how do you know that dogs are allergic? If so, is it possible to solve this problem?
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allergies do exist in dogs in a variety of forms. Dog allergies may hinder the daily life of dogs, but there are treatments and solutions to reduce their effects. Most of the difficulties in management lie in the detection and identification of allergies.
what is allergy?
humans are not the only ones suffering from various forms of allergy. Many creatures are affected, including our four limb friends. The allergic mechanism of
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dogs is the same as that of humans. Generally speaking, when the body is exposed to a special element called allergen, allergic reaction is an important response of the immune system, usually a dramatic response. This allergen is actually a substance unrelated to the body and contains antigens incorrectly recognized by the body (natural or synthetic molecules that can trigger the immune response of the body that detects it). Allergens can be specific pollen, food and drugs…
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a dog may experience multiple allergies, that is, it may be sensitive to different allergens.
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dogs have very different allergic properties, as well as dog reactions and symptoms. Accurate identification of allergens is essential for rapid and effective disease management, so that dogs can live normally without being affected by related diseases. However, this accurate identification is sometimes complex or even impossible.
The most common form of allergy in dogs is
. Dogs may be allergic to various substances in the environment. Allergies fall into three broad categories.
is a contact allergy: the dog’s body reacts to allergens when exposed or inhaled. The latter may be mites, drugs, pollen… Food allergy: eating some foods may cause allergic reactions in dogs.
dogs of different breeds show susceptibility to contact or food allergy. They vary from country to country, depending on their way of life and the substances they come into contact with. Allergic dogs are usually the following breeds: Bulldogs, staves, Labradors, boxing dogs, Argentine dogs, Westies (etc.).
is allergic to bites: the bites of fleas and other insects may cause allergies, especially through the saliva of these pests. Dogs are allergic to flea bites and have no racial tendencies.
once the dog’s body comes into contact with allergens, its immune system will overreact. Then there is sensitization: the body produces antibodies (immune system proteins that detect and neutralize pathogens) against the antigens of this allergic substance. In a subsequent exposure, the effect of antibody on this substance considered harmless to human body will lead to allergic symptoms.
according to the situation, these symptoms will appear on redness of eyes, vomiting and patches on the skin, Swelling and even diarrhea.
in the case of food allergy, the response of the dog’s immune systemIt can also be converted into skin reaction here.
in dogs, allergy usually occurs between 6 months and 2 years old. However, allergic reactions may occur in his life, especially when he is exposed to new substances: new pollen types after the change of residential area, new diet…
dog allergy diagnosis and treatment
Allergies are not easy to detect in dogs because the observed symptoms may also occur in other types of diseases.
when allergies are suspected, veterinarians will conduct blood tests or contact dogs with allergens in low doses, In order to determine whether there is a reaction,
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usually do not know which allergen caused it, or even which allergy. If the perpetrators are to be identified, suspicious substances must be checked one by one: if the symptoms disappear after eliminating many symptoms, it is unknown who caused them. For example, if a food allergy is suspected, a withdrawal diet is implemented by eliminating a food again and again and monitoring the development of symptoms. This is a long and strict process, because giving food different from the prescription (even simple food) will distort the whole process.
if the allergy is confirmed, the veterinarian will choose the appropriate solution according to the nature and characteristics of the dog.
it can advocate the elimination of foods considered allergens in the case of food allergy, or suggest appropriate measures for their environment (for example, regularly clean the environment and dog accessories in the case of pollen allergy) Kdsps veterinarians can also use desensitization protocols: dogs are directly exposed to trace allergens to make their bodies regularly “adapt” to their presence.
“Veterinarians can also prescribe a drug to relieve symptoms (antibiotics, corticosteroids, etc.). Do not self treat dog allergies: animal health professionals must diagnose and prescribe appropriate allergies to your animals. Giving the latter a drug based on simple assumptions may be useless at best and harmful to your partner.
