Dogs, like people, can suffer from allergic reactions, which are manifested by characteristic symptoms. Some pet owners face such a problem.
It is unacceptable to ignore allergy symptoms. The disease causes a lot of suffering to the dog and can provoke serious complications, a fatal outcome is not excluded. Solving this problem will help timely contact to the veterinary clinic and adequate treatment of the animal as prescribed by the doctor.
In the article, we will tell you what allergy is in dogs, the causes, signs of an allergic reaction, what is the danger for a pet, types and common allergens, how to diagnose and what to treat, prevention.
How and why allergies develop in dogs
The main cause of allergies in animals is a malfunction of the immune system, which can be connected with poor quality nutrition, unhealthy environment, stress experienced, the consequences of untreated diseases and other circumstances that reduce the body’s protective reactions. A hereditary factor can also influence the development of the disease.
An allergic reaction in dogs develops after the introduction of an allergen into the body, which forms a natural response of the immune system, which produces antibodies. With long-term or repeated penetration of the allergen into the animal’s body, immune complexes are activated, provoking the release of mediators of the inflammatory reaction into the blood. At this stage, the dog may show the first symptoms of allergy.
In addition to external signs, negative changes also occur inside the dog’s body and may remain unnoticed for a long time. As a result, the animal may develop autoimmune diseases, problems with the cardiovascular system, and other adverse complications.
Anything can be an allergen for dogs: medicines, food products, household chemicals, dust and mold in the house, insect bites and other sources.
How allergy in dogs manifests itself
An allergic reaction in dogs manifests itself in various signs, which largely depend on the type of allergen. Inflammatory processes, which are the body’s response to an allergen, can affect muscle tissues, digestive organs, mucous membranes, respiratory tracts, skin, etc.
Specialists highlight common symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs, which should not be ignored.
General symptoms of allergies in dogs:
• skin inflammation, redness, rash, hyperpigmentation;
• itchy skin, the dog constantly scratches irritated parts of the body;
• peeling, dandruff, dry skin;
• hair loss, baldness;
• increased sweating in the armpits;
• profuse lacrimation;
• discharge from the nose;
• redness inside the ears;
• disorders of the digestive tract;
• shortness of breath, wheezing;
• an unpleasant smell is felt from the dog’s mouth;
• body temperature may rise.
With allergies, characteristic changes in behavior are also observed, the dog becomes irritable, signs of aggression may appear.
Since the symptoms of allergies in animals are identical to the symptoms of other diseases, only a qualified doctor can make an accurate diagnosis based on the results of the diagnosis.
The danger of allergies in dogs
Allergy in dogs provokes not only painful symptoms that are painful for the animal, but also can become a provocateur for the development of various diseases of the body, including chronic forms. Any disease shortens a pet’s life span, so it is impossible to delay, and when the first painful signs are detected in a dog, it is necessary to consult a doctor without delay.
Allergy, left unattended, can also provoke immediate complications that will lead to the death of the animal.
The danger of an allergic reaction:
1. With a violent course of an allergic reaction, Quincke’s edema develops: the dog’s eyes “swim”, the muzzle swells, and breathing is disturbed. With such symptoms, the animal must be urgently taken to the veterinary clinic!
2. The extreme degree of severity of an allergic reaction in dogs is anaphylactic shock, manifested by rapid breathing, swelling of tissues, severe urticaria. Against the background of heart failure, the dog may lose consciousness. In the absence of medical assistance, the animal will die.
The main types of allergic reactions in dogs and puppies
Allergic reactions in dogs are divided into several types according to the specifics of the course and the nature of the irritant.
Types of allergies in animals:
1. Food allergy to certain food products or ready-made industrial food. The most popular form of allergy in dogs, manifested by skin symptoms and food disorders.
2. Allergy to fleas is the body’s reaction to foreign proteins secreted by flea saliva during bites. The main symptoms of the flea form: severe itching of the skin, hair loss, the appearance of abrasions and bruises on the body, which occur as a result of strong scratching. Treatment is aimed at eliminating possible irritants and removing painful symptoms.
3. Contact form of allergy, arising as a result of long-term contact of an animal with an irritant. Allergens can be hygienic care products, synthetic fabrics, a collar, etc. With such a reaction, the dog develops skin rashes, blisters and itching in the places of contact with the allergen. In the treatment of contact allergy, the animal must first be isolated from the irritant.
4. The atopic form has a hereditary nature and is caused by genetic features of the animal’s organism. An allergic reaction can occur to any irritant and it is almost impossible to detect this source.
5. Autoimmune form – an allergic reaction to the body’s own cells.
6. Infectious – develops as a result of a viral or infectious disease.
7. Medicinal form – manifested by an instant reaction of the body after taking medical preparations, injecting drugs, and also after vaccination.
8. Respiratory allergy occurs when an allergen is inhaled, which is manifested by characteristic disorders of the respiratory system.
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