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Allergies and your dog
Allergies are a problem affecting around 15 per cent of dogs. Some breeds, however, are more susceptible to allergies than others, for example, those with predominantly white coats such as the West Highland terrier are predisposed to skin allergies. Other breeds that are also vulnerable to skin allergies include the Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, golden retriever, Cairn terrier, Scottish terrier, English setter, American spitz, Airedale terrier, Wheaton terrier and the fox terrier.
Like people, dogs can be sensitive to allergens that they ingest or inhale or just come into physical contact with. These may cause itching, sneezing and skin and ear infections. Although this immune system disorder is not life-threatening, it is disturbing to both pets and their owners.
According to Dr Wachirahai Warinlai, an allergic reaction occurs when a dog's immune system overreacts to harmless substances known as allergens like plant pollens, fungal spores, insects, certain diets and dust mites.
Allergic symptoms
- If your dog is exposed to an allergen over a period of time, it will show signs of allergic reactions including itchiness, licking and chewing its feet, scratching its face on the floor, chronically inflamed ears, red skin, biting its own skin, hair loss, a red rash around its eyes and ears, hot spots and body odours.
Common allergies found in dogs
- Flea allergic dermatitis is common since dogs are sensitive to a flea's saliva. One bite from flea can cause severe itchiness that may last for more than three weeks.
Using flea powder or similar products can help ease this problem.
- Food allergies can manifest themselves following a change of diet. Symptoms include vomiting, watery stools and skin problems. They can be accompanied by other forms of allergy.
- Atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused by exposure to common substances found such as pollen, fungal spores and dust. Research has revealed that aerial allergens can penetrate a dog's skin and cause an allergic reaction.
- Contact allergies are rarely found, but exposure to certain chemicals can cause them.
Treatment
- Avoidance is the best treatment, starting with ridding your dog of fleas. As for dietary allergies, owners should find a diet that suits their dog and try to stick with it.
While aerial allergens are inevitable, immunotherapy is one preventive treatment that can help the dog's body create antibodies and build up some immunity.
Managing the immune system - According to Dr Wachirachai, manipulating the immune system involves injecting the dog with a small amount of allergen over time to desensitise the its immune system to the allergens. This procedure is effective and safe. Before beginning treatment, however, the dog must be properly diagnosed by an experienced vet to identify the real cause of the allergy.
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