Dogs – Common Allergies and Symptoms
July 23rd, 2010
When Your Dog Starts to Sneeze There are many things that both the dogs and the dog ownerscould have in common. For example, both dogs and dog ownerscould be prone to obesity if not regulating food intake and bynot exercising. In addition, dogs and humans may also acquire diseases thatresults from improper dietary regimen like diabetes, heartdiseases, etc.Moreover, the most amusing thing that both dogs and humans shareis the fact that they are both vulnerable to allergies.Sounds impossible? Think again.
Veterinary experts assert that dogs have allergies too. One ofthe primary signs of allergies is the itching of their skin.Their respiratory tract system can also be affected withallergies. Normally, dogs will manifest symptoms of respiratory tractallergies like sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Their nose andtheir eyes may also manifest a discharge just like humans dowhenever they have colds or flu.There are also allergies that may have an effect on theirdigestive system; hence, it may result as watery stools,diarrhea, or vomiting.
Experts say that almost 20% of the dogs in the United Statessuffer from several types of allergy. So, for people who want toknow more about the different allergies that dogs acquire, hereis a list of the most common allergies:1. Allergies with fleasIt is a well-known fact that dogs are usually infected withfleas. However, what most people do not know is that they canget allergies through these fleas, too.Well, it is not the fleas that actually cause the allergicreactions in dogs but the flea’s saliva.
Hence, it is importantfor the dog to undergo a skin allergy examination so as todetermine if a particular dog is sensitive to flea saliva.In the event that the dog is allergic to flea saliva, it wouldbe better for the owner to implement a rigorous flea control orflea eradication treatment in order to lessen the allergicreactions. Though, it must be kept in mind that solutions thatare used in flea control should be safe for the dog.2. Allergies pertaining to foodsLike humans, dogs get allergies from food as well.
There areinstances wherein dogs get allergies from foods that theirsystem cannot tolerate, such as wheat, soy products, pork, beef,whey, fish, eggs, milk, corn, artificial sweeteners, andchemical preservatives that are placed in their food.Moreover, dogs can get allergies in food that they have nottried before. The best way to combat this particular allergyproblem is to feed the dog commercial dog foods more ofteninstead of homemade products.Some signs of allergic reactions to food in dogs are shaking ofthe head, scratching the ears, irritated skin, biting andlicking at the rear feet, inflammations in the ear, sneezing,behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
3. Atopic DermatitisAtopic dermatitis is a known allergic skin disease in dogs. Thisis usually caused by the hypersensitivity of the dog’s immunesystem to ordinary substances that can be found in theenvironment like molds or dust mites.Usually, a dog is said to be suffering from atopic dermatitiswhen the dog begins to excessively lick and chew its paws,licking the abdomen and its rear feet.Atopic dermatitis can be seen as a saliva staining found in thearmpits, between the toes of the paws, and in the groin.
Inlight-colored canines, atopic dermatitis can be seen as ared-brown stain found on the same parts that were mentioned.4. Allergies resulting from bacteriaThis is the most common cause of serious allergies in dogs.Generally, there are certain bacteria that thrive in the dog’sskin. This is known as the species of Staphylococcus bacteria.In most cases, this does not cause allergies in dogs. However,there are certain types of dogs that develop an allergy to it.The most common symptom of this kind of allergy is hair lossalong with the development of ringworm like marks in the dog’sskin.
The areas where these marks appear usually get infected,hence, it is important to treat them with antibiotics.Indeed, allergies are not for humans only. Allergies greataffects almost 20% of the total population of dogs in the UnitedStates, and that is a pretty alarming number. Therefore, it isextremely important for dog owners to know these dog allergiesin order to prevent them from further exposure.
Categories: Pets & Animals
