Allergy is an inappropriate and exaggerated reaction of the immune system to a substance that normally does not cause harm. This substance is known as an allergen. Pollen, food ingredients, weeds, seeds, tick saliva, flea saliva, detergents, cleaning chemicals, textile fibers, dust mites, and chicken are common allergens for dogs.
The effects of allergies can range from mild skin irritation to sudden death. The most frequent allergies in dogs are caused by food, insect saliva (through bites), inhalation and contact with different allergens. On our site, we'll detail everything you need to know about dog allergies, their symptoms and treatments Keep reading:
Causes of allergies in dogs
There are many causes for which the dog can suffer allergies, generally expressed through the skin It will depend on the contact route that this is considered atopic (if it comes into contact with the respiratory system), dermal (if the consequences appear after physical contact) or due to food:
- Food: Occurs when one or more of the ingredients in the dog's food cause the hypersensitive reaction of the immune system. Common allergens are: corn, wheat, chicken, eggs, beef, soy and milk derivatives.
- Atopic: in this case the dog is allergic to some substance that it breathes or sniffs. Two common allergens are cigarette smoke and pollen. This type of allergy is the second most common in dogs.
- Dermal: These allergies develop when allergens come into direct contact with the dog's skin. Common allergens are: flea collars, collars with other antiparasitics, shampoos, fertilizers, medicines, textile fibers from dog clothes, carpet fibers, insecticides and chemical compounds from cleaning items.
- Others: are caused by insect bites and are the most frequent canine allergies. The most common are flea saliva allergy and tick saliva allergy.
The genetic factor in dog allergies
We must not forget the genetic factor that makes some breeds show certain predisposition to suffer allergiesAmong them we highlight the various skin problems of the shar pei but we also find others such as the M altese bichon, the west highland white terrier, English bulldog, French bulldog or miniature schnauzer among others.
If you suspect that your dog has an allergy, take him to the vet as soon as possible so that they can do an allergy test on dogs to clear up any doubts.
Allergy symptoms in dogs
Symptoms can occur locally or systemically They are usually evident on the skin or through digestive disorders, but also affect other organs and systems such as the respiratory system. Frequent external symptoms in an allergic reaction in dogs are:
- Skin irritation.
- Constant itching.
- Redness.
- Rashes.
- Grain.
- Pustules on the skin.
- Frequent sneezing.
- Lethargy.
- General discomfort.
- Frequent head shaking.
- Frequent scratching of the ears.
- Wax buildup in the ear canal.
Dog Food Allergy Symptoms
Dogs suffering from food allergies, usually have the following symptoms:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Frequent burping.
- Diarrhea.
- Flatulence.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weightloss.
- Lethargy and weakness.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site on Food allergy in dogs - Symptoms and treatment.
Dog allergy diagnosis
Allergy diagnosis is made based on symptoms, dog's history, and physical exam. In most cases, this is enough to recognize the presence of this disease, but not to identify the causing allergen.
To identify the causative allergen, the veterinarian looks for the most frequent causes in relation to the habits of the dog he is diagnosing. In some cases it is easy to find the substance that causes allergies, especially if it is seasonal allergies. Thus, it is relatively easy to recognize pollen as an allergen in some seasonal allergies. It is also relatively easy to identify flea or tick saliva as an allergy cause if the dog is infested with external parasites.
However, in many other cases it is very difficult to find the causative agent of allergies. For these cases, allergy analysis. may be recommended.
Fortunately, there is a less invasive and costly way to identify the allergens involved. It consists of removing all suspected substances from the dog's environment and gradually reintroducing them, until the allergic reaction is provoked again. In this way you can know what the allergen is and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Something similar is done for food allergies. An elimination diet is often recommended, which starts by giving the dog just a few ingredients (for example just chicken and rice). Gradually other ingredients are added to the diet, until the one that causes the allergy is found.
Dog allergy treatment - Solution
Treatment for allergies in dogs can vary depending on the offending allergen. The usual thing is to avoid the food that causes allergies, eliminate the presence of parasites or try to avoid the environmental factor that causes it.
The vet will help us with a guide in which we will test the different effects of certain substances on the dog. However, it is an arduous job that falls on the owners of the dog who are actually the ones who must be informed through the specialist and learn how to deal with this recurring problem in the dog.
Antiallergic for dogs
To reduce the effects of seasonal allergies you can use oral antihistamines, which would be something like "antiallergics" for dogs. This does not remove the allergy but helps reduce symptoms and discomfort until the season when the allergen is common is over. In addition, in addition, the veterinarian can recommend creams, lotions, shampoos and medications that help reduce inflammation and eliminate irritation and itching in the dog.
Prognosis is usually very good once the substance causing the allergy is discovered.
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