Typical allergy symptoms?
Our dogs are very strong and even if they don't complain openly, they give us small signs that indicate that something is happening to them. Typical symptoms of allergies:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Small wounds on the skin
- It seems that he has dandruff
- Skin rash
- Very swollen insect bites
- Ear infections (which can become chronic)
- Loss of hair
What are they due to? What types are there?
- Environmental allergies: caused by some element of the dog's environment, they are usually more frequent in spring due to the pollen of some plants, as happens to us. ATOPY (inhalation dermatitis) is the allergy caused by the inhalation of pollen, dust, mold, tobacco, etc., that is in the dog's environment.
- Food Allergies: Not all dogs respond well to all foods. Food allergies are the cause of 20-35% of non-seasonal skin conditions and usually develop before the dog is one year old. The main food allergies are caused by grains and legumes (corn, wheat and soy), chicken, beef and veal protein, eggs and milk. They are mainly detected by diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes and/or dandruff and disappear when the allergenic foods are eliminated from the diet.
- Allergies to medications.
- Contact allergies: our dogs are curious, and sometimes smelling a plastic object, animal or chemical product can cause allergic reactions on the skin and mucous membranes. They can also be caused by the cleaning products we use at home, the fabric softener we use to wash clothes or the shampoo we use to bathe them.
- Allergies to parasites and insect bites: flea bites, wasps, spiders, bees, processionary caterpillars, etc. can cause many problems for our dogs, especially if they are allergic to them. For example, flea bites (DDPA) cause hypersensitivity in the skin due to the antigens contained in flea saliva and are the most common skin condition in dogs and cats in the Mediterranean. One of the most dangerous is the processionary caterpillar, since bringing the snout or tongue close to it can cause inflammation of the face and eyelids, inflammation and even necrosis of the tongue, excessive salivation, panting due to difficulty breathing, and in the case of ingestion of the processionary caterpillar, asphyxiation, vomiting and bleeding, and in the most extreme cases, anaphylactic shock and death.
In the most serious cases of allergy, such as in the case of the processionary caterpillar, we must go to the vet immediately. Also if the cat constantly licks a bite or rash, as this can cause a wound, if it has been stung on the face, mouth or nose, is apathetic, has convulsive diarrhoea or vomits and/or contains blood.
For mild cases here are some recommendations:
- Vomiting and diarrhea: analyze the food you are giving and try a Grain Free feed (without cereals) and lamb or fish or Barf diet, in order to eliminate possible food allergens from the diet. Keep in mind that many of the so-called hypoallergenic foods still contain traces of cereals or chicken. Carefully check the ingredients of the food to ensure that you are completely eliminating the allergen from your pet's diet.
- Small skin wounds: We can clean the wounds with iodine, thyme water or chlorhexidine every morning and night until they heal, as long as the wound is not on the mucous membranes.
- Skin rashes or insect bites: On swollen, uninjured skin, we can apply cold cloths or a little ice for a short time at intervals (so as not to burn the skin, just to soothe it).
- Rashes, hair loss and ATOPY: Fatty acids (Omega 6 and Omega 3 such as salmon oil) improve the quality and shine of the coat. Fatty acids help reduce the amount and effects of histamine released in response to the allergy. Treatment lasts weeks or even months and although most dogs improve considerably or are completely cured, there are dogs in which no change is seen.
Are there breeds more prone to allergies?
Generally speaking, purebred dogs are more prone to allergies than mixed breeds due to less genetic diversity.
There are also certain breeds in which allergies are very common, such as certain Terriers like the Scottish Terrier, the East Highland White Terrier, the Cairn Terrier and the Wirehaired Terrier. They are also frequent in Pugs, Miniature Schnauzers, English Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos and in larger breeds such as Setters, Retrievers and Dalmatians.
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