Itching - Fleas or Allergies?

All that itching and scratching — it must be fleas!

If your dog is constantly itching and scratching, a Kansas State University dermatologist says allergies may be to blame instead of fleas.

Mary Bagladi-Swanson, assistant professor at K-State’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, says dogs experience most forms of allergies in the form of skin irritation.

“Humans may experience hay fever, sneezing and congestion,” Bagladi-Swanson said. “A dog, on the other hand, will experience more skin irritation and do more scratching.”

Three types of allergies are common in dogs. Flea allergic dermatitis is the most common form of allergy and is caused by fleabites. Atopic dermatitis, or atopy, is associated with pollen, household dust mites and molds and is estimated to occur in 15 percent of dogs. Food allergies are believed to be the least common of the three types of canine allergies. Dogs may have an allergic reaction after eating certain foods or commercial dog food ingredients such as wheat, soy or beef, said Bagladi-Swanson.

“The most common symptoms pet owners may see is excessive scratching, licking of the feet, rubbing of the face, ear infections and, in some cases, trauma to the skin due to the scratching,” Bagladi-Swanson said. “In fact, most ear infections that I see are caused by an underlying allergy.”

Bagladi-Swanson suggests pet owners see a veterinarian if symptoms of allergies are present.

“Most canine allergies can be managed,” Bagladi-Swanson said. “It is a good idea to see your veterinarian to determine the source of the dog’s symptoms.”

Treatment for flea allergic dermatitis includes effective flea control medicines that rid the dog of fleas and, in severe cases, anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. For food allergies, avoiding the food or food ingredients causing the allergic reaction is suggested.

Atopic dermatitis treatment includes having the dog tested for allergies through skin or blood tests and can often be managed with antihistamines, allergy shots or a combination thereof, Bagladi-Swanson said.

Bagladi-Swanson said some breeds are more likely to have canine allergies, such as golden and Labrador retrievers, terriers and Dalmatians. Although these breeds may have a genetic predisposition for allergies, many other breeds and mixed breeds are also affected.

“Some cases of allergies go untreated because pet owners may confuse the clinical signs with normal grooming habits or attribute the signs to the presence of fleas,” she said.

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Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a comprehensive, research, land-grant institution first serving students and the people of Kansas, and also the nation and the world.

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