How does dog food allergy manifest? Allergic reactions in dogs: symptoms, proper treatment and advice from veterinarians. Video - Veterinarian's recommendations for treating dog allergies

Redness of the skin around the eyes and on the face are common signs of food allergies

Allergy in dogs is manifested by itchy skin, rashes, less often there are signs of indigestion, swelling of the pharynx and seizures. More often, an allergic reaction to food develops - meat proteins (chicken, pork). The medicine allows you to relieve itching and other symptoms for a short time, but for effective treatment it is necessary to correct feeding, and in atopic dermatitis, to improve the maintenance at home.

Food allergy

Food allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to certain types of food in dogs. It manifests itself as a rash on the skin, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the head. For successful treatment, it is necessary to establish a dangerous type of food and exclude it from the dog's diet. Medication can only be effective as a short-term emergency measure.

Reasons for the development of hypersensitivity

Food allergy in humans mainly refers to type I hypersensitivity (IgE - conditioned) or type III (Arthus phenomenon). The pathogenesis in animals is not well understood. It is believed that there are two mechanisms - related to immunity and not related to it.

In response to the ingestion of food allergens, the immune system is activated and begins to release a large amount of active substances, which can cause three types of reactions:

• immediate type;
• delayed type;
• the formation of circulating immune complexes.

Sensitive animals produce more IgE or IgG antibodies than healthy animals. Animals inhale the allergen or it penetrates the skin. Allergen specific IgEs are produced by B cells. Some dog breeds (boxer, dogo argentino, bull terrier) are prone to allergic reactions, therefore, the use of antihistamines in premedication (diphenhydramine, suprastin) is essential. Sometimes dogs develop food allergies such as hives or eczema.

It was found that the main allergens are horse meat (27%), beef (24%) and chicken meat (22%).

Chicken is not the most allergenic food for dogs, but historically, in most cases, veterinarians blame this particular bird (or rather its meat) for the causes of food allergies. This is also due to the fact that poultry meat is often used in commercial ready-made feeds, as it is cheap. But in order to be sure if the dog is allergic to chicken, you need to give it in its pure form, excluding other animal products from the diet for this time.

Clinical signs of dog food allergy

Itching is the main manifestation. Urticaria may be present, but usually no primary lesion is found. The lesions are caused by self-injury (abrasions, alopecia). In 20% of cases, diarrhea and vomiting occur along with skin lesions.

Itching is the most common symptom of all allergies in dogs.

Itching or saliva staining occurs in light-colored dogs by licking itchy areas. The lesions are localized in the facial, limb and axillary region. Sneezing is sometimes observed. Seasonality is observed in some cases.

Manifestation: There is an increasing incidence of corneal and cataract injuries.

Symptoms are usually seen throughout the year. In case of food allergies in cats, the lesions are localized mainly in the head and neck region. Both young and old animals are affected. Rarely:, rhinitis

Age: Animals older than 6 months are usually affected, and itching symptoms are often observed between 1-3 years. Spontaneous remission is sometimes observed. A sudden worsening of symptoms may be caused by secondary pyoderma.

How is the diagnosis made?

History: Gradual or sudden onset of symptoms affecting only one animal in the house.

Test to identify the sensitivity of a dog to various allergens.

Intradermal tests:

• the test is carried out after steroids are excreted from the body: 3 weeks after oral administration or 3 months after intramuscular administration of steroids. After the introduction of antihistamines, testing is carried out after a week.
• inject aqueous solutions of antigens intradermally and compare with saline (- control) and histamine (+ control);
• a positive skin test is scored + 1 to + 4 based on pustule size and thickness and degree of erythema;
• a positive result only indicates that the animals have skin sensitized (IgE, IgG) antibodies and skin problems are not necessarily caused by atopy;
• the results are considered in light of the history / clinical signs.

A radioallergosorbent test (RAST) or ELISA determines the relative level of allergen-specific IgE in the serum of atopic animals. Laboratory methods for detecting food allergies are ineffective and often give false results.

Diet elimination is the only valuable method for diagnosing feed allergies: the test diet should contain only one or two allergens (one protein source and one carbohydrate source) and must contain foods not previously present in the animal's diet. Home-prepared foods are better for diagnosing food allergies than commercial foods.

How to treat dog food allergies?

Elimination Diet: For dogs, lamb, cottage cheese, tofu, white fish, and pork are good sources of protein.

Rice and potatoes are good sources of carbohydrates. Cats can be offered turkey, lamb, pork. Keep the animal strictly on the tested diet for 4-10 weeks (no treats, chew toys, etc.). If the itching subsides during the test period, then the pet has a food allergy or food intolerance. Confirm food allergy by re-stimulating the animal. After the animal has been brought under control on an elimination diet, it is possible to try to transfer the animal to commercial foods or special homemade foods.

The goal of therapy is to reduce the intensity of itching, but it is impossible to completely eliminate itching. Treat concomitant diseases (flea allergy, pyoderma).

Avoid allergens: This is difficult, but any reduction is beneficial. If the animal has multiple allergies, reducing exposure to one allergen may be enough to keep the animal from showing any symptoms. This is called the Threshold Phenomenon.

Skin rashes on the back of the nose

Hyposensitization: In theory, during hyposensitization, allergens are injected subcutaneously, so that IgG is formed instead of IgE, so IgG can bind the allergen before it reaches the IgE of the skin. This requires twenty subcutaneous injections given every other day in increasing concentration, followed by maintenance injections. Hyposensitization is effective in 60% of animals.

Note: An animal may develop a new food allergy when on an elimination diet.

Allergy medications for dogs

Corticosteroids are very effective. Short-acting drugs (prednisone and methylprednisone) are used every other day. With prednisone, urine culture is done every 6 months. If it is decided to stop administering long-acting corticosteroids to the animal, do so gradually (i.e., over several months). During remission, prednisone may be required.

Antihistamines (only 10% effective) can reduce the need for corticosteroids. Examples of antihistamines include:

• Hydroxyzine (Atarax) 2.2 mg / kg IV 3 times a day;
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 2.2 mg / kg 3 times a day;
• Clemastine (tavegil) (Tavist) 0.05mg / kg vn, 2 times a day;
• Chlorpheniramine (0.5 mg / kg 3 times daily for the dog);
• Trimeprazine or trimeprazine / prednisone (Temaril or Termaril-P). Trimeprazine is a phenothiazide antihistamine.

Most antihistamines, when given in high doses, stabilize mast cells. Most, with the exception of Tavist, which does not cross the blood-brain barrier, cause drowsiness. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: fluoxetine (Prozac) 1 mg / kg intramuscularly 2 times a day is very expensive.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, fish oil and linoleic acid relieve itching. Omega-6 fatty acids (sunflower oil, linoleic acid, evening primrose) promote skin health, but can cause itching if given in high doses.

Herbal medicine for allergic manifestations

The growth of various allergic diseases is associated not only with the pollution of the atmosphere, water and food with various allergens - substances that cause increased sensitivity to irritants, but also with chronic diseases.

For skin allergies (itching, redness and swelling of the skin), lanceolate (narrow-leaved) plantain is most effective. In the inflamed skin (including after an insect bite, nettle burn, etc.) rub the juice of the leaves crushed between the fingers, repeating the procedure after half an hour. The juice, having passed the leaves through a meat grinder or juicer, can be prepared for future use, storing it in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator after straining. Fermentation slightly reduces its anti-allergic properties.

The juice of the tripartite series is also effective. It is also used in the form of an infusion, with which the skin is lubricated, and in the absence of dermatitis, it is rubbed. The infusion is stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Aloe juice is very useful, which has an astringent and soothing effect. It also relieves itching with an infusion of periwinkle leaves (5 g per half a glass of boiling water), peppermint or wild mint, bittersweet nightshade, tricolor violets (pansies), horsetail in the same proportion and also without boiling, but only in infusion (in a water bath ), a decoction of the roots of tall elecampane, large burdock (burdock), creeping wheatgrass, horse sorrel and especially blood-red geranium. Take 5 g (an incomplete tablespoon) in half a glass of boiling water and keep in a water bath for up to 40 minutes. Broth lubricate the skin or make lotions. The roots have more pronounced astringent properties, so it is better to use them for swelling and for so-called exudative dermatitis - weeping skin.

Flea allergy

Flea allergy in dogs is a purulent dermatitis that occurs in animals that are sensitive to saliva from fleas. It is the most common skin disorder associated with hypersensitivity in dogs. In general, AUB tends to worsen as the animal grows older - clinical signs start earlier in the season, persist longer and tend to progressively more severe.

Flea life cycle:

1. adult fleas spend most of their time on the animal, where they feed, mate and reproduce;
2. flea eggs fall from the animal into the external environment (carpets, furniture), from which larvae emerge after 2-10 days;
3. these larvae feed on feces and then pupate within 5-11 days;
4. adult fleas emerge from cocoons after 5-140 days;
5. the entire life cycle of fleas lasts an average of 1-4 weeks.

The life cycle is influenced by temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels. Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions and will retard their development from the cocoon if conditions are unfavorable. This explains the fact that when the season changes from cold to warm, or when the pet is brought home after a long absence, the flea population can suddenly increase.

Clinical signs of flea dermatitis

• rash with papules and crusts. Lesions are usually localized to the dorsal lumbosacral region, caudomedial thighs, ventral abdomen, flanks, and neck. In cats, the lesions are usually located on the dorsal side of the neck, ventral abdomen, and back.
• signs are usually seasonal (summer or fall) except for domestic infestations and warm climates.
• hypersensitivity in animals usually develops after 6 months of age.

Flea allergy skin lesions

Flea control: Flea eggs and their cocoons are resistant to insecticides and desiccation, so treatment is directed against adult fleas and larvae. Since the life cycle varies, successful control requires multiple treatments over an extended period of time. Both animals and their habitats are processed.

Systemic medications to control itching: Corticosteroids are very effective. Prednisone is prescribed for 5-7 days, and then injected every other day. Antihistamines and drugs containing eicosapentaenoic acid can be used. Chlorpheniramine is most commonly used in cats.

Flea Controls:

• Lufenuron (Program), an oral drug administered once a month, prevents the larvae from leaving the eggs. It does not kill adult fleas, so if the pet is already infected, you can additionally use an insecticide that kills adult fleas.
• Imidocloprid (Advantage) is a topical agent that kills adult fleas in both cats and dogs. It is applied once a month. If dogs often swim or bathe, then imidocloprid is applied more often.
• Fipronil (Frontline) is a topical agent that kills adult fleas and ticks in both cats and dogs. To control ticks and when using it in cats, the drug is applied once a month. To control fleas in dogs, it is applied once every 3 months. It remains effective after bathing or shampooing (manufacturer's statement).
• Bathing: Pets can be bathed every week to get rid of fleas, their waste products and their eggs, but shampoos do not have a lasting effect, so bathing should be done in parallel with other treatments. Flea shampoos may contain pyrethrins or organophosphorus compounds. Avoid the use of organophosphates in cats.
• Insecticidal dipping contains pyrethrins or organic phosphates. They are used once a week after bathing. Some dipping has a residual effect of up to 5 days. Avoid the use of organophosphates in cats.
• Flea sprays or powders: Pets can be sprayed 2-3 times a week with a spray containing both an adult flea insecticide and an insect growth regulator (PPH) such as methoprene or fenoxycarb. Microencapsulated foods have the greatest residual effect.
• Collars containing methoprene can effectively spread the insecticide around the pet's body, preventing larvae from exiting the eggs.

Habitat treatment - control of fleas in the external environment:

Most other forms of pet flea control have been scientifically proven to be ineffective. Electronic flea collars, brewer's yeast, garlic, vitamin B tablets, thiamine, and eucalyptus or flea beetle extracts are not flea repellents or provide protection for your pet.

Rash in the groin of a dog

Avoid the use of organophosphates in dogs less than 6 months old and in the home with small children, pregnant women or individuals with disabilities. In these cases, pyrethrins and RRH can be used. Reasonable Precaution: Pregnant women and young children should not be involved in the application of chemicals.

Other types of allergies

Acute weeping dermatitis

Most often, weeping dermatitis occurs due to local allergy to a specific antigen. Insect bites, especially fleas, are the most common cause of this localized allergic reaction. In addition, weeping dermatitis can occur due to atopy, food allergy, mite infestation (sarcoptic mange, etc.), ear infection, improper hair care, skin irritation from thorny plants.

This disease is rare during the cold season, mainly a spring-summer problem. Many dogs suffer from acute weeping dermatitis throughout their lives. But, despite this, it cannot be attributed to chronic long-term diseases: the suddenly weeping dermatitis that occurs is treated no more than a week, after which it may appear in the same dog in a couple of months, in a year, in two, or never again.

It is necessary to stop the growth of eczema and identify the cause of their occurrence. In most cases, fleas are the source of eczema, but skin lesions behind the ears often indicate ear infections, and moist, red, balding patches of skin on the thighs and around the anus most likely indicate inflammation of the anal glands, etc. Whatever the cause of oozing dermatitis, until you correct it, eczema treatment will be ineffective.

How to deal with weeping eczema itself?

1. the first step is to trim the hair around the affected area in order to provide air access to the inflamed tissues and at the same time to simplify the treatment process. The surface of the affected skin area should be treated with an anti-inflammatory solution (in this capacity, an infusion of St. John's wort, calendula, aloe vera, or medications - Dimexide, Nolvasan, etc.);
2. further eczema is treated with drying agents (zinc ointment, powders based on zinc, talc, etc.). If the dog is very worried about itching on the affected skin areas, it should be given a sedative (tavegil, suprastin, diphenhydramine, etc.).
3. in especially difficult situations, by the decision of the doctor, the dog is prescribed a course of antibiotics (orally) and is given anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Usually, in such cases, the dog is given aspirin (just do not try to do this with the cat!).
4. in extremely severe cases, the dog may be prescribed steroid (corticosteroid) drugs (i.e. hormonal), such as Dexofort. This is an extreme measure, which should not be resorted to "just in case" or in order to quickly resolve the problem.

The use of hormonal drugs has a lot of side effects (primarily associated with a violation of the hormonal background in the body by introducing additional hormones into it), and having solved one small problem with their help, you risk getting many big ones in the future.

Acanthokeratoderma - blue-black skin syndrome

Acanthokeratoderma is an abnormal darkening of skin areas. There are two forms of this disease: primary and secondary. Primary acanthokeratoderma is a genetic disorder predominantly found in dachshunds. Secondary acanthokeratoderma is caused by a number of reasons and does not depend on the breed of the dog and its age. In secondary acanthokeratoderma, a special pigment is to blame - melanin - which is activated in places of chronic inflammation / mechanical damage to the skin (usually hairless or bald). It is the accumulation of melanin that gives the skin such a bluish look.

The primary form of acanthokeratoderma usually appears in the first year of a dog's life. Symptoms:

• skin in certain places darkens and thickens
• dandruff (seborrhea) appears
• a second bacterial or fungal infection may occur in the affected areas.

Over time, the number of dark blue skin areas increases. Unfortunately, primary acanthokeratoderma cannot be treated. A sick dog's skin condition can be maintained at a more or less constant level with the help of steroids, melatonin injections, and frequent washing with seborrhea shampoos. Fortunately, primary acanthokeratoderma is rare and is only diagnosed on the basis of biopsy and the dog's ancestral history.

Secondary acanthokeratoderma is quite common in dogs. There are several reasons for abnormal skin darkening:

In addition to severe darkening of the skin, secondary acanthokeratoderma is characterized by chronic hair loss. Added to this can be itchy skin, secondary bacterial and fungal infections, and other skin problems. When the first signs of secondary acanthokeratoderma are detected, it is necessary to accurately establish its cause, because the outcome of treatment depends on this. In any case, first of all, the reason will need to be treated: in case of obesity, the dog will have to be put on a diet, in case of hormonal disorders, supportive hormone therapy is prescribed, and in case of an allergic reaction, first of all, it is necessary to find and eliminate the source of the allergy, i.e. allergen.

In critical cases - with severe skin inflammation - steroid (hormonal) drugs are used in small doses. They help to suppress the inflammatory process, but you should not get carried away with them unnecessarily, because the introduction of additional hormones into the body disrupts the hormonal balance in it, therefore, the unjustified frequent use of steroids (for example, the popular Dexofort among veterinarians) is fraught with serious endocrine problems in the future.

Often, the additional introduction of vitamin E into the diet of a dog suffering from secondary acanthokeratoderma turns out to be very effective.As a rule, with an accurate determination of the causes that caused secondary acanthokeratoderma and their elimination (or compensation, if it is an endocrine disorder), the skin condition improves markedly up to full recovery.

Atopic dermatitis

What can cause atopy:

• pollen of plants, grasses (meadow, wormwood, ragweed), trees (birch, oak, spruce);
• house dust mites;
• mold fungi;
• human epidermis;
• flea excrement.

In dogs prone to developing atopy, the reactivity of the skin and mucous membranes changes. It is caused by immune or non-immune, congenital or acquired mechanisms.

Rash on the chin Rash on the elbow Skin lesions on the abdomen and groin

The following factors play an important role in the development of atopic dermatitis:

• ambient temperature, contributing to a longer exposure to the air of allergens;
• geographical factor and seasonality (temperature, humidity, vegetation affect the severity and duration of the clinical picture);
• microclimate parameters (for example, in case of allergy to components of house dust, a year-round hypersensitivity reaction is observed);
• the presence of concomitant diseases such as hypothyroidism, urolithiasis, food allergy, giardiasis, biliary dyskinesia, dysbiosis.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis is complex. It includes diet therapy, the use of antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying agents, enzyme preparations and other agents. Diet therapy consists in the selection of feeds that do not cause allergies and upset gastrointestinal tract. For each type of animal, there should be traditional, good-quality feed, not affected by toxic fungi. If branded dry foods are used for dogs and cats, pet owners need to make sure that they do not cause an allergic reaction in their pets. The use of antihistamines is based on the release of histamine, leukotrins and other mediators that support itching and inflammation in atypical dermatitis.

To correct this pathogenetic link, antihistamines of the first generation are prescribed - suprostin or clemastine (tavegil), etc. Suprostin is prescribed orally to dogs and pigs 0.3-0.5 mg / kg 2-3 times a day. Administered intramuscularly: pigs - 1-2 ml; dogs - 0.1-0.5 ml of 2% solution 2 times a day. Tavegil (clemastine) is prescribed internally with food for dogs, cats - 0.015-0.02 mg / kg; pigs - 0.01-0.012 mg / kg 2 times a day. Diphenhydramine inside in doses: for dogs - 0.6-0.8 mg / kg; pigs - 0.5-0.6 mg / kg 2-3 times a day. Perhaps intramuscular injection of the drug in the same half dose.

From anti-inflammatory drugs are used:

• Methylprednisolone inside mg / kg: pigs - 0.4-0.5; dogs, cats - 0.6-0.8 mg / kg 2-3 times a day;
• Prednisolone inside dogs 1-2mg / kg is then reduced to 0.1-0.2mg / kg per day; pigs - 0.1-0.2 mg / kg per day;
• Dexamethasone inside in a daily dose: for dogs, cats - 0.03-0.04 mg / kg. The daily dose is given in 2-3 doses.

Treatment of concomitant diseases consists, first of all, in the elimination of dysbiosis, restoration of the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. For this purpose, probiotics are used - bifidumbacterin, lactobacterin, etc.

Depending on the symptoms of the allergy in dogs, treatment can be dramatically different, even for pets sensitive to the same substance. There are no general schemes and cannot be. The owner must remember that the best allergy remedy for dogs is one that is tailored to the individual's characteristics of the pet. And this is not a choice of a family, not of a seller, but only of a veterinarian - inquisitive, attentive and scrupulous to the smallest detail.

Please do not try to treat your dog without a visit to the clinic. Allergy is a progressive disease, and today's rash can develop into asthma tomorrow. Any allergy medications for dogs are prescribed only after a full examination and sensitivity tests - do not trust advertisements, advice from sellers, acquaintances and other well-wishers.

The notorious fact is that allergies are incurable. If you find the right approach, you can achieve a stable remission, but with frequent contact with the allergen, the symptoms will come back again and again. It is clear that such contacts should be kept to a minimum. But this is not always possible (allergy to grass and pollen, for example). To help your pet live a normal life, your veterinarian will prescribe injections or allergy pills for dogs to help relieve an attack. Symptomatic drugs do not relieve allergies, but eliminate the symptoms by suppressing the immune response to an irritant.

In most cases, antihistamines are used to relieve an attack, for example, the treatment of allergies in dogs with suprastin or diphenhydramine is prescribed. Usually histamine is inactive, but allergies release too much of this substance. An excess and excessive activity of histamine provokes allergy symptoms - itching, rash, edema, spasms, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, etc. Suprastin and diphenhydramine block histamine, preventing symptoms from developing.

Read also: Liarsin for dogs: composition, purpose, dosage

However, before treating allergies in dogs with these drugs, be sure to consult your doctor: diphenhydramine and suprastin are not always effective, and in some cases lead to side reactions. These medications work well as a preventative measure, for example, before administering a foreign protein, vaccine, or other drug to which the dog may be allergic. But if we are talking about food or contact allergies in dogs, it is better to replace treatment with suprastin (diphenhydramine) with a course of new (third) generation antihistamines - desloratadine, hifenadine, levocetirizine, etc. Antihistamines are prescribed both as a course and once to relieve an acute attack.

Corticosteroids

Hormonal allergy medications for dogs have a lot of positive effects: they relieve inflammation, reduce the sensitivity of tissues to serotonin, histamine, etc., accelerate the processes of histamine deactivation, reduce the amount of immunoglobulin (Ige), etc. The improvement occurs quickly, since the effect of corticosteroids is complex, acting on almost all stages of the mechanism of triggering and developing allergies. However, hormonal allergy shots can be dangerous for dogs: the list of side effects is almost endless, from mild gastrointestinal disorders to the development of chronic ailments (such as diabetes). Therefore, injection of corticosteroids is an extreme measure, only in severe cases and only after consultation with an allergist veterinarian.

In addition to injections, hormones are prescribed in the form of ointments, lotions, tablets, etc. For example, sugar for dogs for allergies (Execan cubes) helps relieve itching and inflammation of the skin, incl. with eczema. The composition includes vitamins (PP, B6) and the hormone dexamethasone, which has a complex anti-allergic effect. Execan works gradually, without stopping the reaction, but gently eliminating the symptoms, because the dose of the hormone in the composition is sparing. With pronounced reactions on the skin (severe itching, scratching, ulcers, eczema), hormonal ointments for allergies are effective for dogs (it is important that the pet does not lick the drug!). Contact, atopic, allergic, insect dermatitis - Advantan (methylprednisolone), elokom (mometasone) and others. Hormones also help with allergic rhinitis (spray, nasal drops, inhalation) - tafen nasal, nasonex, aldecin, etc.

Read also: Why the dog licks the floor: identifying the causes and finding treatment

Cromones

T.N. stabilizers of mast cell membranes, which include cromones, do not allow calcium channels to open through which histamine is released. Cromones are excellent for rhinitis (stuffy nose, sneezing, inflammation of the sinuses - cromoglin, cromohexal) and conjunctivitis (lacrimation, redness of the eyes - lecrolin, high-crom, etc.). However, these allergy remedies are not helpful for dogs during an acute attack. Cromones are an additional measure that is effective only with long-term planned use.

Immunomodulators

The course of immunomodulators is an attempt to influence the root of the problem, i.e. an attempt to correct the "breakdown" in the immune system. Allergy injections and pills for dogs, correcting immunity, do not relieve an allergic attack - they are prescribed for long courses, trying to achieve long-term remission. Immunomodulators are of both vegetable (cordyceps, birch buds and leaves, rose hips, eucalyptus) and synthetic origin.

Only natural preparations can be recommended for independent use. For example, phytomines against allergies for dogs - for weeping sores, scratching, eczema, hair loss, itching, etc. The composition contains plant extracts (plantain, dandelion, burdock, etc.), taurine, sulfur, vitamins. The positive effect is noticeable after a week from the beginning of the course. More serious drugs are prescribed only by a veterinarian, and only after examination - many immunomodulators can lead to the opposite effect (intensify symptoms), others are contraindicated in asthma.

Remember that allergy injections, tablets, ointments or shampoos for dogs only work effectively if contact with the allergen is eliminated! Therefore, it is important to identify the irritant and protect the pet from the dangerous substance or substances (polyvalent allergy, sensitivity to several substances).

All of the listed injections and pills for dogs do not relieve allergies. All this is just the elimination of symptoms and an attempt to somewhat improve the condition of the pet. However, there are methods that allow you to achieve a stable remission or even completely overcome a dangerous ailment. These include autolymphocytotherapy (ALT) and allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). If an allergy occurs in a dog, how to treat and how to achieve remission, only a veterinarian can decide. Moreover, this should be a competent allergist, and not an ordinary general practitioner. The techniques described below are carried out under the strict supervision of a physician and constant monitoring of the condition of a four-legged patient.

Allergy in dogs is a reaction of some organisms to any external stimulus. At the same time, external signs of irritation are just the visible part of the problem, the root of which lies deep in the internal organs. To help a pet cope with an illness, the owner must know how allergies manifest in dogs.

Depending on the causes of the abnormal reaction of the body, the following types of allergies in dogs are distinguished:

The most typical manifestations of allergies:

The reaction rate and severity of symptoms vary from dog to dog. Some animals immediately become covered with a rash, sneeze and cry on contact with any substance, while in others, the effect of the product appears gradually.

The body, as it were, accumulates impressions, gets acquainted with the allergen and suppresses its action for some time. Then the body lacks strength, and under the onslaught of a foreign substance, it gives up. It is worth noting that in this case it is much more difficult to cure the allergy, or rather to remove its symptoms.

A photo. Allergies in dogs

Allergy in dogs in the photo

REFERENCE... According to statistics, the most susceptible to allergies are Labradors, Shar Pei, French Bulldogs and white-coated breeds such as.

What foods and substances can become allergens

The practice of veterinary medicine shows that absolutely any product can become an allergen. At the same time, there are a number of substances and products to which the dog's body most often reacts.

Most often dogs are allergic to chicken meat.

Among the products, the most common allergens are:

Frequent allergens include:

• Medicines: antibiotics, sulfonamides, butadione, quinine, morphine.
• Cosmetics: shampoos and soaps. Dogs react particularly frequently to "human hygiene products."
• Fabric conditioners and air fragrances. All kinds of fragrances, which are used more and more by the owners now, are a real test for dogs with their delicate scent.
• Houseplants.

Allergy to dry food

When contacting a veterinarian with allergy symptoms, the doctor first of all finds out what kind of food the dog is eating. If it is dry food, the owner immediately receives a recommendation to exclude it from the diet. This verdict is not accidental, because many dry food contains dyes and preservatives that definitely cause an allergic reaction in a dog.

Dry food often becomes the cause of allergies, and this applies to food of all classes: from economy to holistic.

And this applies not only to cheap feed like. Even premium and super-premium foods can contain ingredients that a dog cannot tolerate. For example, they often contain grains (corn, wheat) and soybeans, which are potent allergens for many dogs.

Most often, allergies arise from a combination of several ingredients that make up a dry food.

The reaction may occur not to a specific product, but to their combinations. Protein ingredients, when combined with carbohydrates in the feed, can form complexes that can trigger a reaction. As a result, even those foods that the dog naturally consumed without problems become intolerable components in dry food.

But this does not mean that all dry food should be definitely excluded from the diet of dogs. Compliance with certain selection rules will help minimize the risks of an allergic reaction.

Preference should be given to a special line of food for dogs of different breeds and ages. The hypoallergenic feed contains only proven ingredients. Instead of chicken, they include lamb, horse meat, and a rabbit. Cereals are replaced with vegetables and rice. Such feeds are free from dyes and preservatives, eggs, citrus fruits. Super premium food does not contain dyes, synthetic additives, gluten or proteins.

IMPORTANT. When choosing, you can focus on the price of the product, since high-quality feed cannot be cheap.

Hills Prescription Diet Canine Allergen-Free is an excellent food for dogs with allergies.

• ... Super premium food based on natural raw materials. The composition contains turkey meat, peas, beets, potato flour. The feed is enriched with microelements.
• ... Hypoallergenic food. One type of food is the Prescription Diet Canine Allergen-Free Special Treatment Line.
• ... Hypoallergenic holistic based on natural meat. The feed consists of 50% lamb meat. The composition also contains seaweed, apples, pumpkin. There are no colorants, gluten or flavorings in the food.
• ... Salmon based food. Ideal for large breed dogs.

It is impossible to say exactly what kind of food will suit a dog with a tendency to allergies. It can be unambiguously argued that it should be super premium food. Then you need to introduce the product gradually, carefully observing the pet's reaction. At the slightest symptom of allergy, the brand of feed urgently needs to be changed.

Allergy diagnostics

Allergy is an insidious and difficult to diagnose disease. Its symptoms are similar to many other ailments, so it is impossible to do without the help of a specialist in the correct diagnosis, identification of the allergen and the choice of treatment.

In order to relieve the dog of itching and other allergy symptoms, it is necessary to identify the allergen.

The main diagnostic method is an allergen test. This method is similar to that performed in humans. Allergy test substances are applied to the skin, where small incisions are made. By the reaction that develops over time, the doctor determines which substance is causing the dog's allergy symptoms.

In order to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, the veterinarian will do the necessary tests.

In addition to diagnostic tests, a blood test for histamine is done. If a tick bite is suspected, a piroplasmosis test is performed.

Treatment method and rules for the prevention of allergies

It is possible to defeat allergies in dogs only if contact with foods and substances that cause negative reactions of the body is identified and eliminated. No medication will help relieve symptoms if the body's interaction with the allergen continues. It is worth remembering that it is impossible to completely cure the disease.

The first step is to stop contact of the dog with the allergen.

After elimination of the allergen, symptomatic treatment is prescribed to relieve the consequences of an allergic reaction. To remove toxins from the body, absorbents are prescribed: activated carbon, Smecta, Enterosgel. The consequences of food allergies are treated with Levocentrizin, Desloratadine. Their reception is assigned once or in a course.

IMPORTANT. Antihistamines will have absolutely no effect on food allergies if the dog continues to eat the food that triggers the reaction.

Suprastin is used to relieve acute manifestations of allergies.

The hardest part is for dogs with environmental allergies. During the flowering period, the animal will suffer regularly. And you can only help him with antihistamines (Suprastin, Diphenhydramine). The only consolation is the seasonality of such an allergy.

Corticosteroids, Dexamethasone, Prednisolone will help to relieve the pet of allergies. These hormonal drugs reduce inflammation, reduce the body's sensitivity to the substance that causes the reaction. But due to the side effects of these drugs, they are prescribed only for severe allergic reactions and complications caused by them.

Itching, redness, slight swelling on the skin are removed by local means: cream, ointment. Allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis are treated with cromones (Komolin, Lekrolin, Cromhexal).

For allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, Lekrolin drops are used.

In case of allergies, immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed without fail, which strengthen and restore the body's defenses (Eucalyptus, Rosehip, Birch buds). In combination with the main treatment, they allow you to achieve a stable remission.

One of the effective methods is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). The dog's immune system undergoes a kind of accustoming to the allergen through specific processing of allergens and their introduction into the blood of the animal. The technique allows you to save the dog from the disease for several years.

The ALT method (autolymphocytotherapy) is similar to ASIT. Under laboratory conditions, lymphocytes are isolated from the blood of a dog, they are modified and injected into the blood in the form of vaccines made on their basis. The technique lasts from one to three years, allows you to remove the manifestations of allergies for a long time.

For contact or respiratory allergies, a number of rules must be followed:

• The room where the dog lives must be regularly ventilated.
• No smoking in the house.
• Cleaning must be carried out without chemicals.
• Your pet needs to have constant access to clean drinking water.
• Vaccinations and medications should only be used when absolutely necessary.
• During the flowering of dusty plants, walks should be taken in the most open space, far from green spaces.
• After a walk, the dog's paws are washed, and the coat is wiped with a damp cloth.

Allergy manifestations in a dog are a signal for action for its owner. Only attention and care will help relieve your pet of unpleasant symptoms and minimize the impact of allergens on the body.

We offer for viewing a video dedicated to such a problem as allergies in dogs.

One of the most common health problems is dog allergies. It can develop for almost anything. And that is why it is very difficult to quickly identify the allergen. But what is allergy in dogs, how does it develop? Is there a classification? What symptoms are typical for it? And most importantly, how to help the animal: what to give a dog from allergies?

In scientific terms, then

allergy is an increased and qualitatively altered reaction of the body to the ingress of substances of an antigenic and non-antigenic nature, or immune reactions occurring in a sensitized (sensitization - increased and altered sensitivity) organism.

In a simple way, it is the body's reaction to the ingress of a substance into it, which causes an abnormal "response" in it. This substance causes a “jolt” of the immune system in the animal, as a result of which the body tries to fight by producing antibodies (class E). Normally, these antibodies contain only 0.03% - this is very little. As soon as their number begins to grow, the sensitivity of the immune system is immediately "perverted".

Allergy occurs most often in animals with impaired immune systems, as well as in those with an allergic constitution (increased permeability of blood vessels, skin, and tissues of the respiratory and digestive organs).

If the dog has an allergic constitution, then the feedback from the immune system does not work, that is, class E antibodies continue to be produced (even after their number has reached the normal amount). This "hypersensitivity" can be inherited. It often develops in the course of life.

What can provoke the development of allergies in an absolutely healthy animal? Frequent vaccinations (a shake-up for the immune system, should not be done more often than it should be according to the vaccination scheme), the use of drugs with an expired shelf life, frequent contact with synthetic substances, etc.

According to the degree of sensitivity (propensity to allergies), in descending order: guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, dogs, pigs, birds, monkeys, humans.

The mechanism of development of an allergic reaction

There are 3 stages in the development of allergies:

1. Stage of immune responses
2. Stage of pathochemical changes
3. Stage of pathophysiological disorders

Stage of immune responses

In response to the ingestion of allergens in the body with an altered immune system, a huge amount of class E antibodies and T-lymphocytes are produced, which are fixed on the surface of cells and tissues. That is why these cells become overly sensitive to repeated exposure to the allergen.

If a lot of antibodies and T-lymphocytes are attached to the tissues, then they are called shock. They are the first to react to an allergen entering the body. Shock tissues are most often the walls of blood vessels, smooth muscles, skin, tissues of the respiratory and digestive organs.

All this happens during the initial "acquaintance" of the organism with the allergen.

Stage of pathochemical changes

When allergens re-enter the body, they interact with class E antibodies and altered T-lymphocytes, which are located on the surface of cells. As a result of this interaction, cells are damaged, destroyed. As a result, a large number of active substances are formed - histamine, serotonin, bragykinin.

Stage of immune responses

The resulting biologically active substances enter the bloodstream, are carried throughout the body and cause dysfunction in organs or tissues. Most often, violations are recorded in shock tissues. Others react less.

What can a dog be allergic to?

Substances that can change the sensitivity of the body (increase it) are called allergens. The most common are viruses, bacteria, fungi, helminths (as well as toxins released by them in the process of life) and poisons.

There are also exogenous (coming from outside). These include:

• Medicines
• Substances of animal origin (down, wool, feathers)
• Foreign proteins (enzymes and hormones)
• Plant pollen, some types of herbs and flowers (especially home ornamental)
• Poison of insects and reptiles. For bites of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other bloodsuckers, as well as for their waste products
• Household chemicals
• Food (milk, berries, grains, etc.).

But the most rare are "internal" (endogenous) allergens. In another way, they can also be called autoallergens. These are their own defective cells or tissues. Cases have been reported when an animal developed an allergy to the lens of the eye, thyroid tissue, testes, and gray medulla.

Classification

Allergic reactions have several classifications:

By the rate of occurrence

Immediate allergy - Allergy symptoms in a dog appear only 3-5 minutes after the allergen enters an already sensitized organism (with increased sensitivity). That is, the animal has already come into contact with the allergen at least once.

Delayed allergy - in this case, the symptoms of an allergy in a dog appear in a day or two or three after the "irritant" enters the body.

By type of allergen

• Infectious - develops when the pathogen of one or another pathogen enters the body. For example, on the causative agent of tuberculosis, brucellosis, leptospirosis and others.
• Serum - occurs after the introduction of serum (ready-made antibodies against the disease) into the body. For example, anti-tetanus.
• Food - for some feed component.
• Vegetable - for pollen or the plants themselves.
• Medicinal - per component of the drug.
• Household - mold, dust, even food for other pets (fish, rodents).
• Autoallegia - on own defective cells.
• Idiosyncrasy is a congenital hypersensitivity to certain foods.

By the nature of sensitization

Non-specific - when the sensitivity increases due to the ingestion of one type of allergen into the body, but it will react to another. Even nonspecific allergies in dogs can be divided into 2 subspecies:

1. Heteroallergy - when sensitization occurs due to a non-antigenic allergen, however, the reaction occurs as soon as an antigenic allergen enters the body. If we speak not in scientific language, then the common cold is a non-pathogenic factor, but an ingressing virus or bacterium is antigenic. Thus, a cold weakens the immune system, cells and tissues become more sensitive, and pathogens that come in cause the development of an allergic reaction.
2. Paraallergy - despite the fact that one allergen causes an increase in sensitivity, and the immune system "responds" to the other, both irritants are antigenic. For example, viral infections always "weaken" the immune system, and bacteria that enter it become the "second" antigenic allergens.

Specific - a reaction to the same allergen. For the reaction to develop, it is necessary that the "stimulus" enter the body twice (the first hit increases the sensitivity, the second provokes the appearance of clinical signs).

Depending on the degree of violations

General - the functions of all organs and systems are disrupted. Most often it develops on food.

Local - violation at the injection site / direct contact. For example, after administering a medicine. Swelling, redness, swelling, even pus may appear. Repeated administration of the allergen is often required.

Symptoms

Allergy is manifested by a violation of the functions of organs and systems.

On the part of the circulatory system

Hemorrhages (including on the skin, visible mucous membranes), congestion, changes in blood pressure (both decrease and increase).

From the digestive system

The most common symptoms of allergy are vomiting, diarrhea, changes in enzyme activity.

From the nervous system

Convulsions (involuntary muscle twitching) or, conversely, paralysis may appear.

From the side of heat regulation and other systems

The body temperature changes, edema appears, the joints swell. If the dog has had chronic diseases, then they will worsen and again begin to bother the mustache. Itching, scratching, sneezing, flinching appear, and involuntary excretion of feces and urine is extremely rare.

Now let's consider what symptoms are typical for different types of dog allergies.

Food allergy

Rash, skin redness, severe itching, hair loss. Dandruff is noticeable on the skin, the tissues themselves are dry, but there are wet areas in the chest and armpits. Defecation changes, vomiting may begin. If you look into the mouth, there may be inflammatory processes on the gums (stomatitis), and the smell from the mouth changes. Dog allergy symptoms may disappear (or worsen) as soon as the diet changes.

Flea dermatitis (allergy to flea bites and their excrement)

The presence of bloodsuckers. If these small bastards do not come across to your eyes, then you can shake the wool on a sheet of white paper or comb it. You will immediately notice black dots on the sheet. There are bite marks (pinpoint redness), scratching on the skin. Hair may fall out (especially where itching is severe). There may be severe redness in the groin area.

Atopic dermatitis

Most often young dogs suffer - from one to three years. Lesions are noted in the muzzle, armpits, ears, paws, groin. The pet seeks to lick all the affected areas. Weeping areas may be recorded.

Autoimmune

Erythematous vesicles appear on the skin. Cutaneous vasculitis, lupus, erythema multiforme. Epidermal necrolysis is also recorded (tissues die off).

Contact dermatitis

Redness and itching occur in places where the skin has been in contact with the allergen. If the animal does not tolerate household chemicals, then on the feet, paw pads, scrotum of the male, abdomen there will be symptoms of dermatitis. There will be eczema between the toes.

Medicinal

It develops immediately after taking the medicine. The main signs are clearly limited lesions and practically all rashes on the face. The hives disappear as suddenly as they appear. The most dangerous symptom is anaphylaxis.

Allergic otitis media

It proceeds as a usual inflammation of the middle ear: redness, itching, exudate, scratching, edema, increase in shell temperature. But that's just the difference from the usual otitis media can only be based on the results of bakanalysis.

Infectious allergy

It is characterized by symptoms like a disease. Viruses, bacteria and fungi act as not only an allergen, but also a causative agent of the disease.

Treating a dog with allergies

Treatment of a dog with allergies should be started as soon as possible. Otherwise, anaphylactic shock may develop (paralysis of the pharynx will occur, there may be Quincke's edema). Therefore, as soon as you notice allergy symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian right away.

To begin with, you can donate blood (the doctor will notice characteristic deviations from the norm). Then you need to "calculate" what triggered the change in sensitivity. Without eliminating the cause, it will be impossible to cure the pet. Symptoms will not only come back, but the attacks will get worse and worse each time.

What to give a dog for allergies? As an emergency therapy, they resort to the use of antihistamines: diphenhydramine, suprastin, pipolfen, calcium gluconate, tavegil. The dosage should be calculated based on the weight of the pet.

You can also ask a question to the in-house veterinarian of our website, who will answer them as soon as possible in the comment box below.

Good afternoon!
We have a golden retriever, 6 months old. A week ago, the dog developed red spots on the belly and inside of the hind legs, some covered with a small crust. At the veterinarian's appointment, lichen was excluded, suprastin was prescribed 1/2 tablet 2 times a day for 3-5 days and the exclusion of any food, except dry. After a week of treatment and diet, no significant improvement is seen.
The dog does not itch, no pain. On March 31st they took Bravekta's pill. Degelmetization was carried out on March 10 with Prazitel. The dog is active.
We have been using Hill's Puppy Large Breed Chicken dry food since 3 months.
Please advise what is better to do. Perhaps, take some tests or change the feed? Thanks.

• Natalia 19:54 | 14 Feb. 2019

  Daria is a veterinarian 00:16 | 15 Feb. 2019

  Natalia 13:52 | 15 Feb. 2019

  Thank you so much! We bought a hypoallergenic food that was additionally advised for purine + vitamins, they were also taken as there was a lack of vitamins (gnawed at the walls and ate my own feces). Let's feed and see how the disease will behave.

  Daria is a veterinarian 00:38 | 16 Feb. 2019

  Observe! And which one did they take? on z \\ d for a long time. up to a month. It is precisely for the removal of an acute allergic reaction. But d | d is suitable for lifelong feeding (although some 2-3 months are enough to relieve symptoms, cleanse the body and search for an allergen). Can you look at the feed that was fed, what is in their composition (what type of grain and meat, their percentage, what other additives). You need not only vitamins, but also minerals (micro-macroelements, including calcium, phosphorus)

Good afternoon!
Sheepdog, 3 years old. Took from the breeder 10.10. 2018. We noticed edema of the hind paw, at first insignificant, but progressed. We were taken to the vet clinic, examined vet doctor - no pathology identified, no tachycardia, no arrhythmia, an. blood total and biochemical - normal. The dog does not limp, is not interested in the paw (does not lick), there is no pain on palpation, when pressed with a finger, a dent remains, which gradually levels out. lasix was prescribed 6ml per day x10 days.
The former owner denies the dog's illness.
Punctured, the swelling has decreased, almost to normal, and now it is gradually increasing.

Hello! I have a dog Golden Retriever, male, 10 years old. Since childhood, they have been fed dry food Dog Chow, or chicken, or turkey. This year, purulent ulcers appeared all over the body. The hair has come out on the affected areas. We went to the clinic, underwent tests, showed that there were many allergens in the blood, they also had a scraping, and found staphylococcus aureus. They prescribed a bunch of medications and injections. All put down, for a while it got better and the smell disappeared, but after 2 weeks new ulcers and a smell began to appear. Tell me what else to do? It hurts to watch my pet suffer and itch.

• Hello! Has the feeding changed? What are you feeding now? This breed is highly allergic, so feeding should be carefully selected. How were you treated for staphylococcus? At the end of the course of treatment, the scraping was not done again (a week after the recovery and the termination of antibiotics)? Have you changed your pet's litter at home? Did you perform a thorough cleaning with disinfection? Staphylococcus aureus is very resistant to antibiotics, therefore, you need to select a medicine based on sensitivity titration. Have you rubbed your skin with chlorhexidine during treatment?

  Yes, now Pro Plan dermatosis and buckwheat porridge with chicken and vegetable soup.
  1 treatment: Polivac, Dexaphor, Ekzekan, Doctor Shampoo with climbazole, Akriderm gk, Hemobalans, Trivit. It got better for a while, after a week the spots appeared again.
  2 treatment: Gentamicin, Ketoconazole, Hemovit. What is the situation, improvement, then again spots.
  3 treatment: Dexaphor, Execan, Peroxide for treating wounds, Marfloxin.
  4 Treatment: Polysorb, Cetrin, Stop-Sud, Timogen, Farmavit for aging dogs, Trivit, shampoo with ketaconazole and cytoderm shampoo, Ursasan, Phytoelita clear skin. 2 weeks nothing happened, now spots have appeared again. Repeated scraping was not done, because we cannot get rid of sores.
  There is no bedding, he sleeps where it is convenient, they did not say to wipe the floors with bleach, chlorhexidine.

• remove the chicken !!! Didn't the veterinarian tell you about this? This is the first thing that is said to be excluded in animals with signs of allergies. Try to switch to Hills d / d (then you can switch to z / d after 3 months), it contains 1 type of protein and 1 type of carbohydrates, which are in a hydrolyzed ("split") state, which reduces the risk of allergies to 0 ... And feed only dry or wet industrial feed. No straight girl. Scraping would not hurt to understand whether staphylococcus has disappeared or not. On the 3rd scheme of treatment, there should have been improvements: a hormone, a strong antibiotic with a broad spectrum of action. How many days did you inject Marfloxin? Did you use anything for ticks? At least Ivermek / Ivermectin would have been injected in the clinic in order to exclude subcutaneous ticks (you never know they did not get into the scraping, it was necessary to make a deep scraping in several places on the border of healthy and diseased areas). Chlorhexidine is a cheap but good antiseptic. Start by changing the diet and giving sorbents + a couple of days of antihistamines (half of Suprastin 2 times a day for no more than 3 days in a row, because it gives a side effect to the kidneys). See if the itching gets better in a couple of days.

Allergies in dogs are the most common disease that occurs in all breeds, without exception. Some breeds are more susceptible to this pathology, others to a lesser extent. Allergy is a specific response of the immune system to harmless substances (allergens): food, flower pollen, dust, household chemicals, mold spores, insect saliva.

The body of the animal takes allergenic substances for dangerous antigens (viruses, bacteria) and begins to fight them. The condition of the animal deteriorates sharply, the dog develops swelling, muscle spasms, coughing, sneezing, itching. The animal needs immediate assistance.

Important! To help their beloved pet, every dog \u200b\u200bbreeder should know how allergies manifest, what causes them, how to treat them and how to prevent them.

Types of dog allergies

The classification is made according to the types of a specific allergen:

1. Insect (tick allergy, flea dermatitis).
2. Food grade.
3. Infectious.
4. Medication (for medicines, after vaccination).
5. Atopic dermatitis.
6. Respiratory.
7. Contact (chemical).
8. Autoimmune.

In some veterinary sources, allergic otitis media is distinguished as a separate subspecies of allergy - the classification is carried out by the place of localization (on the ears).

Insect

The popular name flea dermatitis implies that the disease is caused exclusively by flea bites. This is not entirely true.

Allergies are caused by:

• bites (, gnaw, mosquitoes);
• sting (horseflies, bees, gadfly, hornets, wasps);
• contact;
• inhalation of an insect or parts of its body.

Food

Allergy to food is the most common type of pathology and the most difficult, since it is not easy to identify what causes it.

It can appear on beef meat, canned food, river and sea fish, smoked meats, spices, chicken, vitamin complexes, eggs. There is practically no reaction to rabbit meat, turkey, duck, rice and veal, so these protein products form the basis of industrial hypoallergenic brands.

There are frequent cases of allergy to cheap food and treats sold in supermarkets, which have a lot of artificial additives. In especially sensitive pets, a strong allergy can manifest itself on cereals, which is why the brands of the “holistic” class with a grain-free formula are so valued.

Infectious

Medicinal

Drug allergy in a dog is a specific response of the body to the medications administered.

Allergen preparations:

• antibiotics;
• dry and live vaccine (vaccination);
• sulfonamide;
• pollen-based medicines;
• analgesics;
• vitamins;
• sedatives.

This type of allergy has a pronounced cumulative effect.

Atopic dermatitis

It is a widespread hereditary disorder. The widespread distribution of which is facilitated by unsystematic selection of dogs. The complexity of atopy lies in the fact that it is rarely possible to identify the causative agent of the pathology.

Major allergens:

• pen;
• house dust;
• dust mites;
• pollen;
• poplar fluff;
• mold.

Important! The pathological process is individual in nature, it can manifest itself seasonally, for example, in spring.

Respiratory

Respiratory allergy occurs upon contact with aeroallergens - foreign particles in the air: dust, mold spores, dandruff, pollen, fluff, wool. The site of localization is the upper respiratory tract.

Contact

Pathology develops after pet contact with household chemicals, animal care items (on a collar), toys, synthetic carpets or upholstered furniture. The reaction develops after prolonged contact of the allergen with the pet's body.

Rare species:

• on the cat;
• grass allergy;
• on the owner.

Autoimmune

With this type of pathology, the pet's immune system begins to perceive its own cellular tissues as foreign.

Dog owners need to know the symptoms of pathology in order to have time to provide their pet with first aid.

Allergy symptoms in dogs

Common symptoms:

• Intense persistent itching. The dog itches and licks itself to bald patches, injuring itself.
• Lachrymation. Bald patches around the eyes.
• Puffiness.
• Clear nasal discharge.
• Off-season molt.
• Bald spots.
• Hives on the skin.
• Dry skin.
• Dandruff.
• Inflammation, flaking and redness between the toes.
• Chronic otitis media. Inflammation of the ears.
• Breast and armpits wet (allergic effusion).
• Disorders in the digestive tract. Chronic diarrhea.

Specific signs:

Diagnostic measures should be carried out only in a hospital setting. Since the clinical picture of this pathology resembles other diseases such as lichen, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, etc.

Important! Only a specialist knows how to distinguish lichen from allergies in dogs; moreover, this requires special medical equipment and clinical tests.

Allergy diagnostics include:

After similar symptoms are not confirmed, the veterinarian proceeds to eliminate one potential allergen after another.

Other allergenic substances can be identified by carefully observing the animal, analyzing all changes in the pet's health. The easiest way to detect seasonal allergies: to pollen, poplar fluff, mosquito bites and other insects, to flowering plants.

How to feed a dog with allergies

A special menu is an obligatory part of the complex treatment of food allergies. The modern pet industry produces medicinal and dietetic food for dogs with this disease.

Ready-made industrial feed

The best hypoallergenic food:

1. Acana Lamb & Okanagan Apple is a holistic feed based on young sheep meat. It contains only hypoallergenic components. Grain-free formula helps maintain dog's weight. The formula is free from gluten, artificial additives. Only fresh natural ingredients are taken for the production of the brand. It has a pronounced healing effect. The disadvantage of the brand is the high price, from 1450 rubles. per pack 340 gr.
2. 1st Choice Sensitive Skin & Coat Adult Lumb & Fish is a dietary food made from lamb, brown rice and white sea fish. All protein components are of low allergenicity. Free of gluten, preservatives, colors and flavors. Price - from 1200 rubles. per package 2.72 kg.
3. Hills Prescription Diet Canine Allergen-Free is a medicated dog food for allergies. The line of feed is produced on the basis of poultry meat hydrolyzate. The formula includes antioxidants to accelerate the dog's healing process. Suitable for permanent use. Cost - from 1450 rubles. per can 370 gr.
4. Bosch Sensitive Lamb & Rice is a hypoallergenic food for animals of all breeds based on lamb and rice. Enriched with mussel powder, Omega-6 and Omega-3. It is not curative. Differs in high digestibility, the increased content of prebiotics improves digestion processes. Price - from 1350 rubles. for a pack of 3 kg.
5. Eukanuba Dermatosis FP Response is a food for a healing diet. Suitable for the prevention of allergic skin diseases. The composition is based on catfish meat and potatoes. Differs in low allergenicity. Not recommended for animals sensitive to fish components and potatoes. Suitable for regular use. No artificial additives. Cost - from 3100 rubles. per package 5 kg.

Natural food

How to feed a dog prone to allergies if it is on natural food? This is not an idle question that worries many dog \u200b\u200bbreeders.

The first thing to do if your pet is diagnosed with an allergy is to identify the allergen product and completely eliminate it from the animal's diet. This process is lengthy and not always effective.

For this, the animal is prescribed a strict diet for several weeks. His menu should consist of 2-3 hypoallergenic foods. After that, the dog is gradually offered one new product from those that she received before the start of treatment and the reaction of her body is monitored. The result is recorded in the observation diary.

Allergen products:

• egg;
• nuts;
• seafood;
• a pineapple;
• river fish;
• corn;
• apricot;
• yeast;
• hen;
• citrus;
• eggplant;
• beef;
• figs;
• raspberry;
• wheat;
• strawberry;
• vitamins;
• milk products.

Hypoallergenic products:

• lamb;
• brown rice;
• squash;
• turkey;
• turnip;
• rabbit;
• green pears;
• buckwheat;
• broccoli;
• salad;
• pumpkin with a light crust;
• green apples;
• zucchini.

The menu is made up of products with low allergenicity. The reactive product is excluded from the pet's diet for life.

Allergy Treatment in Dogs

After the diagnosis is established, the veterinarian will prescribe treatment. Usually this is a set of measures, consisting of:

• elimination of contact with the allergen;
• transfer to a special diet;
• symptomatic therapy.

The treatment regimen for each type of pathology is individual. The doctor prescribes therapeutic measures based on the severity of the disease, the general health of the animal, its age, physiological state: pregnancy, the period of feeding the offspring.

Allergy remedies:

1. Antihistamines. Symptomatic therapy. Allergy tablets: loratadine, tavegil, diphenhydramine, cetrin, diazolin, suprastin.
2. Immunomodulators. Synthetic (Imunofan, Catosal) and plant origin (Gamavit, Fosprenil). They act cumulatively, correcting immunity.
3. Corticosteroids. Rapid-acting hormonal preparations for allergies: solutions for injections, ointments, suppositories, tablets. In therapy for dogs are used: Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone.

Important! Self-medication of allergies is unacceptable! Even if you know how to treat allergies at home, only a qualified specialist should choose a treatment regimen.