Does your dog scratch himself all night? Is he biting himself? Is he shaking his head non-stop? He may be allergic.
Dog allergies, as in humans, have become extremely common. The reason for the frequency of increase is not clear, but allergy is a personal trait of the animal. This means that not all dogs are allergic, and there may be different sensitivities to different allergens.
Many dogs tend to suffer from allergic reactions to a wide variety of allergens.
Causes of developing dog allergies:
The most common dog allergies include flea allergy, food allergy and allergy to substances in the dog’s environment (cleaning and pesticides, grass, plastic, dust)
1. Flea allergy is the most common dog allergy! (Around 80% of all allergies!)
The allergen is not the flea itself but the flea’s saliva. When the flea stings the dog in order to suck blood from it injects some of its saliva into the bloodstream. The reaction that arises following exposure to flea saliva can last as long as two weeks after exposure, and the symptoms of dog allergies can appear. This means that even if the dog has been treated for fleas, the reaction of dog allergies may continue.
2. Food – Food allergy usually results from an allergy to one of the ingredients in the food.
This is usually an allergy to the protein component of food (not necessarily animal protein!), But there may be allergies to other ingredients as well.
3. Air pollution – passive smoking, mold and mildew.
The list is of course longer. These toxins come to the dog in various ways like breathing, absorption through the skin, and ingestion.
4.Touch allergy can be caused by a variety of factors to which the dog is exposed. The location of the stimulus will usually appear in the area of contact of the substance with the body. For example, in a grass allergy, the symptoms of dog allergies ( irritations ) will appear in the abdomen, chest, and feet. In plastic allergy, the symptoms of dog allergies will appear in the nose, which comes in contact with plastic utensils for water, will often appear. In this allergy, it is important to first make sure that the cause is located and removed from the dog.
Symptoms of dog allergies:
1. Itching and redness of the skin, sometimes the dog will itch and lick the skin until it bleeds.
2. Intense licking of the feet
3. Inflammation in the ears
4. Secretions from the eyes
5. Wiping your mouth on rugs, sofas and blankets
6. Occasionally respiratory symptoms are seen, such as coughing, sneezing, watery runny nose.
7. Food allergy can cause vomiting and / or diarrhea in addition to the above symptoms.
Diagnosis of dog allergies:
Diagnosis and dog allergies treatment are difficult for owners because they require a lot of self-discipline.
So remember – prevention is best!
There are a number of specific tests to detect the cause of allergy similar to tests performed on humans. There is one method of blood test that is sent to a lab and a report is received with the common allergens to which the dog is sensitive.
Another test is a local test in which the dog is shaved in the side area of ​​the body and its skin is injected with various allergens. The body’s reaction to the various substances is examined over time and it can be seen whether a specific reaction to one of the substances develops.
Dog allergies treatment:
· Home and natural care – with products that are in every home, you can relieve the dog’s itching and wounds for examples:
1. Oatmeal – Soak oatmeal in water (you can also use oatmeal powder) and place on the wound for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Be sure to dry the area well to prevent bacteria from developing.
2. Green Tea Compresses – Green tea is known to be anti-inflammatory and will help soothe itching and redness so that it soothes the dog.
3. Fish oil – You can add omega 3 fish oil to food, which is known to be good for the skin and hair.
4. Snacks – Instead of industrial snacks, start with the addition of artichoke, cucumber, celery, lettuce, sprouts, a little like this every day, as a snack. You will be surprised to find out how much the dog loves vegetables.
· Conventional treatment for dog allergies:
The most common and profitable veterinary treatment, for examples:
1. Regular treatment once every three to four weeks in flea ampoules.
2. Hypoallergenic foods only
3. An allergy test can be performed to find the allergens that cause the dog to inject varying doses of the allergens in order for the reaction to decrease.
4. Treatment with antiseptics and medications that relieve itching.
5. Giving steroids or antihistamines for the specific season in which the allergy appears or for life, if necessary, but steroids have many side effects and therefore their use over time is dangerous, requires careful monitoring, and is therefore not recommended when not really needed. Antihistamines in dog allergies are not as effective as they are in humans. They are less effective but in combination with steroids, they give good results and allow treating with a lower dose of steroids.
· Complementary medicine treatment for dog allergies:
In recent years there has been more and more interest in treatment with the help of Chinese medicine. This is a natural treatment, without chemicals and often without side effects. For examples:
1. Acupuncture. In studies done mainly on the treatment of humans, the effect of Chinese acupuncture has been proven, on measurable values in the body, including an increase in the number of white blood cells responsible for the immune system.
2. Diet according to Chinese medicine has a great effect on the condition of the skin. Sheep-based food, not recommended for dogs suffering from allergies. Therefore, switch to fresh food and a full and balanced menu for the dog. Sometimes you can add vegetables, and fresh and healthy snacks.
Nutrition is perhaps the most important part of caring for a dog and generally maintaining its quality of life.
3. In addition to the internal treatment with nutrition, herbal formulas and acupuncture, it is important to also consider the external treatment of the skin and there are great natural creams that aim to relieve itching and redness.
It is worth remembering that the Chinese medicine treatment is customized for each dog, after an in-depth questioning and diagnosis according to Chinese medicine.
Take care of the dog and the living environment regularly. Remember that if you do not take care to keep fleas away from your home as well, the dog will continue to be exposed and the symptoms will worsen. If the dog has an allergy, do not wait for the hot season. Be sure to do preventative care throughout the year.
When approaching dog allergies, one should take into account that the treatment requires effort, discipline and patience of the owner but over time, it is only for the benefit of the dog and the quality of life of the whole family.