What Causes Allergies in Dogs?
An allergy occurs when a dog's immune system excessively reacts to particular allergens. The body will then produce antibodies as a means of protection when the cause of the dog's allergy enters the body. These antibodies will then join to immune cells in the skin and other organs of the body. So, while the allergens increasingly invade tissue surfaces, the antibodies prompt the immune cells to discharge powerful substances (referred to as histamines) into the neighboring tissue. This then causes the swelling and dog itching that is characteristic of dog skin allergies.
There are several things to consider when locating the root of skin allergies in canines. An allergy that affects a pet's skin is typically caused by one (or all) of these: food, airborne allergens, and fleas.
Flea Allergy otherwise known as Flea Dermatitis is generally brought about by the saliva of the flea. This is why it is extremely significant to liberate your canine of fleas frequently.
The atopic allergy is caused by the breathing in of airborne particles in the natural environment, including mold spores, tobacco smoke, pollen and dust, activate atopic allergies. If a pet is allergic to pollen, the pet will display signs, even if kept in the house as the particles will move into the home. Sneezing, coughing and wheezing usually go along with this variety of allergy.
Food allergies are the third most frequent type of allergy in dogs. The most likely reasons for food allergies in dogs consist of: corn, chicken, soy, milk, eggs, beef and wheat. Diarrhea and queasiness frequently accompany this type of dog allergy.
Contact allergy is the least common sort of dog allergy and is brought on by contacting something. Triggers can include plastic, grass and wool. A few pets can develop allergic reactions to particular chemicals in the home, but this is not very common.
How to Diagnose Skin Allergies in Dogs
A veterinarian may be able to diagnose the problem, however, although it might require a process of elimination to discover the cause of the dog’s skin allergy and could perhaps refer your pet to a veterinarian that’s a dermatology expert. In the case where fleas are ruled out, the animal might be put on an elimination food regimen for 10 weeks. The dog is given food he or she has not had in the past, for instance, poultry, lamb, and potatoes, with the previous food being reintroduced slowly until the allergy resurfaces.
The allergen is thought to be at least one ingredient if the dogs scratching is lessened by about fifty percent of what it was before. To check for atopic and contact allergies, dermatology specialists use an intradermal allergy exam that works by mildly sedating the animal with small quantities of prospective allergens which are injected into the skin on the shaved section. If your dog is allergic to a certain substance, the skin close to the area of the injection will become inflamed.
Treating Dog Skin Allergies
Keeping your dog away from allergens and remedying the symptoms of dog skin allergies are the most beneficial treatment techniques. Drugs that include steroids and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease symptoms of itching and swelling in dogs, but like all medicines they might come with undesirable side effects and the long-term effects are still undetermined.
Long term treatment using steroids is not advocated for these medicines function by restraining the immune system. Prolonged steroid use over time could leave your dog open to diabetes, infections and other illnesses.
Natural Remedies
Fortunately for dog owners, there are plenty of non-toxic and natural treatments for skin allergies in dogs. Melaleuca alternifolia can be applied as a topical to stimulate healthy skin and keeping the dog’s skin clean while Althaea officinalis root is a great and commonly accepted remedy for soothing the skin. Homeopathic treatments like Apis and Ledum have impressive soothing characteristics and are remarkably useful in healing inflamed and itchy skin, or small stings and wounds.
More Useful Information
- What Causes Skin Allergies in Dogs and Finding Treatment Options
- What Causes Skin Allergies in Dogs and Finding Remedies
- Dealing with Dog Allergies and Possible Treatment Options
- How To Cope With Skin Allergies In Dogs And Finding Treatment Options
- Diagnosing Skin Allergies in Dogs and Possible Remedies
