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.
