Is A Vizsla Prone To Allergies? Vet-Approved Breed Characteristics, Care & Facts
By Ashley Bates
Updated on
Vizslas are impressive specimens with highly athletic physiques and charming demeanors. This purebred has such distinct looks that they truly stand out in the crowd. If you have welcomed one of these pups into your home, or you’re thinking of getting one in the future, you should certainly learn all about them.
Allergies are a common issue for many dogs—both environmental and food-related. But certain breeds are more predisposed to the issue than others. So where do Vizslas stand? They have more of an inclination toward allergies, statistically speaking. Let’s find out more.
Vizslas + Allergies: How do they rate?
Vizslas are generally healthy dogs with silky, single-layer coats. They are very easy to care for and require very little grooming. Even though they are low-maintenance, allergies can most certainly crop up in the breed.
If so, their fur type will pay off because it will make it easy to spot if there is redness or irritation. During puppyhood, you might not notice any symptoms whatsoever. But once your pup reaches maturity, the onset of allergies can appear.
Signs of Allergies
Allergies usually come on between one and three years of age. Often, the severity changes over time, getting more or less severe (depending on the dog). Allergies are often controlled by lifestyle changes and medication. So even though it can be an irritating issue, it’s very treatable.
With Vizslas specifically, they often experience a form of allergy called atopy and is a hypersensitivity to a variety of different allergic triggers.
On a lesser spectrum, Vizslas can sometimes have food allergies related to their diet. While testing can tell your vet a little about your dog’s allergy, they might have to go through food trials to pinpoint the trigger.
- Skin irritation
- Ear infections
- Paw licking
- Face rubbing
- Flaky skin
- Hair loss
If you notice your dog is exhibiting a few of these signs, it’s time to make an appointment for an evaluation. The quicker you get a handle on the allergy situation, the more irritation free your pup will be.
Other Skin Conditions Vizslas Could Have
Allergies aren’t the only aggravating issue that can affect your Vizsla’s skin. There are certain health conditions, including an issue called mange. Let’s look at each one in more detail.
Mange
Mange is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites called Demodex. These mites are normal in controlled amounts on the skin. However, if a dog has a compromised immune system or is of a certain breed (like the Vizsla), it can cause an overproduction of these mites.
Mange requires veterinary attention. Your vet will prescribe the right way medication to reduce the mite population and regain control.
Skin Conditions
While Vizslas can have several skin conditions, the most common one is called sebaceous adenitis. It can mimic allergies because it causes symptoms like patchy hair loss and scaly, flaky skin. There are many avenues to treatment, depending on the dog’s response.
Typically, fatty acid supplements and medicated shampoos control it outside of vet treatment.
Diagnosis & Treatment for Allergies in Vizslas
Dogs can have allergic reactions to numerous triggers—just like humans. Aside from medication, allergic reactions could come from environmental or food-related sources.
Food Allergies
Food allergies can come from virtually any ingredient in commercial dog food. Most often, dogs have allergies to the protein source used in the recipe. Commonly, these include chicken, beef, and fish. Vets usually recommend novel or hydrolyzed proteins if your dog has a protein allergy.
Novel proteins are meats that have never been introduced into your dog’s diet. For example, duck, bison, and venison are generally novel proteins. Hydrolyzed proteins are animal products broken down through steam or other means into protein “chunks” too small for the immune system to recognize and react to.
Some Vizslas can be sensitive to other ingredients, like artificial dyes, flavors, and grains. Grain-free recipes might be prevalent on the market, but they are often overfed. Grain-free diets should only be used after discussion with your vet, as they have been linked to cardiomyopathy and other health issues.
Environmental Allergies
It’s hard to say exactly what some sensitive pups will be allergic to. Environmental allergies can come from various spores, pollen, and other outdoor triggers. Some Vizslas are sensitive to certain dyes, materials, and fabrics.
If you find that your Vizsla is getting hotspots or skin irritation, check laundry detergents, dyes, and any other products used on bedding. If you find there is irritation on your dog’s neck or any other area where a harness might touch, it could be a dye irritant in the fabric.
Once the cause is determined, you can make changes at home accordingly.
How Do Vets Test for Allergies
If your dog could have allergies, your vet will want to evaluate them further. Typically, they take a blood sample, or do skin testing, to try to pinpoint what might cause allergic reactions. Once your vet determines the trigger, you can both work to devise a plan to avoid or treat the allergy.
Often, your vet will put your dog on food trials with food-related allergies to see what recipe works best for them. With environmental allergies, you will work to find the trigger and eliminate it from your dog’s daily life.
Not uncommonly, your Vizsla must take medication to control responses to their allergy.
Final Thoughts
Treatment is key if your Vizsla has been displaying potential signs of allergies. Some allergic reactions are more severe than others, and treatment can vary quite a bit. If you want to get to the bottom of it, it’s best to make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.
Buying from a reputable breeder can help eliminate some risks of developing health issues. If you don’t yet have a Vizsla, know that allergies are prevalent in the breed. So, it’s definitely something to plan for.