Dog allergy is a state of hypersensitivity or over-reactivity of a dog's immune system to a particular substance called an allergen. Most allergens are proteins from foods, plants, or insects. Exposure to allergens sensitizes the dog's immune system, and a subsequent exposure to the same or related allergen causes over-reactivity.
Usually, a dog's immune system protects them against infections or diseases, but with allergies, their immune response can be harmful to the body. The immune reactions involved in allergies are very complex. Most of these reactions involve allergen protein molecules combining with antibodies in the dog's blood, then attaching to a type of cell referred to as a mast cell. Mast cells are found in many tissues all over the body.
When antigens and antibodies react with mast cells, the mast cells release potent chemicals (e.g., histamines) that cause local inflammation, such as swelling, itching, and redness. This local inflammation causes various signs associated with allergic reactions in dogs.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are the most common types of allergies in dogs. The three main causes of skin allergies include food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, and environmental allergens.
Food Allergies
Flea allergy dermatitis
Environmental allergens
Acute Allergic Reactions
Acute allergic reaction is perhaps the most alarming type of dog allergy. Like humans, dogs can go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe allergic reaction. This can often be fatal if not treated. Vaccine reactions and bee stings, among others, can result in an anaphylactic response in some dogs.
Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your canine friend following the administration of a new vaccine, drug, or food item. Dogs may also develop facial swelling and hives in response to allergens. Swelling of the face, lips, throat, earflaps, or eyelids may look serious, but is not fatal, and veterinarians can treat the swelling with an antihistamine. Speak to your veterinarian about the issue immediately.
Symptoms of allergies in dogs
The most common symptom of dog allergy is itching of the skin, either in one area or all over the dog's body. In most cases, the symptoms involve the respiratory system, with sneezing, coughing, and/ or wheezing. Allergic symptoms may sometimes affect the digestive system resulting in diarrhea and vomiting.
Treatment of dog allergies
Treatment of flea or insect bite allergy
Treatment of food allergy in dogs
Treatment of inhalant allergy in dogs
The Takeaway
Find out what are the root cause(s) of your dog’s allergies, remove the allergens from his environment, be it the food or environmental allergies such as pollen and dust. Be sure to feed your dog a complete and balanced diet to help them thrive.
For further advice on preventions and treatments, speak with your vet.
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