Dogs suffer more frequently from allergies, since they are increasingly exposed to the agents that cause them. These allergies end up leading to some kind of ailment, so it is convenient to know everything possible about Allergies in Dogs and their Symptoms, causes and treatments. To delve into these issues, we invite you to continue reading this article.
What is Allergy in Dogs and What are its Symptoms?
An allergy in dogs is defined as any inappropriate and exaggerated reaction of the animal's immune system to a substance that regularly does not cause harm. We give this substance the name of allergen. Pollen, food components, grasses, seeds, tick and flea saliva, detergents, cleaning chemicals, textile fibers, mites and chicken are common allergens for dogs.
Dog allergies have symptoms ranging from mild skin irritation to sudden death. The most common allergies in dogs are caused by food, insect saliva (through bites), inhalation and contact with different allergens. In this article we will share what you need to know about canine allergies, their symptoms and treatments.
Causes of Canine Allergy
Numerous reasons are known why the dog may suffer from allergies, generally manifested at the skin level. According to the means of contact, it depends on whether it is considered atopic (if it comes into contact with the respiratory system), dermal (if the effects arise after physical contact) or of a food nature.
- Food: occurs when one or more of the components of the animal's food produce a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system. Frequent allergens are: corn, wheat, chicken, eggs, beef, soy and milk derivatives.
- Atopic: in this type the dog is allergic to a certain substance that he has breathed or smelled. Two common allergens are cigarette smoke and pollen. This kind of allergy is the second most common in dogs.
- dermal: This type of allergy tends to develop when allergens come into direct contact with the animal's skin. Frequent allergens are: flea collars, collars with other antiparasitic components, shampoos, fertilizers, medicines, textile fibers from clothing for dogs, carpet fibers, insecticides and chemical substances from cleaning products.
- Other: they are caused by insect bites and are the most common dog allergies. Among them, the most common are allergy to flea saliva and tick saliva.
The Genetic Factor in Canine Allergy
We cannot rule out the genetic element that causes certain breeds to have a certain susceptibility to allergies. Of these we can highlight the various skin problems of the shar pei, but we also get other cases such as those of the Maltese bichon, the west highland white terrier, English bulldog, French bulldog or miniature schnauzer and others. If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible for a canine allergy evaluation to determine what is going on.
Allergy in Dogs and Symptoms
Dog allergies and symptoms can manifest locally or systemically. They usually become evident on the skin or through digestive disorders, but they can also affect other organs and systems such as the respiratory system. As part of the most common external symptoms in a canine allergic reaction are:
- Irritated skin.
- Constant itching.
- Redness.
- rashes
- Grain.
- Abscesses on the skin.
- Recurring sneezes.
- Lethargy
- General indisposition.
- Frequent bobbing of the head.
- Persistent scratching of the ears.
- Wax deposits in the ear canal.
Food Allergy Symptoms
Dogs that usually suffer from an allergy to some food, regularly present the following symptoms:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting
- Recurring burps.
- Diarrhea.
- Flatulence
- Lack of appetite
- Weightloss.
- Lethargy and weakness.
Discovery
The diagnosis of allergy is made based on the symptoms, the animal's medical history, and physical evaluation. In most cases, this is enough to identify the presence of this condition, but not to detect the allergen that causes it. To identify the causative allergen, the veterinarian explores the most frequent causes associated with the habits of the dog being evaluated. In certain cases it is easy to determine the allergy-promoting substance, particularly if they are allergies of a seasonal nature.
Thus, it is more or less easy to identify pollen as an allergen in certain seasonal allergies. It is also relatively easy to recognize the saliva of fleas or ticks as allergy promoters if the dog is infested by external parasites. However, in many other cases it is very difficult to pinpoint the agent causing the allergies. In such cases, allergy testing may be advised. Fortunately, there is a less invasive but expensive way to recognize the allergens involved.
It consists of removing all suspected substances from the animal's environment and gradually introducing them again, until the allergic reaction occurs again. In this way it is possible to recognize which is the allergen and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Something similar is done for food allergies. A discard diet is usually recommended, which begins by providing the dog with only a few ingredients (such as only chicken and rice). Gradually, other ingredients are added to the diet, until the one that causes the allergy is achieved.
Treatment
For dog allergies and their symptoms, the treatment can vary according to the promoting allergen. The usual thing is to remove the food that causes the allergy, rule out the presence of parasites or try to prevent the environmental factor that triggers it. The veterinarian will assist us with a plan in which we will test the different effects of certain substances on the animal. However, it is a complex task that falls on the owners of the dog who are the ones who really have to get information from the specialist and understand how to treat this inconvenience in which the dog usually reoffends.
Antiallergics for Dogs
To reduce the effects of seasonal allergies, oral antihistamines can be used, which would be like "antiallergics" for dogs. This does not eliminate the allergy but it helps to calm the symptoms and discomfort until the season in which the allergen is frequent is over. Additionally, and in a complementary way, the veterinary expert can prescribe lotions, shampoos and medicines that help reduce inflammation and rule out irritation and itching of the animal. The prognosis is usually very good once the allergy-promoting substance is identified.
Natural Treatments
Obviously, until the veterinarian informs us about what has caused this allergic reaction in our faithful friend, we have to start making certain resolutions, which we have already mentioned above, but we also have to decide what we are going to do. do so that the animal does not suffer so much, particularly with itching.
To alleviate them, the veterinarian can prescribe various antifungals or painkillers to treat skin irritation and soothe the itching, because even if the source has been identified and is under therapy, we require something to soothe the itching while we discard all traces of danger. If you do not like to use chemicals, because they may be the ones that have caused the irritation, you can try these natural remedies, which will not harm your dog's skin and will also relieve him immediately.
Fish oil
Omega 3 is ideal for the treatment of canine allergies in a natural way, since it will additionally provide an extraordinary shine to their fur, it will form a protective layer for their skin, contributing to its healing.
Oatmeal
With just two measures of oatmeal, in the bathroom, when we are giving it a rinse, it will greatly calm the itching of your skin, since it forms a kind of foam that will calm the itching. It is also used in humans, when they suffer, for example, from chickenpox.
Cold water
It is undoubtedly the best way to soothe itching, since it will not only soothe the affected area but will also reduce redness and swelling, so it will also stop itching after a bath with cold water. A bath of about 15 minutes is more than enough for our friend to calm down.
With the indicated treatments you will not only soothe your dog's skin, but you will also help to recover it, and your dog will be much happier since it will recover more quickly.
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