What Causes Dog Allergies?
An allergic reaction occurs when a dog's immune system overreacts to given substances. The body will then create antibodies as a type of protection when the trigger of an allergy comes into the body. The antibodies will then attach to immune cells in the skin and various tissues. Therefore, as the allergens progressively seep into tissue surfaces, the antibodies stimulate the immune cells to discharge strong chemicals (named histamines) into the neighboring tissue. This will then cause inflammation and dog itching.
There are various things to think about when trying to locate the source of cause of skin allergies in dogs. An allergy which affects a canine's skin is commonly brought on by at least one of these: food, airborne particles, and fleas.
- Flea Allergy also referred to as Flea Dermatitis is generally brought about by saliva from a flea. This is why it's very imperative to liberate your dog of fleas on a regular basis.
- The atopic allergy is incited by the the breathing of airborne allergens in the environment, such as mold spores, cigarette smoke, pollen and dust, instigate atopic allergies. If a pet has pollen allergies, the dog will display warning signs, even if kept in the house as the allergens will migrate inside. Coughing, sneezing and wheezing frequently go along with this sort of allergy.
- Food allergies are the third most frequent sort of allergy in dogs. The most probable causes for food allergies in dogs are: chicken, corn, soy, milk, eggs, beef and wheat. Diarrhea and Queasiness often are symptoms of this sort of allergy.
- Contact allergies are the least seen sort of allergy in dogs and is brought about by coming into contact with something. Triggers may include grass, wool and plastic. Some pets might develop allergic reactions to certain chemicals in the household, but this is not very common.
A vet might be able to detect the cause, but it might involve a system of elimination to identify the cause of the dog’s skin allergy and may possibly refer the dog to a veterinarian dermatologist. If fleas are ruled out, the dog may be put on an elimination food regimen for 10 weeks. Your pet is given food he or she has not eaten before, for instance, turkey, mutton, and potatoes, with the past food being introduced slowly until the allergy reappears.
The allergen is deemed to be at least one ingredient if the dogs scratching is reduced by about half of what it was beforehand. To check for contact and atopic dog allergies, dermatology specialists employ an intradermal allergy test that works by mildly tranquilizing the animal with small quantities of probable allergens which are injected into the skin on the shaved region. If your dog is allergic to a specific substance, the skin will become inflamed in the area of injection.
Treating Skin Allergies in Dogs
Keeping your pet away from allergens and taking care of the symptoms of dog allergies are the top methods of treatment. Medicines like antihistamines and steroids could be advocated to alleviate the symptoms of itching and inflammation in pets, although like all drugs they might be accompanied by unwanted side effects and the lasting effects are not known. Long term treatment using steroids is discouraged since these drugs work by suppressing the immune system. Extensive steroid use over time could leave your pet defenseless against diabetes, infections and further ailments.
Natural Remedies for Skin Allergies in Dogs
Fortunately for dog lovers, there are numerous safe and all natural herbal and homeopathic cures for skin allergies in dogs. Melaleuca alternifolia commonly put on as a topical to stimulate skin health and keeping the animal’s skin sterile while Althaea officinalis root is an excellent and well known treatment for reinvigorating the skin. Homeopathic treatments such as Apis and Ledum have excellent healing properties and are notably beneficial in soothing inflamed and itchy skin, or small bites and abrasions.
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