Allergy in dogs

symptomatology

So, one day the owner notices with horror that a clear liquid is pouring from the dog’s nose, bald spots appeared on the coat, and the ears turned red. Of course, a caring owner leads the dog to the veterinarian. A number of diseases can have similar symptoms, however, after taking all the necessary tests, including scrapings, the doctor comes to a disappointing conclusion for the owner – an allergy.

Allergic reactions are a malfunction of the immune system, an increased reaction of the body to some foreign substance, most often a protein. Due to an inadequate immune response and increased production of histamine, reactions characteristic of allergic people such as irritation of the mucous membrane, rash, swelling, and severe itching appear. The more allergens, the stronger the production of histamine, the larger the problem. Sometimes a dog’s body can give out such a strong response to allergens that her larynx swells, which can lead to the death of the animal and requires immediate qualified medical assistance.

What can cause an allergy?

An allergic reaction can occur both to food – the so-called food allergy, most common in dogs – and to shampoos or other household chemicals, and even … to flea bites. The fact is that when biting a dog, a flea injects special substances that provoke itching and allergies. There is also an allergy to drugs and an autoimmune allergy, when the body fights against its own cells. Such an allergic reaction is usually a genetic disease.

How to treat?

It must be remembered that dogs are very difficult to tolerate allergies, and the fact that there are no reliable and quick methods for determining allergens seriously complicates the situation. To identify what a pet has a food allergy, the owner will have to try very hard, eliminating all possible allergens from the animal’s diet (for example, meat, chicken, eggs and wheat), and then, gradually introducing them into the diet, determine what the dog has allergic reaction.

It is very difficult to determine the allergy to drugs, as it often has a cumulative effect. However, it is necessary to determine the allergen in order to alleviate the condition of the dog or even save it from allergic reactions. Unfortunately, this is not always possible.

In the treatment of allergies, antihistamines are usually prescribed, as well as the treatment of those areas of the skin on which bald spots have appeared, the treatment of the eyes if suppuration and swelling are observed, and the ears if they are inflamed.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to cure allergies and get rid of them completely. But, knowing the diagnosis and source, you can take control of its manifestations by adjusting, for example, the dog’s menu.

If you notice some signs of an allergy in your pet – for example, itching, then it is possible that the reason is quite commonplace. As an option – an insect bite, which will not cause much inconvenience. But in any case, you should not ignore the problem – be sure to consult a veterinarian. Moreover, you can do this without even leaving your home – in the Petstory mobile application, veterinarians will consult you online in the form of a chat, audio or video call. The application can be installed by  link. The cost of the first consultation with a therapist is only 199 rubles.