Dog allergies are a common struggle for many dogs and poodle mix breeds are no exception. Your Oodle (also known as Doodle or Poodle Mix) might not cause you allergies, but it may suffer from skin or food allergies itself.
Unfortunately, many Oodle parents do not realise that their Oodle is allergic since the symptoms of allergies manifest in different ways. Moreover, many Oodles can grow into or out of allergies, and dog allergies can also develop at any age.
In this brief guide, we will take a look at allergies in Oodles, their signs and symptoms, as well as ways to treat and prevent different types of dog allergies.
Table of Contents – Dog Allergies
Poodle Mix Breeds commonly affected by Dog Allergies
Some of the following poodle cross breeds are prone to developing allergies:
Common Allergens and Triggers for Oodle Dog Allergies
Dog allergies can be attributed to the following main culprits:
- Contact allergies
- Food allergies
- Flea allergy
- Seasonal allergies
Contact Dog Allergies
This type of allergy occurs when your Oodle comes into contact with the allergen. It results in extreme itchiness or rashes all over the body. Some Oodles might have the allergy concentrated in their paw area. Common contact allergens are detergents, grooming products like shampoos or flea sprays, carpet cleaners, or laundry detergents.
Signs
- Itching – your poodle mix might scratch and lick continuously
- Sores, rashes, or blisters
- Hair loss
- Eye discharge
- Nasal discharge
What to Do
- Avoid using harsh cleaning products and switch to pet-safe products.
- Try steam cleaning the carpet instead of using harsh carpet deodorising sprays or shampoos.
- Use hypoallergenic, vet-approved, and pH-balanced dog shampoo for bathing your Oodle.
Have your Poodle cross, checked by your vet. If the sores are oozing or have developed pus, your pet might require antibiotics. For severe itching, your vet might prescribe corticosteroid cream or shots to speed up the healing process.
Food Dog Allergies
Dog Food allergies in Oodles can occur at any age and present a wide range of symptoms. Some Oodles show internal symptoms, others may show external symptoms, and some may show both types. Oodles can be allergic to certain grains or proteins or to additives like food colours, flavours, or preservatives.
Signs
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Gas or bloating
- Skin issues – rashes, poor coat, hair loss, tear stains
- Weight loss
- Breathing issues
What To Do
Dietary Changes
Switch to a different dog food containing a novel protein source like emu, rabbit, duck, or kangaroo. In some cases, you may have to try a different ingredient each week to assess which ingredient is the allergy trigger. Raw dog food that doesn’t contain preservatives and is made from human-grade proteins and vegetables can be beneficial to dogs with allergies.
You also need to feed your Oodle a bland diet to prevent vomiting, diarrhoea, and gas. Avoid dog foods with grains, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Some Oodles may need special vet-prescribed food or home-cooked food. The best dog foods contain quality sources of meat protein and no cheap fillers.
Skin Treatment
If your Oodle has skin issues due to food allergies, your vet may prescribe topical or oral medicines. You may bathe your Oodle in colloidal oatmeal shampoo to soothe the skin.
Flea Dog Allergies
Even if your Oodle is mostly indoors, it could still acquire flea allergy dermatitis due to fleas from your vet’s office or a pet grooming salon. The flea’s saliva contains proteins that trigger allergy symptoms.
Signs
- Severe itching, biting, chewing, and licking
- Rashes, sores, or blisters
- Patchy hair loss
What To Do
The treatment for flea allergies is two-fold – you need to eliminate existing fleas on your pet and in its environment. You must also take steps to prevent new fleas.
- Bathe your Oodle using an anti-flea shampoo.
- Use spot-on treatment or topical and oral flea products (collars, sprays, and/or powders). Some of these eliminate fleas in their different life stages including eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. Your vet can recommend the right products for your pet. You need to reapply/reuse them monthly or every few months, according to the product’s label instructions.
- Perform pest-control treatments around your house – use foggers, vacuum, etc.).
- Treat your yard for fleas if your Oodle spends time outside. This includes mowing the grass to a short length, eliminating debris and junk piles from the yard, and discouraging wild animals like stray cats, kangaroos, bandicoots, etc., which can bring fleas into your yard.
Seasonal Dog Allergies (Inhalant Allergies)
Some sensitive Oodles could be allergic to pollen, dust, mites, grass, weed, mould, mildew, and even second-hand cigarette smoke.
Signs
- Nasal discharge
- Eye discharge
- Breathing difficulties – wheezing, coughing, sneezing
- Skin problems – itching, sores, etc.
What to Do
- Limit your Oodle’s exposure to second-hand smoke. You must also avoid using air fresheners and limit your pet’s exposure to pollution as much as possible.
- Your vet might prescribe antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medicines for your pet during allergy season when the pollen count is high.
- Some Oodles need steroid shots, and some benefit from essential fatty acid supplements.
- You need to bathe your Oodle frequently using mild shampoo to eliminate environmental allergens.
- Desensitisation or gradual exposure to a known allergen can help but this treatment should only be done under a vet’s supervision. It is not advisable to use this method on older dogs.
FAQs – Dog Allergies
What is the most common dog allergy?
Many Oodles are allergic to dairy, beef, soy, lamb, chicken, wheat, or gluten. Some sensitive Oodles are allergic to shampoos, detergents, and other contact allergens.
How can I treat my dog’s allergies?
The treatment for Oodle allergies mainly depends on the allergen. In the case of food allergies, you’d need to make dietary changes. You must also feed your pet omega essential fatty acid supplements and probiotics and bathe it with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo.
Try eliminating various proteins from your dog’s diet; Prime 100 dog food rolls are a great way to try your dog on a single protein over a couple of weeks to see how their body responds. Many owners notice an immediate improvement in their dog’s allergies, within 3 days once they are off the food that is causing the inflammatory response.
How do I know my Doodle is allergic?
If your pet is sneezing, scratching, or paw-licking continuously, having stomach issues like diarrhoea, or if its coat is dull and has patchy hair loss, then it could be suffering from allergies.
Conclusion – Dog Allergies and Oodles
Oodles can have allergies just like humans. A variety of things, like food and skin irritants, can cause Oodle allergy symptoms. It can be distressing to see your Oodle scratching and licking itself and finding rashes and sores on its belly or paws. If you notice these signs, please help your buddy by discovering the root cause of the allergy and seeking veterinary guidance.
