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Allergies in dogs

Allergies in dogs are a common disease that causes the same discomfort to dogs as it does to humans. And today, dogs are increasingly suffering from this disease. Some breeds have a tendency to allergic manifestations, others have a failure in the activity of the immune system. Naturally, the symptoms bring discomfort to the pet, in addition, they can provoke complications, so it is important to deal with the problem in time, after identifying the allergen.

Allergies in dogs

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Causes of Allergies in Dogs

The body of a dog, as well as a person, when an allergen enters it, forms an immune response, which is a defense against the harmful effects of pathogenic substances.

Of course, not every organism reacts equally to the same component, and if a dog shows signs of allergy, it means that the pet is hypersensitive. But why it is formed in dogs, scientists still can not figure out the exact cause. But among the possible provoking factors, most veterinarians distinguish the following:

  • Predisposition, inherited. Among dog breeds, dachshunds, shar-pei, bulldogs, labradors suffer most often from this disease.
  • Anatomical features in the structure of the organs of the nervous and endocrine systems of certain breeds.
  • Long finding dogs in stressful situations.
  • Untreated worms .
  • Diseases of infectious origin, both in acute and chronic form.

As the allergen enters the body, the immune system begins to produce specific antibodies that are able to respond only to a certain type of antigen.

If there is a regular penetration of antigens into the systems and organs of the dog, then the activating antibodies are combined into immune complexes. They are fixed in cells containing substances that are responsible for the inflammatory processes during allergic manifestations - histamine and others.

When activated, the mediators provoke the release of these components into the bloodstream, which spreads them throughout the body to various organs, tissues, and skin. Where they penetrated, inflammation develops in the form of puffiness, redness, skin rashes, intestinal spasms and bronchopulmonary muscles. Immune complexes are often damaged and the circulatory system of the animal.

Some allergens have the property to change their own structure, then the immune system perceives them as abnormal components, which provokes the production of white blood cells and lymphocytes. This process is peculiar to the body during the development of a skin disease such as psoriasis.

In dogs, there are several types of allergies, and each has its own characteristics.

It will be interesting to learn about allergies to dogs .

Dog allergy to fleas

Sufficient common type of allergy in pets, which, in fact, is a reaction of the body of the animal to allergens contained in the saliva of parasites. Among the main symptoms of this disease are the following:

  • irritation of the skin;
  • itch - the dog is restless, bites its fur in the places of defeat, and often itches for a long time.

With this type of pathology, it is not necessary to have a multitude of insects; already one or two parasites cause discomfort in the animal, provoking a strong allergy. In addition, the symptoms of the disease can persist for a long time, even when fleas have died.

Allergic to fleas in dogs

Treatment of this type of allergy primarily involves the elimination of harmful parasites. To alleviate the condition of your four-legged friend during an illness or to help avoid it, you can apply several manipulations:

  • Daily comb the pet's coat, it is especially important to do it during the maximum spread of parasites. Carrying out such manipulations will be a great way to clean the dog's hair from dirt and dust, and from the products of vital activity of fleas.
  • In the presence of fleas, it is necessary to bathe the dog more often, first using special shampoos to kill pests. Then without detergent, to eliminate itching and skin irritation. In addition, a clean animal is not attractive for fleas.

Treatment and prevention of allergies to fleas is also the removal of parasites from the home of the dog - booths and aviaries must be treated with special means. If the pet lives in the apartment, then all the places where the animal lives are subject to treatment.

To prevent the dog from catching fleas, it is recommended that you wear a special flea-back collar or use flea and tick drops. For severe allergic symptoms, it is recommended to seek help from a veterinarian.

Read more on flea allergy .

Food allergy

Food allergy is a peculiar response of the immunological system to the protein obtained with food. Protein is contained in almost all products included in the diet of the animal - meat, fish, by-products, cereals and vegetables, and any of them can serve as a catalyst for the development of allergic manifestations.

Today, this form of allergy has become not uncommon, it can occur in dogs at different ages, and any food component can provoke a reaction. Among the most allergenic products are the following:

  • bird - chicken or turkey;
  • pork and beef;
  • chicken protein;
  • soybean;
  • corn;
  • wheat.

In most cases, food allergies manifest as a disorder of the digestive system - diarrhea and vomiting , but other symptoms are also present:

  • Itching and hyperemia of the skin - the dog often scratches his ears (read about otodektoze ), licking, nibbling the body on the affected places, rubbing against the walls and furniture, trying to get rid of itchy sensations.
  • Appear inflammatory foci, which falls wool . The resulting bald spots without treatment increase.
  • On the skin there is a rash, small wounds or seals in the form of cones.
  • In dogs, the eye mucosa reddens, it becomes inflamed, the lacrimation increases, there is an accumulation of turbid mucus in the corners of the eyes.
  • Pet often sneezes, he has a cough , often there is a current from the nose.
  • Perhaps difficulty breathing with wheezing - an asthmatic manifestation of allergies.
  • Armpit wetting is another sign of food allergies. In the case of wet spots on the dog litter , it is necessary to guard, as this does not mean that the dog sweats, dogs do not have such a physiological phenomenon. This is a sure sign of weeping eczema, often accompanying food allergies.
  • Inflammation of the ears - perhaps the appearance of exudate, the dog begins to shake his ears.

Food allergies in dogs

If you suspect food allergies, to identify and eliminate the allergen, you must do the following:

  • If the dog regularly eats one type of food, then most likely it is in him. In this case, you need to replace the power to another. If this does not help, then one option - you need to visit the vet.
  • With a varied diet is unlikely to be able to independently identify a product containing an allergen. In such a situation, it is better to trust a specialist - he will develop a special diet based on the gradual inclusion of new products in the diet. This method will identify food that causes an allergic reaction in a pet.

In addition to replacing food or introducing a diet, the veterinarian may prescribe special drugs that accelerate the withdrawal of the allergen from the body, as well as supplements that strengthen the immune system.

At home, you can make a pet cleansing enema and give absorbent - activated carbon, Smektu, Enterosgel. If the disease is accompanied by symptoms that threaten the life of a pet, they are removed by injecting drugs and in the form of injections.

Animal feed manufacturers take into account the increase in the number of dogs suffering from this disease, so they produce special low-allergenic feed.

When a hereditary tendency to allergies pet will need regular treatment, in this case, the disease becomes chronic. Pet owners should receive advice on caring for a particular dog.

Experts give several recommendations to reduce the risk of allergies in dogs for food:

  • It is worth observing the state of the mucous membranes of the animal, especially in young individuals and puppies. In order for the surfaces to be healthy, you need to provide your dog with good nutrition and to conduct regular medical examinations.
  • If possible, do not allow pet development of gastroenteritis. Some veterinarians believe that dogs that have had this disease have a tendency to manifest food allergies.
  • Many dogs have a habit of picking up all kinds of rubbish during their walks, the owner’s responsibility is to prevent this phenomenon, because this may be the cause not only of food allergies, but also of poisoning.

Ecological allergies in dogs

The environment often causes allergies in both humans and dogs. Pollen, mold fungi, dust mites, natural tissue fibers, and much more can trigger this condition at any time. If the allergen is constantly present in the house, then the pet will have to suffer from the symptoms of the disease regularly. In other cases, we are talking about the seasonality of manifestations of the disease.

Ecological allergies in dogs

There are two types of environmental allergies:

  • Atopy - a genetic susceptibility to allergies to external stimuli is the most common type of disease. Its main manifestation is seasonal atopic dermatitis . Detected in the form of dandruff and dry skin.
  • Contact allergy - a reaction appears when a pet comes in contact with an allergen-containing item. The most common contact surfaces are the mucous of the stomach, limbs and muzzle.

The treatment of such an allergy, first of all, requires the identification of an allergenic agent and its elimination. Prolonged exposure to a dog's irritant will increase its sensitivity and reaction.

It is necessary to follow a number of rules if there is a pet with a tendency to allergies in the house:

  • The room requires regular ventilation, it is necessary to protect the pet from tobacco smoke, contact with detergents and cleaning products.
  • If you are allergic to pollen during the period of active flowering of plants, you should avoid street walking whenever possible (if the dog is small) or choose an area with the least amount of vegetation.
  • The dog should be provided with clean drinking water that does not contain harmful impurities.
  • Vaccinations and medicines should be taken by the dog only when necessary, since vaccinations and antibiotics , adversely affecting the intestinal flora, create excellent conditions for exposure to allergens.
  • After walking it is necessary to wash the paws of the dog, since this is how allergens get into the house, the same applies to shoes.

The appearance of skin irritations, rash, bald spots can be symptoms of various infections, so it is important to conduct a diagnostic differentiation of the disease. Naturally, knowing the peculiarities of the four-legged friend, it is necessary, if possible, to protect him from possible allergens.

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