Dogs with Allergies
It’s common for dogs to suffer from an allergy at some stage in their lives. However, severe and sustained allergies can lead to unbearable skin irritations or respiratory issues. Contact Sydney Bulldog Clinic to get a personalised management plan today.
Relief starts with the right care
Why Brachycephalic Breeds Are Prone to Allergies
Brachycephalic dog breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Mastiffs, and others are genetically predisposed to allergies. Their unique anatomy - such as deep skin folds, narrow ear canals, and compact airways - combined with sensitive immune systems, makes them especially vulnerable to a range of irritants.
These physical traits, while part of their charm, can trap moisture, bacteria, and allergens, leading to frequent skin infections, respiratory reactions, or chronic itching.
Because these breeds are more prone to developing allergies, early detection and tailored treatment are essential. The sooner you recognise the signs, the faster you can ease their discomfort and prevent long-term complications.
Types of Bulldog Allergies
Dog skin allergies are common. They can be triggered by a range of factors, including
contact allergies (such as grass, plants, cleaning products, or shampoos),
flea allergy dermatitis
(a reaction to flea saliva), and
environmental allergies
like pollen, dust mites, and mould, causing atopic dermatitis. Bulldogs can also suffer from
food allergies and intolerances, with ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy, and grains frequently to blame.
Common Allergy Symptoms In Dogs
Common signs of skin allergies in Bulldogs and related breeds include:
- Itchy skin, especially around face, paws, belly, and anus
- Redness (sores, rashes or inflammation)
- Lumps and bumps
- Discolouration of the skin or hair/fur
- Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching
- Hair loss or thinning coat (shedding dander)
- Recurring ear infections
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Breathing difficulties
- Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhoea)
Diagnosing Allergies in Dogs
If your dog is showing signs of allergies, getting a proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
The process starts with an evaluation by your vet, who will take into account your dog's symptoms and medical history to identify the root cause of their discomfort.
The next step is performing a thorough physical examination to check for visible signs of a dog skin irritation (like a rash) and assess your dog’s overall health.
Before diagnosing the allergy, the vet will also need to rule out other conditions, such as parasites (like fleas or mites) and infections, which can cause similar symptoms. If food allergies are suspected, an elimination diet trial may be recommended, where your dog is fed a simple, hypoallergenic diet for several weeks to identify potential food triggers. For environmental allergies, the vet may suggest a skin patch test or blood tests to pinpoint the specific allergens responsible for your dog’s reactions.
Don’t let allergies take the joy out of your dog’s day – book a check-up today!
Treating and Managing Dog Allergies
Once you’ve identified the cause of your dog’s allergy, you can begin exploring the most effective dog allergy treatments tailored to their needs.
With the right care plan, your dog can experience significant relief and enjoy a better quality of life.
Some of the most common treatment options are:
- Medications: Antihistamines or steroids.
- Topical treatments: Medicated shampoos, creams and wipes.
- Diet changes: Limited ingredient or hypoallergenic diets.
- Supplements: Omega-3s, probiotics, skin/coat support.
- Allergy immunotherapy (ASIT): Allergy shots to retrain your dog’s immune system.
Many allergies require ongoing management and preventative measures to keep them at bay. In addition to avoiding known triggers, you can look into getting regular grooming and skin fold cleaning, flea and tick protection, using allergy-proof cleaning products and bedding, and running an air purifier indoors.
Choose Sydney Bulldog Clinic to Manage Dog Allergies
Delivering tailored treatment plans for dogs with allergies
Here at Sydney Bulldog Clinic, our team specialises in managing dogs and allergies, with a focus on breed-specific care.
Our compassionate and highly skilled veterinarians create personalised strategies to control your dog’s allergies and ensure their symptoms don’t worsen over time or impact their daily life. These plans include everything from dietary consultations and dermatological checks to medications and long-term maintenance advice.
We have years of experience treating Bulldogs and similar brachycephalic breeds, and our clinics provide access to advanced diagnostics and equipment.
All allergy assessments are offered at our Sydney Animal Hospitals clinics. Find the contact details for each centre below.
7 Services Animal Hospital Locations Across Sydney
Sydney Animal Hospitals have 7 locations across Sydney for your convenience
FAQs
What Is the Most Common Allergy in Dogs?
Bulldog skin allergies, aka allergic dermatitis, is the most common type of allergic reaction in dogs. Skin allergies can be caused by fleas, food allergies, and environmental triggers.
Are Bulldogs More Allergy-Prone Than Other Dogs?
Yes. Allergies are common in bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds because of their skin folds. When they get sweaty or hot, their skin traps moisture, which can lead to irritation. Their narrow ear canals and airways can also cause respiratory issues, which get exacerbated by allergies.
Do Dogs Allergies Get Worse with Age?
Many dog owners ask if bulldogs grow out of allergies as they age. Unfortunately, they don’t. Unlike human allergies, allergy symptoms in dogs tend to get worse with age, which is why recognising triggers and getting treatment is essential.
How Can I Help My Dog With Allergies?
The best thing you can do is visit your local Sydney Bulldog Clinic to get advice from our veterinary team. Once they have examined your pet, they will prescribe treatment options or give you some at-home steps you can take to allergy-proof your environment, such as avoiding irritants and keeping your dog’s coat and bedding clean.
Experienced veterinary care for Brachycephalic Breeds at Sydney Bulldog Clinics
At Sydney Bulldog Clinics we provide experienced veterinary care and proactive measures, including obstructive airway corrective surgery, to ensure the well-being of your beloved pet.
