Can Dogs Develop Allergies Later in Life What You Need to Know
Discover why dogs can develop new allergies at any age, even as seniors. Learn to recognise symptoms, get proper diagnosis, and find effective treatments for late-onset allergies in dogs.
Can your perfectly healthy dog suddenly start scratching, sneezing, and suffering from allergies they’ve never had before?
Just like humans who develop hay fever in their thirties or suddenly can’t tolerate dairy anymore, dogs can absolutely develop allergies later in life. It’s more common than you might think. Your four-legged friend who’s been happily munching the same kibble for years might one day start itching like mad, and yes, it could be a brand-new allergy rearing its head.
Understanding How Allergies Work in Dogs
Allergies happen when your dog’s immune system goes a bit haywire. Instead of just fighting off actual threats like viruses or bacteria, it starts treating harmless things like pollen, dust mites, or chicken protein as dangerous invaders. The immune system launches a full-scale attack, releasing histamines and other chemicals that cause all those uncomfortable symptoms we associate with allergies.
Here’s the thing though: allergies don’t just appear overnight. Your dog needs repeated exposure to something before their immune system decides it’s an enemy. This process, called sensitisation, can take months or even years. That’s why your dog might eat the same food for ages before suddenly becoming allergic to it.
Most dogs start showing signs of allergies between six months and three years old. But plenty of dogs don’t develop allergies until they’re five, seven, or even older. Some senior dogs develop their first allergies in their golden years, which can be particularly confusing for owners who thought they knew all their pet’s quirks by then.
Common Types of Late-Onset Allergies
Food allergies are perhaps the trickiest to spot because they can develop so gradually. Your dog might have been eating beef-based food their whole life, then suddenly at age eight, they’re allergic to beef. The most common culprits are proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs, though dogs can become allergic to almost any ingredient. Grains get blamed a lot, but honestly, protein allergies are far more common in dogs.
Environmental allergies, also called atopic dermatitis, often show up a bit earlier but can still develop later in life. These include reactions to pollen, mould spores, dust mites, and even human dander (yes, your dog can be allergic to you!). Singapore’s humid climate means mould and dust mites are particularly problematic year-round, unlike countries with proper winters that kill off some allergens.
Flea allergy dermatitis deserves its own mention because even one flea bite can send an allergic dog into weeks of misery. Dogs who were previously unbothered by the occasional flea might develop severe reactions as they age. Given Singapore’s warm weather, fleas thrive all year, making this a constant concern.
Recognising the Signs
The symptoms of allergies in dogs aren’t always obvious. Sure, excessive scratching is the classic sign, but allergies can manifest in surprising ways. Red, inflamed skin, particularly between the toes, in the armpits, or around the ears, often signals allergies. You might notice your dog constantly licking their paws, which can lead to brown staining on light-coloured fur.
Ear infections that keep coming back despite treatment are another red flag. If you’re at the vet every few months for ear problems, allergies might be the underlying cause. Some dogs get watery eyes or reverse sneezing fits, especially during certain times of year.
Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive gas can indicate food allergies, though these symptoms overlap with many other conditions. The tricky part is that these symptoms can be subtle at first. Your dog might just seem a bit itchier than usual, or have slightly runny eyes. It’s easy to dismiss these early signs, especially in older dogs where you might attribute changes to ageing.
Getting a Proper Diagnosis
If you suspect your dog has developed allergies, don’t just grab antihistamines from the pet store and hope for the best. A proper diagnosis from your vet is crucial because many conditions mimic allergies. Your vet will likely start with a thorough physical exam and history. Blood tests can check for environmental allergies, though they’re not always 100% accurate.
For food allergies, the gold standard is an elimination diet. This means feeding your dog a novel protein or a hydrolysed diet for eight to twelve weeks, then gradually reintroducing foods to identify triggers. It’s tedious, requires strict compliance (no treats or table scraps!), but it’s the most accurate way to pinpoint food allergies.
Once you know what you’re dealing with, treatment becomes much more targeted. For environmental allergies, complete avoidance is usually impossible, so management is key. Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos can wash allergens off your dog’s skin and coat.
Medications range from antihistamines (which work for some dogs but not others) to steroids for severe cases. Apoquel and Cytopoint are newer medications that target the itch cycle specifically, with fewer side effects than traditional steroids. They’re pricier but can be life-changing for severely allergic dogs.
For food allergies, the treatment is straightforward: avoid the trigger food completely. This means reading every ingredient label and making sure everyone in the household understands the rules.
The Silver Lining
While developing allergies later in life isn’t ideal, there’s some good news for your dog. Many allergies can be well-managed once you identify the triggers. Dogs with allergies can still live happy, comfortable lives with proper treatment. Some allergies even improve with age, though this isn’t something to count on.
Remember, if your previously healthy dog starts showing signs of allergies, you’re not alone. Veterinary medicine has come a long way in understanding and treating canine allergies. With patience, the right veterinary support, and sometimes a bit of trial and error, you can help your furry friend feel comfortable again.
After all, they’ve been there for you through thick and thin; if they’re suffering from allergies, it’s now your turn to help them through this new challenge.
