In industrialized countries, the number of allergy sufferers has increased considerably over the last 20 years, to the point where it is estimated that 25 to 30% of the population is now affected by an allergy. This does not only concern humans, but also pets. Yes, a dog can be allergic! The idea may have occurred to you by observing your pet's behavior: it scratches, bites, licks itself excessively... So what are the main allergies that affect dogs?
Allergy to flea bites
Flea bites can trigger an allergy in dogs that are hypersensitive to the protein present in flea saliva. This allergy then causes dermatitis, which is the most common pruritic dermatitis in dogs. This exacerbated reaction to flea bites (one bite can be enough) results in severe itching in the animal.
The dermatitis is usually located near the bottom of the spine, on the back of the thighs and on the flanks. It produces mostly pink to red, slightly raised pimples, superficial abrasions and scabs due to the animal's intense scratching. Sometimes this can develop into painful, oozing sores.
The diagnosis of this allergy is not always easy. The appearance of the lesions and the particular locations can help but, depending on the density and length of the dog's hair, the presence of fleas is not always easy to identify.
The treatment consists first of all in the administration of an anti-pruritic product to manage the allergic itching. It is also necessary to remove the fleas that have settled on the animal's back. And this is more difficult than you might think.
The quality of the application of the flea control product is essential to ensure its effectiveness. Ideally, it takes two people to do it properly: one person holds the pet and spreads the hair while the second person applies the product to the skin. But the effectiveness of a perfectly applied product is only 99.5% initially, dropping to 95% afterwards: not enough to kill all the fleas at the times when they are most numerous. No current insecticide is therefore effective enough to prevent the first bite, the one that will trigger the allergy. The animal will have been bitten one too many times, even if the flea dies soon after.
Atopy
Atopy is a chronic skin disease that results from skin barrier abnormalities combined with an allergic reaction. The allergens can be dust mites or pollens. This allergy is rarely food or microbial.
It is favored by the animal's genetics and is more common in French and English bulldogs, West Highland white terriers, Bull terriers, Jack Russel terriers, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Boxers.
This disease is characterized by itching or irritation of the face, extremities and anal region. Only a veterinarian can make the diagnosis because the response to corticosteroids is one of the elements to take into account. The disease can create complications such as superinfection of irritations by bacteria.
Tests are performed by the veterinarian to find out what is causing the allergy in the dog. Once the cause has been identified, treatment of the disease is not uniform because the skin barrier must be strengthened, superinfections must be controlled, and inflammation and itching must be reduced. Desensitization of the dog is possible but not effective in all dogs.
Food allergy
In dogs, a food allergy is triggered by a food that he does not tolerate: meat, cereal, etc. Most dogs are allergic to only one food, but in some animals, the allergy may involve several foods.
In addition to the appearance of pimples or patches on the dog's skin, as with the allergies previously discussed, diarrhea, excessive flatulence and increased daily droppings may indicate a food allergy. Vomiting is also possible.
Food allergies represent only 1% of skin disorders. No breed is more susceptible than another. The most complicated step will be to identify the food that is causing the problem for the animal. To do this, the veterinarian will set up an avoidance diet, which consists of feeding the dog food that it has never eaten. This diet is spread over a minimum of two months. It is followed by a challenge test to understand what food triggers the allergy. Obviously, once the food has been identified, the only effective treatment is to never offer it to the dog again. As dog treats are made with a large number of products, they should be removed from the dog's diet.
Contact allergy
Contact allergy is present in dogs whose skin is very sensitive to contact with certain substances. In order for there to be a reaction, the contact must be made with the skin or mucous membranes. This allergy manifests itself by irritation and skin lesions on areas such as the belly, the legs, the neck (where he wears his collar) or the chin.
The dog scratches everywhere, a discoloration of the skin and a strong smell are characteristic, as well as the loss of hair on the concerned area. Once the problem substances are identified, the dog should be prevented from coming into contact with them.
See a specialist if your dog has an allergy
Allergy is an abnormal and excessive reaction of the immune system to an allergen. This can be embarrassing for the dog and costly for the owner, as it can be a long and difficult process for the veterinarian.
As many other diseases can cause the symptoms described here, it is necessary to seek the services of a veterinarian to provide the appropriate care for the animal.
