proteins and carbohydrates is recommended, clearly defined protein and carbohydrate sources - such as hydrolyzed or vegetable proteins. The vegan dog food from
In addition to food, environmental factors can also trigger allergies in dogs. These can be the following environmental allergens:
In order to reduce the environmental allergens in your dog's environment, it is important to pay attention to cleanliness and take some preventive measures. In the case of a pollen allergy, desensitization under veterinary supervision may also be useful. You can find out more about potential treatment options in our blog post "Detecting & treatingallergies in dogs".
Choosing the right dog food is crucial for dogs that are prone to food allergies. The best choice is a hypoallergenic food that avoids the dog's most common allergens. We at
Alena Thielert
