ALLERGIES IN DOGS

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

Allergies

Allergies in the form of asthma, fever and eczema have been accepted as a major cause of human discomfort for a long time. However, such allergy syndromes have also been identified with canine discomfort in recent years.

They show in the skin as welts and lesions; in the head and other parts of the body in hive- like swellings; in the intestinal tract in diarrhea and vomiting.

Allergic symptoms:

1. SCRATCHING

2. COUGHING

3.  SNEEZING

4. EYE RUBBING

5. PAW LICKING

6. RUBBING FACE AGAINST THE WALL

7 DIARRHEA

8.VOMITING

 

Causes :

Allergic reactions in the dog can be caused by:-

1. Various Foods
2. certain insects
3. vegetation and pollens
4. hundreds of different agents like dust, floor polish, woollen articles
5. cat hair 
6. tobacco etc.

Allergy due to DIET   

Pets have their idiosyncrasies regarding food too!. Some dogs can't assimilate some types of food. Certain food induce chronic diarrhea or vomiting. In or to assess and find out dietary allergies, one should start with basic diet. Mutton and rice would be a good example. Foods can then be added at a time until an allergic response tells us which one is the culprit. Protein sources should be tested first followed by cereal products.

Allergy due to FLEA 

Hypersensitivity to Flea Bites is a fairly common allergic reaction. The bite of the flea results in intense itching. The dog will scratch violently, sometimes leading  to  secondary infections like "mange".

Allergy resulting in HIVES 

Hives in the dog are characterized by a tremendous swelling of the head, usually around the eyes and mouth. The animal is uncomfortable and exhibits extreme itching. The hives are usually caused by an allergy to a certain type of food which perhaps is not a part of his regular diet. It can be treated with a laxative or enema to flush out any toxic agent in the intestine. Cold  packs can be used to remove itchiness.

Allergy due to color of SKIN 

White dogs and light coloured dogs seem to be more susceptible to skin allergies. Poodles, Maltese, Setters, Terriers, Dalmatians seem to be more prone to allergies. The initial symptoms are redness and inflammation. Scaliness follows, and the hair starts to fall out, leaving bare patches. Baby oil or Lanolin rubbed on the irritated area will soothe and relieve the skin but this is only momentary. To effect a cure the CAUSE has to be determined.

Incidentally two or three breeds, the MEXICAN CHIHUAHUA and the MEXICAN HAIRLESS can be kept by persons considered  allergic to dogs, and can actually help them. These two breeds are known to have been of help to people prone to allergies and asthma!! 

Raj Prateek Verma http://www.dogalogueofraj.blogspot.com