Dogs are an adventurous and inquisitive species. They just love to sniff and roll and poke through nearly every little bit of dirt and garbage they find. It’s just the way they are! But just as humans can be allergic to synthetic and natural compounds, dogs can get allergic skin reactions too. The main difference between humans and dogs is the fact that humans can develop a runny nose and itchy eyes- obvious indications of an allergic reaction, while dogs’ symptoms may not be as noticeable and thus, not as quickly treated. The symptoms of allergies in dogs can include poor coat thicknesses, hot spots, itching/scratching, infected ears and self-mutilation. Allergies are difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can resemble other serious medical conditions like thyroid and adrenal gland illness.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Causes of Allergic Skin Reactions
There are many substances that can cause allergic reactions. Some examples include natural and synthetic food ingredients, artificial and natural fibers, creams and soaps used on the animal, medications, plants, flea saliva and even common household dust. Just as every human is unique, every dog is unique too. It’s not possible to predict exactly what type of material can cause allergic reactions and how the allergic reaction will manifest in animals.
How does an animal get allergic to a compound?
Each pet is unique. Each one carries a special genetic print which makes him or her one-of-a-kind. For whatever reason, the pet’s genes decide that there are some materials it just does not like and will not tolerate. It might be a perfectly simple material like cotton or wool. Every time the pet’s body comes in contact with the irritating material, it starts an internal defense mechanism to try and kill or isolate the material or the allergen. This antigen or allergen is permanently recorded in the body defense mechanism cells as a foreign body and every time the dog is exposed to it, the dog’s immune system goes into overdrive to protect him. Flea saliva is a prime example of how the animal’s body attacks the allergen and goes all out to kill the “enemy”. A few of the side effects common with this defense reaction is skin swellings, irritation, severe itching and redness, vesicles, scaly skin, excessively oily skin, inflamed skin, hair loss, and many other problems that can make your dog extremely uncomfortable. Relentless itching and scratching are some of the most common reactions.
Basic Types of Allergies
There are several types of dog allergies but a few of the more common ones you will see are the following:
• Atopic dermatitis- Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of allergies seen in dogs. These symptoms are caused by inhaled allergen particles. The most common particles which cause allergic reactions are pollens, molds, dust mites and dander.
• Contact allergies- Several materials may cause contact allergies in your dog. The most common materials are rubber, latex, and plastics. The most regular symptoms are itchy skin, shedding, hives and swelling. Grass allergies are also another very common allergen which can cause irritations.
• Food allergies- Food sources can cause allergic reactions very easily. Dogs can become allergic to various proteins in their diets, not just meat proteins. Common allergic ingredients include beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, corn, and pork. However, these are not the only possible foods an animal can become allergic to. Other ingredients like coloring, preservatives and chemicals can also cause a breakout.
• Flea bite allergies- Fleas saliva is another ingredient which can drive dogs wild with scratching. If the scratching continues too long, the dog may develop deep skin defects and serious secondary infections.
Diagnosis
A proper physical examination of the dog can do wonders to find out what’s causing the problem. It’s also a good idea to switch the dog over to a special hypoallergenic diet. These diets can help to soothe and diagnose symptoms which arise from food allergies and are good for your dog too. Allergy testing and blood testing are other alternatives that one can use to find out exactly what is causing the problems. Get in touch with an experienced veterinarian to spare your pet the discomfort and to discuss treatment options.
