What Happens if Dog Allergies Go Untreated?

Dogs, like humans, can suffer from a variety of allergies. These allergic reactions can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health issues. This article explores the consequences of leaving a dog's allergies untreated, the types of allergies dogs commonly experience, and the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding Dog Allergies

Before delving into the consequences of untreated allergies, it's crucial to understand what allergies are and how they affect our canine companions.

What are allergies in dogs? Allergies occur when a dog's immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, known as an allergen. When exposed, their immune system produces antibodies, which cause certain cells to release chemicals (such as histamine) into the bloodstream — these chemicals are responsible for the various allergy symptoms dogs experience.

Common types of allergies in dogs. Dogs can suffer from several types of allergy, including:

1. Food allergies: reactions to specific ingredients in their diet.
2. Environmental allergies (atopy): reactions to inhaled allergens like pollen, dust, or mould.
3. Flea allergy dermatitis: an allergic reaction to flea saliva.
4. Contact allergies: reactions to substances that come into direct contact with the skin.

Common symptoms of allergies in dogs can include:

• Itching and scratching
• Redness of the skin
• Ear infections
• Sneezing
• Runny eyes
• Gastrointestinal issues (in the case of food allergies)
• Paw licking or chewing
• Hair loss
• Skin infections

The Dangers of Untreated Dog Allergies

When a dog's allergies go untreated, it can lead to a cascade of health issues, ranging from uncomfortable to potentially serious. Let's look at the potential consequences in detail.

1. Chronic discomfort and reduced quality of life. The most immediate consequence is ongoing discomfort. Constant itching, scratching, and irritation can significantly impact a dog's quality of life, leading to difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, lethargy or reduced activity, and behavioural changes including irritability or aggression. Over time, this chronic discomfort can take a real toll on the dog's overall wellbeing.

2. Skin damage and secondary infections. Constant scratching and licking can damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to:

• Hot spots: also known as acute moist dermatitis — red, moist, hot, irritated lesions that can develop quickly when scratching breaks the skin.
• Bacterial infections: damaged skin becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, leading to painful skin infections (pyoderma).
• Yeast infections: yeast can overgrow on damaged skin, particularly in warm, moist areas like between the toes or in skin folds.
• Chronic ear infections: allergies often affect the ears, leading to recurrent infections that can become chronic if left untreated.

3. Systemic health issues. If allergies are left untreated for an extended period, they can lead to more systemic problems: a weakened immune system from the constant state of inflammation, chronic inflammation potentially affecting various organ systems, and — in cases of severe food allergy — malnutrition if nutrients aren't being properly absorbed.

4. Respiratory issues. For dogs with environmental allergies, untreated symptoms can progress to chronic bronchitis from long-term airway inflammation, or asthma-like symptoms such as difficulty breathing or wheezing.

5. Behavioural changes. Constant discomfort can lead to increased irritability or aggression, heightened anxiety, or a depressed state characterised by decreased activity and interest in usual activities.

6. Reduced effectiveness of future treatment. Left untreated for a long time, allergies can become more challenging to manage: prolonged exposure without treatment can increase sensitivity over time, some dogs develop allergies to additional substances if the initial one isn't properly managed, and dogs may respond less well to treatment when it's finally administered after a long period without any.

The Progression of Untreated Allergies

To better understand how untreated allergies can escalate, here's a typical progression:

1. Initial symptoms: mild itching, perhaps some redness of the skin.
2. Increased scratching: the dog scratches more frequently and intensely.
3. Skin damage: constant scratching leads to breaks in the skin.
4. Secondary infections: bacteria or yeast infect the damaged skin.
5. Chronic inflammation: the skin becomes chronically inflamed and thickened.
6. Systemic effects: the dog's overall health begins to decline due to chronic stress and inflammation.
7. Behavioural changes: the dog becomes irritable, anxious, or depressed.
8. Potential organ effects: in severe, long-term cases, chronic inflammation may affect internal organs.

Treated vs. Untreated Allergies

To illustrate the importance of treating dog allergies, here's a comparison of outcomes:

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Given the potential consequences of untreated allergies, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial:

1. Prevents escalation of symptoms. Early intervention can stop mild symptoms progressing to more severe ones — treating a mild skin irritation, for example, can prevent it developing into a painful hot spot or infection.

2. Improves quality of life. Prompt treatment can quickly alleviate a dog's discomfort, significantly improving their quality of life — a comfortable dog is a happy dog, more likely to engage in normal activities.

3. Reduces the risk of complications. Addressing allergies early reduces the risk of secondary infections and other complications arising from untreated symptoms.

4. More effective treatment. Allergies are generally easier to manage when caught and treated early, often leading to better symptom control with less intensive treatment.

5. Cost-effective in the long run. While allergy treatment can be costly, it's often less expensive than treating the complications that arise from an untreated allergy.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Your Dog Has Allergies

If you notice any signs of allergies in your dog, here are the steps to take:

1. Get a diagnosis: this is crucial. Your vet can perform tests to identify the type and cause of the allergy, or you can try an at-home test to identify possible intolerances.
2. Follow the treatment plan: this may include medication, a special diet, or environmental changes — stick to the plan even if symptoms improve.
3. Monitor your dog: keep an eye on their symptoms and report any changes to your vet.
4. Regular check-ups: even with successful treatment, regular vet visits are important to monitor the allergy and adjust treatment as needed.
5. Be patient: allergy management often requires some trial and error to find the most effective approach for your individual dog.

FAQs

Can a dog's allergy get better on its own without treatment?

It's uncommon — allergies typically don't resolve on their own and tend to worsen or lead to complications over time without some form of management.

How quickly can untreated allergies lead to a secondary infection?

This varies by dog, but persistent scratching can break the skin's barrier within days to weeks, creating an opening for a bacterial or yeast infection to take hold.

Is it ever too late to start treating a dog's long-term allergies?

No — even long-untreated allergies can usually be improved with the right management plan, though it may take longer to see results and address any secondary complications that have developed.

Untreated allergies in dogs can lead to a host of serious health issues, significantly impacting their quality of life and potentially leading to more severe conditions. From chronic discomfort and skin damage to systemic health problems and behavioural changes, the consequences of neglecting a dog's allergies can be far-reaching.

It's crucial for dog owners to be vigilant about potential allergy symptoms and seek veterinary care promptly if they suspect their dog may be affected. Early diagnosis and treatment not only ease a dog's immediate discomfort but also prevent symptoms escalating and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Every dog is unique, and allergy management often requires a personalised approach. Working closely with a vet to develop and maintain an effective treatment plan is the best way to keep your dog healthy, comfortable, and happy despite their allergies.

To provide you with technically accurate, evidence-based information, content on the My Pet Sensitivity blog is reviewed by medical professionals with veterinary expertise.

Related reading: The Most Common Allergies in Dogs · Signs & Symptoms of Dog Food Intolerance and Allergies