Health Issues - Description of Dog Allergies One of the most common and diverse health issues are dog allergies. Both dogs and humans suffer from allergies so we easily sympathise with many of the dog allergies that can inflict our dogs.
Description of Dog Allergies What are Allergies? Definition: Allergies are abnormal reactions in which the immune system of a dog over reacts to common, everyday environmental substances. Examples of such substances are bacteria, food, pollens etc. These substances are called allergens.
Dog Allergies - Allergens Allergens cause allergic reactions upon exposure by:
Inhalation
Ingestion
Skin contact.
Allergies - Types of Allergens There are many kinds of allergens, some of which include the following:
Chemicals
Bacteria
Food
Fleas
Pollens
House Dust
Types of Allergies As with humans there are lots of different types of allergies that can affect dogs but they can be categorised into the following groups:
Bacterial allergy
Food allergy
Flea allergy
Contact allergy
Inhalant allergies aka Atopy
Health Problems - Symptoms of Bacterial Dog Allergies The most common problem in this instance is Staphylococcus (Staph) bacteria. Canine Allergies relating to Staph bacteria can include the following symptoms:
Areas of hair loss and skin crusting that look like ringworm
Lesions
Treatment of Bacterial Dog Allergies Bacterial Allergies must be treated with antibiotics
Health Problems - Symptoms of Food Allergies Proteins from chicken, milk, eggs, corn, wheat, soy and especially beef cause this type of problem. Allergies relating to food can include the following symptoms:
Non-seasonal and excessive scratching
Dogs respond poorly to cortisone type medications
Digestive disorders
Respiratory distress
Treatment of Food Dog Allergies Allergies caused by food must be treated by with drawing the offending foodstuff from the dog's diet by process of elimination.
Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Contact Allergies Allergies relating to contact with items such as flea collars, plastic feeding bowls, shirts or sweaters and wool bedding and can include the following symptoms:
Redness
Swelling
Itching
Hair loss
Treatment of Contact Dog Allergies Contact Allergies are treated by identification and removal of offending items by process of elimination
Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Inhalant Allergies - Atopy Inhalant Allergies, Atopy, are caused by dust, mildew, moulds and pollens and can include the following symptoms:
Excessive scratching
Coughing
Sneezing
Discharge from the eyes
Treatment of Inhalant Dog Allergies - Atopy Inhalant Allergies are treated according to the root cause and include controlling the environment with dehumidifier and air cleaners. Dietary supplements and medicated shampoos. Prescribed Corticosteroids and Antihistamines.
Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of FleaAllergies Allergies caused by fleas can include the following symptoms:
Excessive scratching
Lesions and sores
Hair loss
Treatment of Flea Dog Allergies Flea Allergies must be treated by removing the dog from the source of the fleas and prescribed Corticosteroids.
Dog Health Advice We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health Specialist.
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems The sole purpose of the Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
