Allergies in dogs: we give you the keys to detecting them
Dogs, like people and other animals, can also suffer from allergies. In fact, allergies in dogs are more common than you might think —such as atopic dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies, and even allergic reactions to medications. In this article, we'll talk about the most common dog allergies, but we'll also analyze allergy symptoms in dogs and treatments. If you think your furry friend is having an allergic reaction, we recommend you keep reading!
Allergic reaction in dogs: most common dog allergies
Allergies occur in humans and animals when the immune system overreacts to a substance . This causes the body to begin producing antibodies when it isn't needed and to work to eliminate those substances from the body, which leads to a series of reactions. Allergic reactions in dogs —whether skin allergies or allergies to other parts of the body—occur in our pets regardless of breed and usually appear most frequently during the first or second year of life —that is, when the dog is still young. These are the most common allergies in dogs:
Atopic dermatitis or atopy in dogs
It's the most common allergy in dogs, specifically skin allergies—accounting for 15% of cases. It occurs due to the pet's genetic predisposition to develop an inflammatory disease, as well as itchy skin in response to a substance present in the environment. The components that most commonly cause reactions are dust mites, tree pollen, plant pollen, fungi, and even some insects.
Flea saliva allergy
It is unknown why some breeds are more prone to flea allergies than others. However, it is known that most allergies are caused by the cat flea , or Ctenocephalides felis . The proteins present in the flea's saliva trigger hypersensitivity in the animal, which leads to the allergic reaction in dogs. This skin allergy in dogs usually occurs within 30 minutes of the bite (type I reaction) or a delayed hypersensitivity after a few hours, or even up to two days (type IV reaction). Generally, most dogs that have sporadic contact with fleas usually suffer from dermatitis.
Allergic reaction in dogs to food
It's not the most common reaction, but it also occurs frequently. In this case, the pet's immune system overreacts to a specific ingredient in its diet . Generally, the foods that cause the most allergies are those made from grains, such as corn, rice, and wheat, but allergies to beef, dairy, soy, and other foods have also been detected. These allergies can begin at any age, regardless of the animal's breed and sex. According to several studies, allergens in dogs are proteins or protein compounds of a certain size. The likelihood of these occurring increases with the frequency with which they are ingested.
Allergic reaction in dogs to medications
Although rare, some medications can cause allergic reactions in dogs. These usually occur within a few minutes or hours. These reactions cause itchy skin, swelling, and redness of the face.
Dog Allergy Symptoms: What Are They?
There are three clear signs that a dog is suffering from allergies. These are constant itching (when the pet constantly scratches itself), gastrointestinal problems (the animal suffers from digestive disorders such as vomiting and abdominal pain), or infections . The latter usually occur in the paws and ears.
When we talk about allergy symptoms in dogs, specifically those related to food allergies , we will observe that the animal has itching on the face, ears, armpits, groin area, and abdomen. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common, as well as flatulence and severe stomach pain. However, the main symptom of all allergies is itching. If it's flea allergies , then you may notice the animal scratching the back half of its body, but also the back of the back, the rump, the base of the tail, the hind legs, and the abdomen. This can also cause the appearance of inflamed, oozing wounds. In addition, bacteria and yeast often colonize the area, intensifying the dog's itching.
If the allergic reaction is due to atopy , the itching usually occurs on the head, paws, shoulders, abdomen, inner thighs, and ears. On the paws, swelling often appears between the toes, as well as on the pads of the paws. The external auditory canal may also become inflamed. Drug allergies , finally, often result in itchy, swollen skin, as well as facial redness.
Allergies in dogs: treatment
When a dog is diagnosed with an allergy, the best course of action is to identify the cause so the allergen can be avoided. Therefore, if the dog is allergic to fleas, it will need to be dewormed. Antihistamines may also be prescribed to combat itching and prevent secondary infections. In the case of food, the nutrient must be eliminated from the diet. However, if the reaction is atopic, we face a real challenge, as these allergens are practically impossible to avoid. Antihistamines for dogs are recommended in specific cases, for example, in spring. However, if allergic reactions are very frequent, immunotherapy should be used . There are allergy vaccines for dogs in which the allergens are administered at reduced concentrations. These are gradually increased to stimulate the animal's immune system and achieve tolerance to them.
