Allergies are a common worry for Belgian Malinois owners. These active dogs can have the same allergic problems as other breeds. In fact, skin allergies (atopic dermatitis) are one of the most common health problems across all breeds, and Belgian Malinois can certainly develop them.
Malinois dogs are not known for having many allergies like some other breeds. However, it is common to see a Malinois with chronic itching or repeated ear infections caused by allergies. To help every pooch who’s dealing with severe itchiness, this guide might help you.
What Are Allergies in Belgian Malinois?
An allergy is essentially an overreaction of the dog’s immune system to something in the environment or diet that is normally harmless.
In Belgian Malinois, allergies usually show up as skin problems. You might see excessive scratching, paw licking, face rubbing, or red, irritated skin. The immune system wrongly sees a common substance, called an allergen, as a danger. It then releases histamines and other chemicals. This can cause symptoms like itching, swelling, and sometimes stomach issues.
Allergies in Belgian Malinois can start when the dog is a young adult and may worsen with age. There is often a genetic factor. Malinois dogs are not the most allergy-prone breed. However, any dog can develop allergies if they inherit that trait.
Common Types of Allergies in Belgian Malinois
Allergies in Belgian Malinois generally fall into a few main categories: food allergies, environmental (seasonal) allergies, flea allergies, and occasionally contact allergies.
All of these can cause similar outward symptoms (itchy skin, ear problems, etc.), which is why it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact cause without careful observation or veterinary testing.
Food Allergies in Belgian Malinois
Food allergies are often the first thing owners think of when their Malinois has chronic itching or stomach issues. In fact, food allergies in Belgian Malinois are a common cause of year-round allergy symptoms. A true food allergy involves the immune system reacting to a protein in the diet. Over time, the dog’s body becomes sensitive to a certain ingredient. It then has an allergic reaction whenever that food is eaten.
Common food allergens for dogs are typically proteins or common food ingredients. In many cases, the offending ingredients are everyday staples in dog food. Examples of frequent canine food allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs.
Belgian Malinois can be allergic to any of these, though individual sensitivities vary. If your Malinois has a food allergy, you might notice symptoms such as itchy skin (especially paws and ears), paw licking, recurrent ear infections, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or soft stool.
Unlike humans, who often show immediate hives or swelling from a food allergy, dogs more commonly develop chronic skin problems first. For example, persistent ear infections or skin infections in a Malinois that don’t resolve with typical treatment may point to an underlying food allergy.
It’s important to note that food allergies can be confused with food intolerances. An allergy triggers an immune response, whereas an intolerance (or sensitivity) might cause digestive upset without an immune reaction.
In practice, both can cause similar symptoms, so working with a veterinarian is key. According to veterinary experts, true food allergies are less common than environmental allergies in dogs, but many Malinois owners report food-related issues. Because Malinois are active, high-energy dogs that require a nutritious diet, it’s crucial to identify any foods that don’t agree with them.
How can you confirm a food allergy in Belgian Malinois?
The gold standard is an elimination diet trial. This means giving your dog a new protein and carbohydrate source they have never had before. You can also try a hydrolyzed hypoallergenic diet. Do this for 8 to 12 weeks and see if their symptoms get better.
Many Malinois owners choose limited-ingredient diets or new protein diets. These include duck, venison, or fish-based formulas to avoid common allergens. Home-cooked diets are another approach since you control every ingredient, but consult a vet nutritionist to ensure it’s balanced.
Managing your Malinois’s diet is crucial for overall health, especially if they have food sensitivities. Check out our Belgian Malinois Diet & Feeding Guide for tips on choosing high-quality food and accommodating special dietary needs (including allergy-friendly options).
Environmental (Seasonal) Allergies in Belgian Malinois
Many Belgian Malinois have environmental allergies, also called atopic dermatitis. These are allergic reactions to things in the air or substances they touch. These allergens are often seasonal, hence the term “seasonal allergies,” though some can be present year-round (like indoor dust). A Malinois with environmental allergies may start itching at certain times of the year. This often happens in spring and fall when pollen counts are high. They may also have mild itchiness that comes and goes.
Common environmental allergens
· Pollen: Grasses, weeds, trees, and flower pollens can all provoke allergic reactions. Malinois who romp in fields or yards may absorb pollen through their skin and paws.
· Dust mites: These microscopic critters live in household dust. Dogs allergic to dust mites might have year-round symptoms, often worse in winter when dogs spend more time indoors.
· Mold and fungus: Mold spores in damp environments (like a basement or during rainy seasons) can set off atopic allergies.
· Plant materials: Besides pollen, certain plants or grasses can cause contact irritation or allergy when a dog lies on or brushes against them.
Just like with food allergies, allergies in Belgian Malinois to environmental triggers usually show up as skin issues. You may see your Malinois licking their paws excessively, chewing their feet, rubbing their belly on the carpet, or scratching their muzzle and ears.
Paws and ears are often hit the hardest with atopic dermatitis. It’s because dogs absorb allergens through the skin on their feet and the sensitive skin inside the ears. Repeated ear infections or foot-chewing each spring or summer is a big red flag for seasonal allergies.
Unlike food allergies, environmental allergies can be hard to avoid completely – you can’t exactly keep all pollen or dust away from your dog.
Strategies to manage atopy in Malinois
· Frequent cleaning and bathing: Wiping your dog’s paws and belly after outdoor walks can remove pollen. Regular bathing (weekly or as advised by your vet) with hypoallergenic shampoo helps wash off allergens from the coat. (For bath tips, see our section on managing allergies below and our guide on How to Bathe a Belgian Malinois for step-by-step advice.)
· Antihistamines or medications: Some Malinois respond to over-the-counter antihistamines (like Benadryl, with veterinary guidance on dosing). In more severe cases, veterinarians may prescribe allergy medications such as Apoquel or give Cytopoint injections to control itching. These can dramatically reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis by targeting the dog’s inflammatory response.
Brushing your Malinois several times a week is also beneficial. It removes shed hair and dander that can hold allergens. (Belgian Malinois do shed quite a bit, especially seasonally. Therefore, brushing can also reduce the amount of dander and allergen spread in your home. For tips on managing that famous Malinois undercoat, read our guide on how to deal with Belgian Malinois shedding.)
· Fatty acid supplements: Omega-3 supplements (fish oil) can improve skin barrier health over time, making the skin less reactive and itchy. They’re a great add-on for any allergy-prone Malinois and also promote a healthy coat.
· Allergy testing and immunotherapy: If your Malinois has severe seasonal allergies, a veterinary dermatologist can perform allergy testing (blood tests or intradermal skin testing) to pinpoint the exact allergens. Based on the results, your vet may formulate immunotherapy (allergy shots or oral drops) which gradually desensitize your dog’s immune system to those allergens. About 70% of dogs show improvement with immunotherapy over time, though it requires patience.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Belgian Malinois
Fleas are not just an annoyance; for allergic dogs, they can be a nightmare. Flea allergy dermatitis (often abbreviated FAD) is one of the most common causes of skin allergies in dogs. In Belgian Malinois, a flea allergy means that even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching and a rash. Dogs with FAD are allergic to proteins in the flea’s saliva. When the flea bites, it sets off a severe localized allergic reaction on the skin.
A Malinois suffering from flea allergy dermatitis will typically exhibit extreme itchiness, especially around the lower back, tail base, and thighs.
You might notice hair loss or thinning fur in those areas, small red bumps or scabs (sometimes called “flea dermatitis rash”), and the dog biting or chewing at the hind end furiously. Often, dogs with flea allergies will chew the fur off the base of their tail due to the itch. Even indoor Belgian Malinois need good flea prevention if they’re allergic, because it only takes one sneaky flea from the yard or another pet to cause problems.
The good news is that flea allergies are relatively easy to manage: rigorous flea control. If you suspect your Malinois has a flea allergy, the first step is to get rid of any fleas on the dog and in the environment.
Use veterinarian-recommended flea preventatives year-round These can be topical treatments, oral medications, or flea collars. It’s important to treat all pets in the household and to clean the dog’s bedding and common areas. Note that fleas and their eggs can lurk in carpets and fabrics.
Contact Allergies in Belgian Malinois
Contact allergies occur when a dog’s skin comes into direct contact with a substance that causes a reaction. Examples include certain shampoos, cleaning chemicals, lawn pesticides, or even materials like rubber or wool. A Malinois with a contact allergy might develop a localized rash or irritation on areas of skin that touch the offending substance. For example, it could be a belly rash after lying on a chemically treated lawn.
Contact allergies are relatively rare. They can be resolved by removing or avoiding the irritant once identified. For instance, if you discover your dog is allergic to a particular detergent used to wash his bedding, switching products should fix the issue.
Allergies are just one of several health challenges that Belgian Malinois can face. For a broader overview of Mal health issues (and how to prevent them), you may read 9 Common Belgian Malinois Health Issues: Reasons & Treatment on our blog. Allergies are included there as a common issue, alongside other conditions every Mal owner should be aware of.
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