Golden Retriever Allergies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The Golden Retriever is often revered due to its rich and beautiful golden hair and is a source of pride for many pet owners. In addition, they make a great pet due to their intelligence and loyalty. However, they are also more susceptible to illness as compared to other dog breeds.

In particular, Retrievers are prone to a number of allergies, most of which are related to their skin. The allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or caused by direct contact such as skin irritants. Allergies may manifest in various ways such as ear infections, itchy or red areas on the skin. Pet owners should be aware of some common symptoms of allergies to provide early treatment before symptoms worsen or lead to infection.

The Golden Retriever experiences four common allergies. Flea Allergies are the most common allergy and can lead to "skin inflammation". The retriever's thick fur is a great hiding place for fleas and is it's the flea's saliva which causes the allergic reaction. Fleas typically affect the legs, thighs, and stomach. Flea allergies can also lead to hair loss. In addition to regular grooming, there are several anti-flea products available. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine the best one for your dog. Other preventative measures include ensuring your dog avoids flea prone areas.

Atopy is an allergy which occurs from exposure to chemical substances that are either soaked through the skin or inhaled. The most common triggers that can lead to atopy are cat dander, pollen, fungal spores, and weeds. Atopy should be treated to avoid serious infection some of which can be life threatening. Treatment may include antibiotics, antihistamines, and cortisone either by spraying or shampooing. Bathe your Golden Retriever regularly and seek professional advice if symptoms persist.

Food Allergies can be easily identified through observation of your dog's health after eating certain types of food. The symptoms may be similar to atopy, despite the difference in the cause. Some common food allergies include dairy products, soy, beef, wheat and some poultry products. An elimination diet, in which particular food types are removed from the diet to see if symptoms improve, can help to determine the cause. It may take some time to see results, but is a particularly effective method. If after re-introducing the food back into the diet, symptoms occur again, this confirms the allergy.

Contact Allergies are the least common type of allergy, as the retriever's coat provides a protective barrier. Symptoms may include pain, coat loss and skin inflammation. The stomach areas under the legs and the paws are often the parts most affected. Causes of contact allergies include chemicals used in carpet cleaning, grasses, weeds, and pollens. Keeping your pet well-groomed, including regular washing and bathing, is a great way to reduce contact allergies.