Allergies in dogs: types, symptoms, signs, treatment

Why and how allergies develop in dogs

After the allergen enters the animal’s body, the immune system responds by producing proteins—antibodies—that are capable of forming specific immune complexes.
Prolonged or repeated penetration of the allergen leads to the activation of complexes, which causes the release of inflammatory mediators into the blood - an inflammatory response develops. In addition to external manifestations, negative changes also occur inside the body: the permeability of blood vessels increases, their walls are damaged, the structure of the animal’s own tissues changes (which subsequently causes autoimmune diseases), and so on. It is unknown why the dog’s body is more susceptible to the allergen. However, it is believed that the underlying cause is a dysfunction of the immune system. This may be caused by the following factors:

• heredity;
• prolonged stressful situations;
• the presence of chronic pathologies;
• individual characteristics of the nervous system, hormonal levels;
• helminthic infestations.

Chemical allergy

Is it possible to give dogs anti-allergy pills if they are caused by household chemicals or dog cosmetics? It is possible and even necessary. Only the selection of a suitable drug should be entrusted to a doctor. In this case it is extremely important.

Because the combination of different chemicals (the allergy source and the pill) in the dog's body can cause an uncontrollable reaction.

The consequences can be dire.

What are the most common allergies in dogs?

The drug package might look something like this:

1. Antihistamines (most often Suprastin).
2. Homeopathic remedies such as Nux, Engistol, Traumeel, Gomcord and others.
3. Preparations containing sufficient doses of iron, enzymes and coenzyme Q10.
4. Fish oil, vitamins E and C.
5. Complex bifidobacteria, for example, "Lactobifid".
6. Veterinary preparation of sulfur.
7. A medicine to remove toxins from the body. For example, Enterosgel.
8. Exekan sugar. This drug contains a complex that relieves inflammation and supports liver function.
9. Other drugs.

Of course, this list is absolutely not a recipe or a guide to action. To say for sure that only a qualified veterinarian can rid a dog of allergies in each specific situation.

Common Signs of an Allergic Reaction in Dogs

How do allergies manifest in dogs? It depends on the type of allergen. The body can respond with inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes, respiratory tract, muscle tissue, skin, digestive organs, and so on. However, there are some general signs that you should definitely pay attention to:

• dry, flaky skin;
• the appearance of bald spots, bald patches;
• discharge from the nostrils;
• swelling of the conjunctiva;
• frequent itching;
• increased lacrimation;
• redness of the inner surface of the ears;
• increased humidity in the armpits;
• digestive problems, gastrointestinal disorders;
• wheezing, shortness of breath;
• changes in the psyche (irritability, aggressiveness).

Attention: if the reaction to the allergen is very violent, the dog may develop Quincke's edema. If your animal's face is swollen, breathing is impaired, or its eyes are swollen, you should immediately seek help from a veterinarian.

Since allergy symptoms are similar to many diseases, an accurate diagnosis can only be made after a thorough examination of the dog.

Frequent itching

The appearance of bald spots

Discharge from the nostrils

Redness of the inner surface of the ears

Redness on the paw

Redness on the chest

Important points to know

This is a congenital pathology. It may not appear immediately, but it is determined genetically and the tendency to allergies is inherited.

Any type of hypersensitivity is cumulative. That is, it begins to appear after a long time of contact with the allergen. This time is individual in each individual case; signs may appear in a few days, or in a few months.

The dose of the allergenic substance does not matter at all; often a very insignificant amount is enough for clear symptoms of hypersensitivity to appear.

Allergies cannot be cured! All we can do is control the symptoms and limit contact with the allergen.

A dog can be hypersensitive to several substances at the same time.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing allergies in dogs, a specialist will prescribe a comprehensive examination. It is possible to exclude other diseases using blood tests, urine tests, stool tests for worms, skin scrapings and many other methods. The difficulty in identifying an allergen lies in the fact that the symptoms of the conditions are very similar. In this regard, the exclusion method is used, that is, possible allergens are examined one after another. The first thing people pay attention to is food and parasitic insects.

If signs of allergy appear, it is necessary to diagnose the causes for subsequent treatment.

To identify food allergies, the animal is given a special diagnostic diet. The pet will have to eat a certain type of food for about two months, including/excluding various protein foods. The owner is obliged to record the presence or absence of changes in the protein map. If a food allergen is detected, it is permanently excluded from the diet. This method is the only one that makes it possible to identify a product that is allergenic to a dog.

To establish a flea allergy, a test with a white piece of paper soaked in water is used. Insects leave “waste” of their digestion on the animal’s body in the form of black spots. On a wet leaf, these inclusions blur into red spots.

If necessary, diagnostic tests can be performed.

• Intradermal test. The dog is injected subcutaneously with a small amount of the allergen, and then the immune response is analyzed.
• Blood test for antibodies. It is performed by adding a small volume of blood to the suspected allergen.

Laboratory diagnostics are rarely used. This is due to the high cost of such tests, the long wait for results, as well as their lack of reliability.

Symptoms

As a matter of fact, the most striking symptoms include the above-mentioned external manifestations of allergies. However, this disease can also masquerade as other diseases; in this case, the dog owner, even if he is a veterinarian, is unlikely to be able to confidently make the correct diagnosis solely based on external signs. These include vomiting, upset stomach, lethargy, and fever (above 39.5 °C). That is why it is so important not to neglect all these manifestations and contact a specialist in time, because an allergy that is harmless at first can intensify and lead to serious consequences, including anaphylactic shock.

As for the symptoms that can be identified using tests in the clinic, we can talk about the body’s specific responses to the introduction of small doses of potential allergens.

Types of allergies in dogs

Just like people, dogs suffer from various types of allergic reactions.

• Atopic. Caused by genetic characteristics. It can develop to any irritant (dust, poplar fluff, mold), so it can be almost impossible to detect the allergen.
• Respiratory. Occurs when a dog inhales an immune response pathogen. Characteristic symptoms are respiratory disorders.
• Autoimmune. This is an allergy to your own cells.
• Contact. Caused by direct contact of the dog’s body with allergenic objects.

In each case, the key to successful therapy will be the complete exclusion of the allergen.

Allergy to food

Food allergies develop in dogs mainly as a response to protein, so any product containing this component can cause it. The most common allergens are meat products, chicken egg whites, grains and legumes (wheat, soy). Artificial additives contained both in animal feed and in ordinary products can lead to allergies: flavors, dyes, preservatives.

There is an opinion that the most common allergy among four-legged friends is chicken. In fact, this type of allergic reaction is not much more common than others. Even pig meat or soy products cause a much stronger response from the immune system.

Symptoms of a food allergy may include the following:

• skin itching, rashes;
• local hair loss;
• mucus discharge from the eyes;
• indigestion;
• itching and/or discharge in the ears, swelling of the ears and others.

Treatment of food allergies consists of identifying the allergen, eliminating it, and medicinal relief from symptoms.

Food allergies are one of the most common

Flea allergy

Allergy to flea bites is also based on the body's reaction to foreign proteins. During damage to the skin, an insect injects a special secretion containing enzymes and various active substances into the tissues of the animal. Some dogs can withstand even numerous bites, and especially sensitive ones can react to fleas even if there is only one insect.

Symptoms of a flea allergy may include the following:

• hyperemia of the epidermis;
• scratching due to constant itching;
• rashes in the groin area;
• scabs.

When examining the dog externally, the owner may not see fleas. For an allergic reaction to develop, it is enough for an insect to bite, after which the flea can leave the animal’s body.

Therapy in this case consists of destroying blood-sucking insects (if there are none, then preventive treatment is carried out) and eliminating symptoms with medications.

Allergy to medications

Cases of an allergic response of a dog’s body to medications are not uncommon. The most common allergens are:

• antibacterial agents;
• vaccines;
• vitamin preparations.

Drug allergies may not appear immediately. This type of immune response, in most cases, manifests itself as the substance accumulates in the dog’s body.

Attention: despite the gradual development of an allergic reaction (which is the most common), some pets may experience a sharp response in the form of swelling of the respiratory tract, suffocation, and anaphylactic shock. Therefore, when taking medication for the first time, you need to carefully monitor the animal’s condition.

Symptoms of drug allergies include: rash, intestinal disorders, and heart problems. Treatment consists of immediate cessation of medications and symptomatic therapy. In severe cases, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

Allergies to medications in dogs

Allergy to hygiene products and household chemicals

Dogs react sensitively to components of household chemicals and hygiene products. This form of allergy can appear after direct treatment of the animal (for example, washing with inappropriate shampoo), as well as as a result of washing bedding, using detergent additives when washing the floor, and so on.

Manifestations of this type of immune response may include:

• hair problems;
• dermatitis and dermatoses;
• lacrimation;
• discharge from the nostrils;
• swelling of the conjunctiva, redness of the organs of vision;
• sneezing and others.

It is difficult to detect the allergen in this case. Since allergies to food and fleas are primarily suspected, it will take about two months to eliminate these allergens. During this period, the symptoms of an allergic reaction to hygiene and detergents may worsen. If a foreign agent is detected, it is completely excluded from the dog’s life and appropriate symptomatic therapy is carried out.

Boss, are you sure I won’t have allergies after all these shampoos?

Other types of allergens

Dogs have a wide variety of allergies. So, the pet’s body may react inadequately to:

• feather;
• helminths;
• fungal infection, bacteria;
• plant pollen or indoor plants;
• other domestic animals (birds, cats);
• natural or, on the contrary, synthetic fabrics.

It will take more than one month to identify such an allergen. In many cases, the animal suffers all its life, since it is not possible to determine the causative agent of the pathology.

Skin allergies

Of the most common dog allergies after food, one can name a disease such as allergic dermatitis. This is an abnormal reaction of the dog's body to external stimuli.

It could be:

• Organic components of dust (small dust mites, pieces of human skin, dandruff);
• Pieces of fur from other animals;
• Synthetics (carpet, dog wardrobe, curtains);
• Household chemicals;
• Cosmetics for dogs, perfumes;
• Other irritants.

Most often, young puppies are susceptible to allergic dermatitis. The sudden appearance of such a disease in an adult dog may be a sign of developing cancer or an autoimmune disease.

Despite the fact that allergic dermatitis is a very “eloquent” disease (all the main symptoms are mainly present on the animal’s skin), it is worth conducting additional research to rule out more serious illnesses. Similar manifestations may have:

• Infection of an animal with worms;
• Kidney failure;
• Scabies;
• Animal skin mycosis;
• Diabetes;
• Numerous insect bites.

To rule out these diseases, it is necessary to take blood, feces and urine tests, as well as scrapings from the pet’s skin. Only after this can you say with confidence what medicine to give your dog for allergies (if this is the case).

Treating allergic dermatitis is a slow process.

First of all you will need:

• minimize the dog’s contact with the source of trouble;
• give the animal plenty of fluids;
• start taking glucocorticosteroids and antihistamines;
• carry out local treatment using wound healing and anti-inflammatory agents.

Although the first signs of relief may appear within a few days, treatment should not be stopped until symptoms have completely disappeared. Complex therapy can last up to six months.

The dangers of allergies in dogs

If the allergen is not identified and eliminated, the dog will suffer from symptoms constantly, resulting in serious disruptions in the functioning of all organ systems. Lack of treatment can lead to diseases such as:

• chronic dermatosis;
• hormonal disbalance;
• psychical deviations;
• pulmonary edema, respiratory arrest;
• chronic conjunctivitis;
• heart pathologies;
• baldness;
• anaphylactic shock.

Since the body is weakened, a secondary infection occurs in the form of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In severe cases, the pathology leads to the death of the pet.

Allergy to parasite bites

Now let's talk about what they give dogs for allergies to skin parasite bites. Since flea dermatitis is manifested primarily by intolerable itching, you are unlikely to be able to manage without antihistamines. In addition to Suprastin, which we have already talked about, most dogs are prescribed the following drugs:

• Diazolin
• Loratadine
• Zyrtec
• Fenistil
• Other drugs.

In addition, skin treatment is mandatory. This will help cure itching and heal wounds.

All these measures will be practically useless if the main cause of the disease - fleas and ticks - is not eliminated.

How to treat allergies in dogs

How to relieve allergies in dogs, how and with what to treat its symptoms? This depends on various factors: the severity of the disease, the presence or absence of a secondary infection, the condition of the pet (newborn puppy, pregnancy, old age) and others. Therapy should be comprehensive and include activities such as:

• identification and elimination of the allergen;
• hypoallergenic diet;
• drug relief from symptoms.

It is necessary to introduce restrictions in the diet not only to identify food allergies, but also for other types of immune response.

If your pet has a malfunction of the lacrimal glands, swelling of the conjunctiva, purulent discharge from the eyes, appropriate drops, ointments and rinses are prescribed. In case of skin lesions and hair loss, external antiseptic, antipruritic, healing agents are indicated, and in the case of a secondary infection, antibacterial ointments and preparations for internal use. Other symptoms are treated in a similar way. If your pet suddenly develops swelling of the mucous membrane of the mouth and eyes, and the dog begins to choke, then you need to urgently call a veterinarian or take the animal to the nearest clinic.

Heal me completely

FAQ

What to feed a dog with allergies?

The main thing is to feed them with foods that they have not fed before. These should be products with a new source of protein for the dog.

What is the difference between atopic dermatitis and food allergies?

These are two concepts that are mutually exclusive. Atopic dermatitis is not a food allergy. For those substances that do not come with food, but are found in the environment.

Do dog allergies go away after sterilization?

No. The tendency to allergies is fixed in the dog’s genotype, and it cannot go away and cannot be cured.

Is it possible to give a dog Zodak, Tavegil, Diphenhydramine, Suprastin?

In some cases, it is not only possible, but necessary, but you need to accurately calculate the required dose, and it is best to act under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Are dogs allergic to cats?

Yes, this is possible. There are isolated cases where a dog had hypersensitivity to its own fur.

Are dogs allergic to cold?

Dogs can indeed be hypersensitive to cold, in which case keep your pet as warm as possible, wear special dog clothing when walking, and if necessary, you can give antihistamines.

What to feed your dog during allergy treatment

In case of an allergic reaction of any kind, the animal needs a special diet. It is necessary to exclude from it all foods that the body tolerates the most:

• chicken, pork and beef meat;
• wheat products;
• yeast based products;
• fish;
• egg white;
• products with soy additives.

Hypoallergenic food

You should feed your pet predominantly natural food that does not contain coloring, preservatives or flavorings. Such additives further disrupt the functioning of the immune system and metabolic processes. Products that do not cause allergies: turkey, rabbit and lamb meat, buckwheat, brown rice.

Dog owners who are accustomed to commercial food need to carefully review the composition of the food. Today, there are special hypoallergenic types of food on sale that do not contain artificial ingredients, enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant compounds and other beneficial components. Among them are:

• Hills Prescription Diet Canine Allergen-Free;
• Acana Lamb&Okanagan Apple;
• Bosch Sensitive Lamb & Rice.

Help with anaphylactic shock in a dog

The state of anaphylactic shock can occur suddenly as a result of a sharp response of the animal’s body to an insect bite, taking or injecting medications, or vaccination. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

• swelling of the muzzle, eyes, mouth, nose, ears;
• rash and redness, swelling at the injection site;
• vomiting reflex;
• an excited state turning into a depressed state;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• fainting state.

If such signs occur, the animal must be urgently taken to a veterinarian. The pet may die within the next hour!

First of all, the specialist will give an intramuscular injection of an antihistamine, for example, diphenhydramine. To maintain heart function, an intravenous infusion of cordiamine or an injection of sulfocamphocaine under the skin will be required. In addition, the veterinarian will administer a mixture of vitamin C and glucose intravenously, an immunomodulatory agent (for example, Immunofan) intramuscularly, and a steroid drug subcutaneously. Further actions will depend on the condition of the dog.

Allergies are very difficult for dogs. The inability to reliably determine the antigen using laboratory methods further complicates the situation. The owner will need to have a lot of patience, show maximum care and attention in order to detect the allergen and save the pet from suffering.

Briefly about the main thing

1. An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to any protein substance.
2. Hypersensitivity can be to: flea saliva, food, volatile substances, insect bites, medications, chemical compounds - contact.
3. Allergies are diagnosed by specific symptoms and by exclusion.
4. It is impossible to cure it, but you can stop and control the symptoms and limit contact with the allergen.
5. The main and most important symptom of allergies is itching; it may be the only symptom. The second most common symptom is redness and rashes on the skin. Other symptoms: Hair loss, dermatitis, discharge from the eyes and nose.
6. The most dangerous manifestation of an abnormal reaction of the body is anaphylactic shock. If you do not help the animal in time, it may die.