Allergy on the stomach of a puppy. Food allergies in dogs

Redness of the skin around the eyes and on the face are common signs of a food allergy.

Allergy in dogs is manifested by skin itching, rashes, less often there are signs of indigestion, swelling of the pharynx and convulsive seizures. More often develops an allergic reaction to food - meat proteins (chicken, pork). The medicine allows you to relieve itching and other symptoms for a short time, but for effective treatment it is necessary to correct feeding, and in case of atopic dermatitis, to improve maintenance at home.

food allergy

A food allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to certain types of food in dogs. Manifested by rashes on the skin, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the head. For successful treatment, it is necessary to identify a dangerous type of food and exclude it from the dog's diet. Drug assistance can be effective only as an emergency measure for a short time.

Reasons for the development of hypersensitivity

Food allergy in humans is predominantly classified as type I hypersensitivity (IgE - conditioned) or type III (Arthus phenomenon). Pathogenesis in animals is not well understood. It is believed that there are two mechanisms - associated with immunity and not associated with it.

In response to the intake of food allergens, the immune system is activated and begins to release a large amount of active substances, which can cause three types of reactions:

• immediate type;
• slow type;
• formation of circulating immune complexes.

Susceptible animals produce more IgE or IgG antibodies than healthy individuals. Animals inhale the allergen or it penetrates through the skin. Allergen-specific IgE are produced by B cells. Some dog breeds (boxer, dogo argentino, bull terrier) are prone to allergic reactions, so the use of antihistamines (diphenhydramine, suprastin) in premedication is essential. Sometimes dogs develop food allergies in the form of hives or eczema.

It has been established that the main allergens are horse meat (27%), beef (24%) and chicken meat (22%).

Chicken is not the most allergenic food for dogs, but historically, in most cases, veterinarians blame this particular bird (or rather its meat) for the causes of food allergies. This is also due to the fact that poultry meat is often used in finished commercial feeds because it is cheap. But in order to be sure whether the dog is allergic to chicken, you need to give it in its pure form, excluding other animal products from the diet for this time.

Clinical signs of a food allergy in a dog

Itching is the main manifestation. Urticaria may be present, but usually no primary lesion is found. Lesions are caused by self-injury (abrasions, alopecia). In 20% of cases, diarrhea and vomiting are observed along with skin lesions.

Itching is the most common symptom of all allergies in dogs.

Itching or saliva staining occurs in light-colored dogs due to licking of itchy areas. Lesions are localized in the region of the facial part, extremity and in the axillary region. Sometimes there is sneezing. Seasonality is observed in some cases.

Presentation: There has been an increasing incidence of corneal trauma and cataracts.

Symptoms are usually observed within a year. In cats with food allergies, lesions are localized mainly in the head and neck. Both young animals and old ones are affected. Rare: , rhinitis

Age: Animals older than 6 months are usually affected, and symptoms of pruritus are often observed between 1-3 years of age. Sometimes there is a spontaneous remission. Sudden worsening of symptoms may be caused by secondary pyoderma.

How to make a diagnosis?

History: Gradual or sudden onset of symptoms affecting only one animal in the household.

A test to detect sensitivity in a dog to various allergens.

Intradermal tests:

• the test is carried out after the steroids are excreted from the body: 3 weeks after oral administration or 3 months after intramuscular administration of steroids. After the introduction of antihistamines, testing is carried out after a week.
• injected aqueous solutions of antigens intradermally and compared with saline (- control) and histamine (+ control);
• a positive skin test is scored from +1 to +4, based on the size and thickness of the pustule and the degree of erythema;
• a positive result only indicates that the animals have skin sensitized (IgE, IgG) antibodies and skin problems are not necessarily due to atopy;
• the results are taken into account in the light of history/clinical signs.

Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) or ELISA determines the relative level of allergen-specific IgE in the serum of animals suffering from atopy. Laboratory methods for detecting food allergies are ineffective, often give false results..

Diet exclusion is the only valuable method for diagnosing food allergies: the test diet should contain only one or two allergens (one protein source and one carbohydrate source) and should contain foods not previously present in the animal's diet. Homemade foods are better for diagnosing food allergies than commercial foods.

How to treat food allergies in dogs?

Elimination Diet: Good sources of protein for dogs are lamb, cottage cheese, tofu, white fish and pork.

Rice and potatoes are good sources of carbohydrates. Cats can be offered turkey, lamb, pork. Keep the animal strictly on the test diet for 4-10 weeks (no treats, chew toys, etc.). If itching decreases during the test period, then the pet has a food allergy or food intolerance. Confirm food allergy by re-stimulating the animal. Once an animal is brought under control on an elimination diet, an attempt can be made to transition the animal to commercial or homemade specialty foods.

The goal of therapy is to reduce the intensity of itching, but it is impossible to completely eliminate itching. Treat concomitant diseases (flea allergy, pyoderma).

Avoid allergens: This is difficult, but any reduction is helpful. If an animal has multiple allergies, reducing exposure to a single allergen may be enough for the animal to show no signs. This is called the threshold phenomenon.

Skin rashes on the back of the nose

Hyposensitization: In theory, hyposensitization injects allergens subcutaneously so that IgG is produced instead of IgE, so the IgG can bind the allergen before it reaches the IgE of the skin. This requires twenty subcutaneous injections administered every other day in increasing concentrations, and then maintenance injections are required. Hyposensitization is effective in 60% of animals.

Note: An animal may develop a new food allergy when on an elimination diet.

Medications for dogs for allergies

Corticosteroids are very effective. Use short-acting drugs (prednisone and methylprednisone) every other day. When using prednisone, a urine culture is performed every 6 months. If it is decided to stop administering long-acting corticosteroids to an animal, do so gradually (i.e., over several months). During remission, prednisone may be required.

Antihistamines (effective in only 10% of cases) may reduce the need for corticosteroids. Examples of antihistamines are:

• Hydroxysine (Atarax) 2.2 mg/kg iv 3 times a day;
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 2.2 mg/kg 3 times a day;
• Clemastine (tavegil) (Tavist) 0.05 mg/kg iv, 2 times a day;
• Chlorpheniramine (0.5 mg/kg 3 times a day for the dog);
• Trimeprazine or trimeprazine/prednisone (Temaril or Termaril-P). Trimeprazine is a phenothiazide antihistamine.

Most antihistamines, when administered in high doses, stabilize mast cells. Most, with the exception of Tavist, which does not cross the blood-brain barrier, cause drowsiness. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: fluoxetine (Prozac) 1 mg/kg IM 2 times a day - very expensive.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, fish oil and linoleic acid relieve itching. Omega-6 fatty acids ( sunflower oil, linoleic acid, evening primrose) contribute to healthy skin, but can cause itching if administered in high doses.

Phytotherapy for allergic manifestations

The growth of various allergic diseases is associated not only with pollution of the atmosphere, water and food by various allergens - substances that cause increased sensitivity to irritants, but also with chronic diseases.

In the skin form of allergy (itching, redness and swelling of the skin), the lanceolate (narrow-leaved) plantain is most effective. Inflamed skin (including after insect bites, nettle burns, etc.) is rubbed with the juice of leaves crushed between the fingers, repeating the procedure after half an hour. Juice, passing the leaves through a meat grinder or juicer, can be prepared for future use, stored after straining in a closed glass container in the refrigerator. Fermentation slightly reduces its anti-allergic properties.

The juice of the tripartite sequence is also effective. It is also used in the form of an infusion, which is used to lubricate the skin, and in the absence of dermatitis, rub it. The infusion is stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Aloe juice is very useful, which has an astringent and soothing effect. Also relieves itching infusion of periwinkle leaves (5 g per half a glass of boiling water), peppermint or wild, bittersweet nightshade, tricolor violets (pansies), horsetail in the same proportion and also without boiling, but only in infusion (in a water bath ), a decoction of the roots of elecampane, large burdock (burdock), couch grass, horse sorrel and especially blood-red geranium. Take 5 g (incomplete tablespoon) for half a glass of boiling water and keep in a water bath for up to 40 minutes. Decoction lubricates the skin or make lotions. The roots have more pronounced astringent properties, so they are best used for swelling and so-called exudative dermatitis - weeping skin.

flea allergy

Flea allergy in dogs is a purulent dermatitis that occurs in animals that are sensitive to flea saliva. This is the most common skin disorder associated with hypersensitivity in dogs. In general, AUB tends to get worse as the animal gets older - Clinical signs start earlier in the season, last longer, and tend to be progressively more severe.

Flea life cycle:

1. adult fleas spend most of their time on the animal, where they feed, mate and breed;
2. flea eggs fall from the animal into the environment (carpets, furniture), from which larvae emerge after 2-10 days;
3. these larvae feed on faeces and then pupate for 5-11 days;
4. adult fleas emerge from cocoons in 5-140 days;
5. The entire life cycle of fleas lasts an average of 1-4 weeks.

The life cycle is affected by temperature, humidity, level carbon dioxide. Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions and will retard their cocoon development if conditions are unfavorable. This explains the fact that when the season changes from cold to warm, or when a pet is brought home after a long absence, the flea population can suddenly increase.

Clinical signs of flea dermatitis

• rash with papules and crusts. Lesions are usually localized on the dorsal lumbosacral region, caudomedial thighs, ventral abdomen, flanks and neck. In cats, lesions are usually located on the dorsal side of the neck, ventral abdomen, and back.
• signs are usually seasonal (summer or autumn) except for domestic infestations and warm climates.
• hypersensitivity in animals usually develops after 6 months of age.

Skin lesions due to flea allergy

Flea control: Flea eggs and their cocoons are resistant to insecticides and desiccation, so treatment is directed against adult fleas and larvae. Since the life cycle varies, successful control requires multiple applications over an extended period of time. Treat both animals and their habitats.

Systemic pruritus control: Corticosteroids are very effective. Assign prednisone course of 5-7 days, and then administered every other day. You can use antihistamines and drugs containing eicosapentaenoic acid. In cats, chlorpheniramine is most commonly used.

Flea Controls:

• Lufenuron (Program) - an oral drug given once a month - prevents the release of larvae from eggs. It does not kill adult fleas, so if the pet is already infected, you can additionally use an insecticide that kills adult fleas.
• Imidocloprid (Advantage) is a topical agent that kills adult fleas in both cats and dogs. It is applied once a month. If dogs swim or bathe frequently, then imidocloprid is applied more frequently.
• Fipronil (Frontline) is a topical treatment that kills adult fleas and ticks in both cats and dogs. For the control of ticks and when used in cats, the drug is applied once a month. To control fleas in dogs, it is applied once every 3 months. It remains effective after bathing or shampooing (manufacturer's statement).
• Bathing: Pets can be bathed every week to get rid of fleas, their waste products and their eggs, but shampoos do not have a long-term effect, so bathing should be done in parallel with other treatments. Flea shampoos may contain pyrethrins or organophosphates. Avoid the use of organophosphates in cats.
• Insecticidal dips contain pyrethrins or organic phosphates. They are used once a week after bathing. Some dips have a residual effect of up to 5 days. Avoid the use of organophosphates in cats.
• Flea sprays or powders: Pets can be sprayed 2-3 times a week with a spray that contains both an insecticide that kills adult fleas and an insect growth regulator (PPH) such as methoprene or fenoxycarb. Microencapsulated products have the greatest residual effect.
• Collars containing methoprene can effectively spread the insecticide around the pet's body, preventing the release of larvae from the eggs.

Habitat treatment - flea control in the external environment:

Most other forms of pet flea control have been scientifically proven to be ineffective. Electronic flea collars, brewer's yeast, garlic, vitamin B tablets, thiamin, and eucalyptus or flea extracts are not flea repellants and do not provide pet protection.

Rash in dog's groin

Avoid the use of organophosphates in dogs under 6 months of age and in homes with small children, pregnant women, or individuals with disabilities. In these cases, pyrethrins and PPH can be used. Reasonable Precaution: Pregnant women and young children should not be involved in the application of chemicals.

Other types of allergies

Acute weeping dermatitis

Most often, weeping dermatitis occurs due to a local allergy to a specific antigen. Insect bites, especially fleas, are the most common cause of this localized allergic reaction. In addition, weeping dermatitis can occur due to atopy, food allergies, tick infestation (sarcoptic mange, etc.), ear infection, improper coat care, skin irritation by thorny plants.

This disease is rare in the cold season, it is mainly a spring and summer problem. Many dogs are susceptible to acute weeping dermatitis throughout their lives. But, despite this, it cannot be attributed to chronic long-term diseases: sudden weeping dermatitis is treated for no more than a week, after which it may appear in the same dog in a couple of months, in a year, in two, or never again.

It is necessary to stop the growth of eczema and identify the cause of their occurrence. In most cases, fleas are the source of eczema, but skin lesions behind the ears often indicate ear infections, and moist, red, balding patches of skin on the thighs and around the anus most likely indicate inflammation of the anal glands, etc. Whatever the cause of weeping dermatitis, until you eliminate it, the treatment of eczema will be ineffective.

How to deal with weeping eczema?

1. the first step is to cut the hair around the affected area in order to provide air access to the inflamed tissues and at the same time simplify the treatment process. The surface of the affected area of ​​the skin should be treated with an anti-inflammatory solution (an infusion of St. John's wort, calendula, aloe vera, or medications - Dimexide, Nolvasan, etc.)
2. further, eczema is treated with drying agents (zinc ointment, powders based on zinc, talc, etc.). If the dog is very worried about itching on the affected areas of the skin, she should be given a sedative (tavegil, suprastin, diphenhydramine, etc.).
3. especially difficult situations at the discretion of the doctor, the dog is prescribed a course of antibiotics (orally) and is given painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Usually in such cases, aspirin is given to the dog (just don't try this with a cat!).
4. in exceptionally severe cases, the dog may be prescribed steroid (corticosteroid) drugs (i.e. hormonal), such as Dexofort. This is an extreme measure that should not be resorted to "just in case" or in order to quickly remove the problem.

The use of hormonal drugs has a lot of side effects (primarily associated with a violation of the hormonal background in the body by introducing additional hormones into it), and by solving one small problem with their help, you risk getting many big ones in the future.

Acantokeratoderma - blue-black skin syndrome

Acantokeratoderma is an abnormal darkening of areas of the skin. There are two forms of this disease: primary and secondary. Primary acanthosis derma is a genetic disorder predominantly found in dachshunds. Secondary acanthosis keratoderma is caused by a number of reasons and does not depend on the breed of the dog and its age. In secondary acanthosis, a special pigment, melanin, is to blame, which is activated in places of chronic inflammation / mechanical damage to the skin (usually hairless or bald). It is the accumulation of melanin that gives the skin such a cyanotic appearance.

The primary form of acanthosis keratoderma usually appears in the first year of a dog's life. Symptoms:

• the skin in certain places darkens and thickens
• dandruff appears (seborrhea)
• secondary bacterial or fungal infection may occur in the affected areas.

Gradually, the number of areas with dark blue skin becomes more and more. Unfortunately, there is no cure for primary acanthosis keratoderma. The condition of the affected dog's skin can be maintained at a more or less constant level with steroid medications, melatonin injections, and frequent shampooing for seborrhea. Fortunately, primary acanthosis derma is rare and is only diagnosed based on a biopsy and medical history of the dog's ancestors.

Secondary acanthosis keratoderma is a fairly common disease in dogs. There are several reasons for abnormal darkening of the skin:

In addition to severe darkening of the skin, secondary acanthosis keratoderma is characterized by chronic hair loss. This can be added to itchy skin, secondary bacterial and fungal infections, and other skin problems. Upon detection of the first signs of secondary acanthosis, it is necessary to accurately determine its cause, because. it depends on the outcome of the treatment. In any case, it will be necessary to treat the cause first of all: in case of obesity, the dog will have to be put on a diet, in case of a hormonal disorder, supportive hormone therapy is prescribed, and in the case of an allergic reaction, first of all, it is necessary to find and eliminate the source of the allergy, i.e. allergen.

In critical cases - with severe inflammation of the skin - steroid (hormonal) drugs are used in small doses. They contribute to the suppression of the inflammatory process, but they should not be carried away without special need, because. the introduction of additional hormones into the body disrupts the hormonal balance in it, so the unreasonably frequent use of steroids (for example, Dexofort, which is popular with veterinarians) is fraught with serious endocrine problems in the future.

Often, the additional introduction of vitamin E into the diet of a dog suffering from secondary acanthosis keratoderma is very effective. As a rule, with the exact establishment of the causes that caused secondary acanthosis keratoderma and their elimination (or compensation, if we are talking about endocrine disorders), the skin condition noticeably improves up to full recovery.

Atopic dermatitis

What can cause atopy:

• pollen of plants, grasses (meadow, wormwood, ragweed), trees (birch, oak, spruce);
• house dust mites;
• mold fungi;
• human epidermis;
• flea excrement.

In dogs predisposed to developing atopy, the reactivity of the skin and mucous membranes changes. This is due to immune or non-immune, congenital or acquired mechanisms.

Rash on the chin Eruptions on the elbow Skin lesions on the abdomen and groin

The following factors play an important role in the development of atopic dermatitis:

• ambient temperature, which contributes to a longer stay in the air of allergens;
• geographical factor and seasonality (temperature, humidity, vegetation affect the severity and duration of the clinical picture);
• microclimate parameters (for example, with an allergy to house dust components, a year-round hypersensitivity reaction is observed);
• the presence of concomitant diseases, such as hypothyroidism, urolithiasis, food allergies, giardiasis, biliary dyskinesia, dysbiosis.

The treatment of atopic dermatitis is complex. It includes diet therapy, the use of antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying agents, enzyme preparations and other agents. Diet therapy consists in the selection of feed, not causing allergies and gastrointestinal upset. For each animal species, there should be traditional, high-quality feed that is not affected by toxic fungi. If branded dry foods are used for dogs and cats, then pet owners need to be sure that they do not cause an allergic reaction in their pets. The use of antihistamines is based on the fact that atypical dermatitis releases histamine, leukotrines and other mediators that support itching and inflammation.

To correct this pathogenetic link, first-generation antihistamines are prescribed - suprostin or clemastine (tavegil), etc. Suprostin is administered orally to dogs and pigs 0.3-0.5 mg / kg 2-3 times a day. Enter intramuscularly: pigs - 1-2 ml; dogs - 0.1-0.5 ml of a 2% solution 2 times a day. Tavegil (clemastine) is administered orally with food to dogs, cats - 0.015-0.02 mg / kg; pigs - 0.01-0.012 mg / kg 2 times a day. Diphenhydramine inside in doses: dogs - 0.6-0.8 mg / kg; pigs - 0.5-0.6 mg / kg 2-3 times a day. Perhaps intramuscular administration of the drug in the same half dose.

Of the anti-inflammatory drugs use:

• Methylprednisolone inside mg / kg: pigs - 0.4-0.5; dogs, cats - 0.6-0.8 mg / kg 2-3 times a day;
• Oral prednisolone to dogs 1-2mg/kg then reduced to 0.1-0.2mg/kg per day; pigs - 0.1-0.2 mg / kg per day;
• Dexamethasone orally in a daily dose: dogs, cats - 0.03-0.04 mg / kg. The daily dose is given in 2-3 doses.

The treatment of concomitant diseases consists, first of all, in the elimination of dysbacteriosis, the restoration of the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. For this purpose, probiotics are used - bifidumbacterin, lactobacterin, etc.

Allergy in dogs is the most common disease that is inherent in all breeds without exception. Some breeds are more susceptible to this pathology, others are less so. Allergy is a specific response of the immune system to harmless substances (allergens): food, pollen, dust, household chemicals, mold spores, insect saliva.

Important! To help your beloved pet, every dog ​​owner should know how an allergy manifests itself, what causes it, how to treat it and how to prevent it.

Types of allergies in dogs

The classification is made according to the types of a particular allergen:

1. Insect (mite allergy, flea dermatitis).
2. Food.
3. Infectious.
4. Medicamentous (for drugs, after vaccination).
5. Atopic dermatitis.
6. Respiratory.
7. Contact (chemical).
8. Autoimmune.

In some veterinary sources, allergic otitis media is distinguished into a separate subspecies of allergy - the classification is carried out according to the place of localization (on the ears).

Insect

The popular name - flea dermatitis implies that the disease is caused exclusively by flea bites. This is not entirely true.

Allergies are caused by:

• bites (, midges, mosquitoes);
• sting (gadflies, bees, gadflies, hornets, wasps);
• contact;
• inhalation of an insect or particles of its body.

food

Food allergy is the most common type of pathology and the most difficult, since it is not easy to identify what caused it.

It can appear on beef meat, canned food, river and sea fish, smoked meats, spices, chicken, vitamin complexes, egg. There is practically no reaction to rabbit meat, turkey, duck, rice and veal, so these protein products form the basis of industrial hypoallergenic brands.

There are frequent cases of allergies to cheap food and treats sold in supermarkets, which contain a lot of artificial additives. In particularly sensitive pets, a strong allergy can manifest itself to cereals, which is why holistic brands with a grain-free formula are so valued.

infectious

Medicinal

A drug allergy in a dog is a specific response of the body to administered drugs.

Allergen preparations:

• antibiotics;
• dry and live vaccine (vaccination);
• sulfanilamide;
• pollen-based medicines;
• analgesics;
• vitamins;
• sedatives.

This type of allergy has a pronounced cumulative effect.

Atopic dermatitis

This is a widespread hereditary disease. The widespread distribution of which contributes to the unsystematic selection of dogs. The complexity of atopy lies in the fact that it is rarely possible to identify the causative agent of pathology.

Main allergens:

• feather;
• house dust;
• dust mites;
• pollen;
• Poplar fluff;
• mold.

Important! The pathological process is individual in nature, it can manifest itself seasonally, for example, in spring.

Respiratory

Respiratory allergy occurs upon contact with aeroallergens - foreign particles in the air: dust, mold spores, dandruff, pollen, fluff, wool. Place of localization - upper respiratory tract.

Contact

Pathology develops after contact of a pet with household chemicals, pet care items (on a collar), toys, synthetic carpets or upholstery upholstered furniture. The reaction develops after prolonged contact of the allergen with the pet's body.

Rare species:

• on a cat;
• grass allergy;
• on the owner.

autoimmune

With this type of pathology, the pet's immune system begins to perceive its own cellular tissues as foreign.

Dog owners should be aware of the symptoms of pathology in order to have time to provide their pet with first aid.

Allergy Symptoms in Dogs

General symptoms:

• Intense persistent itching. The dog itches and licks itself to the bald patches, injuring itself.
• Tearing. Bald patches around the eyes.
• Puffiness.
• Clear discharge from the nose.
• Off-season molt.
• Bald spots.
• Urticaria on the skin.
• Dryness of the skin.
• Dandruff.
• Inflammation, peeling and redness between the fingers.
• Chronic otitis. Inflammation in the ears.
• Wetting of the breast and armpits (allergic effusion).
• Disorders in the digestive tract. Chronic diarrhea.

Specific features:

Diagnostic measures should be carried out only in a hospital setting. Since the clinical picture of this pathology resembles other diseases, such as lichen, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, etc.

Important! Only a specialist knows how to distinguish lichen from allergies in dogs, and besides, this requires a special medical equipment and clinical analyses.

Allergy testing includes:

After similar symptoms of the disease are not confirmed, the veterinarian proceeds to exclude potential allergens one by one.

You can identify other allergen substances by carefully observing the animal, analyzing all changes in the pet's health. The easiest way to detect seasonal allergies is to pollen, to poplar fluff, to mosquito bites and other insects, to flowering plants.

What to feed a dog with allergies

A special menu is an obligatory part of the complex treatment of food allergies. The modern pet industry produces therapeutic and dietary food for dogs with this disease.

Finished industrial feed

The best hypoallergenic foods:

1. Acana Lamb&Okanagan Apple is a holistic food based on young sheep meat. It contains only hypoallergenic components. Grain-free formula helps maintain dog's weight. The formula does not contain gluten, artificial additives. For the production of the brand, only fresh natural ingredients. It has a pronounced therapeutic effect. The minus of the brand is the high price, from 1450 rubles. per pack 340 gr.
2. 1st Choice Sensitive Skin&Coat Adult Lumb&Fish is a dietary food made from lamb meat, brown rice and white sea ​​fish. All protein components are characterized by low allergenicity. Does not contain gluten, preservatives, dyes and flavors. Price - from 1200 rubles. per package 2.72 kg.
3. Hills Prescription Diet Canine Allergen-Free is a therapeutic food for dogs with allergies. The feed line is produced on the basis of poultry meat hydrolyzate. The formula includes antioxidants to speed up the dog's healing process. Suitable for permanent use. Cost - from 1450 rubles. per bank 370 gr.
4. Bosch Sensitive Lamb & Rice is a hypoallergenic food for animals of all breeds based on lamb and rice. Enriched with mussel powder, Omega-6 & Omega-3. It is not curative. Differs in high comprehensibility, the increased content of prebiotics improves digestion processes. Price - from 1350 rubles. for a pack of 3 kg.
5. Eukanuba Dermatosis FP Response is a therapeutic diet food. Suitable for the prevention of skin allergic diseases. The composition is based on catfish meat and potatoes. Differs in low allergenicity. Not recommended for animals sensitive to fish components and potatoes. Suitable for regular use. No artificial additives. Cost - from 3100 rubles. per pack of 5 kg.

natural nutrition

What to feed a dog prone to allergies if it is on natural nutrition? This is not an idle question that worries many dog ​​breeders.

The first thing to do if your pet is diagnosed with an allergy is to identify the allergen product and completely eliminate it from the animal's diet. This process is lengthy and not always effective.

To do this, the animal is prescribed a strict diet for several weeks. His menu should consist of 2-3 hypoallergenic products. After that, the dog is gradually offered one new product from those that she received before the start of treatment and the reaction of her body is observed. The result is recorded in the observation diary.

Allergenic products:

• egg;
• nuts;
• seafood;
• a pineapple;
• River fish;
• corn;
• apricot;
• yeast;
• hen;
• citrus;
• eggplant;
• beef;
• figs;
• raspberry;
• wheat;
• strawberry;
• vitamins;
• milk products.

Hypoallergenic products:

• lamb;
• Brown rice;
• squash;
• turkey;
• turnip;
• rabbit;
• green pears;
• buckwheat;
• broccoli;
• salad;
• pumpkin with a light crust;
• green apples;
• zucchini.

The menu is made up of products that have low allergenicity. The reactive product is excluded from the pet's diet for life.

Allergy Treatment in Dogs

Once a diagnosis has been made, the veterinarian will prescribe treatment. Usually this is a set of measures consisting of:

• elimination of contact with the allergen;
• transfer to a special diet;
• symptomatic therapy.

The treatment regimen for each type of pathology is individual. The doctor prescribes therapeutic measures, based on the severity of the disease, general condition health of the animal, its age, physiological state: pregnancy, the period of feeding offspring.

Allergy Remedies:

1. Antihistamines. Symptomatic therapy. Allergy pills: loratadine, tavegil, diphenhydramine, cetrin, diazolin, suprastin.
2. Immunomodulators. Synthetic (Imunofan, Catozal) and vegetable origin (Gamavit, Fosprenil). They act cumulatively, correcting the immune system.
3. Corticosteroids. Fast-acting hormonal drugs for allergies: injections, ointments, suppositories, tablets. In the treatment of dogs used: Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone.

Important! Self-treatment of allergies is unacceptable! Even if you know how to treat allergies at home, only a qualified specialist should choose a treatment regimen.

Today, almost every second family has a pet, which constantly needs scrupulous care. Animals, like humans, can develop various ailments, and allergies are no exception.

Approximately 20% of dogs with itching and redness of the skin are caused by food allergies. It can last from several months to one year. It is important to understand that allergies and food intolerances are not the same thing. With the manifestation of allergies, the animal often begins to itch, and he also has various problems associated with the skin. Intolerance to any product has other symptoms, accompanied by vomiting and loose stools, which has nothing to do with the characteristic manifestations of allergies. It's more like a digestive disorder. If a dog is allergic to food, what should I do in this case?

general information

Allergy is a kind of protective reaction of the body, which is triggered when a pathogenic substance enters the digestive system. It is not at all necessary that the substance will be dangerous, but the immune system recognizes it as such. As a result, the animal has various manifestations that require immediate treatment.

How does an allergy manifest itself?

Signs of a food allergy in dogs can vary, but the most common are:

• sneezing, coughing, sinus discharge;
• violation of the depth and rhythm of breathing, which can lead to the development of asthma;
• loose stools and vomiting. They can appear both together and separately;
• dizziness;
• otitis with damage to the soft tissues of the external passage and auricle;
• lacrimation, purulent conjunctivitis.

The most common symptoms that accompany a food allergy are itching and skin rashes all over the animal's body. If left untreated, rashes can lead to eczema and bleeding ulcers. In some cases, dogs may have swelling of the limbs, muzzle, digestive tract, and tongue. If left untreated for a long time, food allergies can destroy the immune system, and purulent conjunctivitis can lead to complete blindness.

External manifestations of allergies

How does an allergy manifest itself in dogs? According to its characteristics, food has a lot in common with the usual one. Its main external manifestations are rashes all over the pet's body. In addition, various ear infections can develop, which eventually become chronic. If you start giving your pet antibiotics, then these manifestations temporarily disappear, but after a while they return again. On the basis of external manifestations alone, it is almost impossible to distinguish food allergy from other possible reactions that can take place in the animal's body.

Allergy diagnostics

So, we already know how allergies manifest in dogs, but what are the reasons behind this? As mentioned earlier, this is the response of the immune system to any substance or product that it considered pathogenic.

Most often, allergies are caused by the consumption of the following foods by animals:

• any meat;
• milk;
• fish;
• wheat;
• corn.

All of these products are found in dog food sold in stores, so allergies are very common. This is due to the fact that plant and animal proteins, regardless of their different origin, have a similar structure. Thus, if you buy dog ​​food with a protein allergy, then your pet may get sick.

According to nutritionists, food allergies can be caused not only by intolerance to any ingredients, but also by using the same feed for a long period of time.

Fighting Allergies

If an allergy to food in dogs has manifested itself, treatment here is useless. The only solution in this case is

1. The first step is to transfer the animal to feeding with another food that you did not give before.
2. Feeding unfamiliar food should be at least three months. It is recommended to choose those types of feed containing proteins and carbohydrates that the pet has not eaten before.
3. For example, if the food used to contain beef, then you can try to give diet food containing rabbit or venison meat. There are quite a few of these foods on the market.

What is better to feed a dog if the allergy does not go away for a long period of time? In this case, you can try types of feed that use proteins and carbohydrates of such a small molecular size that they simply cannot cause allergies. You can also completely eliminate dry food from the animal’s diet and start giving homemade food.

If dogs are allergic to dry food, if you have several pets, then it is recommended to transfer all animals to a new diet. In this case, feeding should be done in separate rooms so that a dog with an allergy does not have access to the food of healthy individuals.

When eating, the pet should be closed in next room. This is necessary so that the dog cannot pick up food that has been dropped on the floor, since in this case you will have to start the diet again. If you have small children, then after eating, be sure to wash their hands and face.

Do not let your pet go outside alone, and do not let him off the leash during walks so that he is always under your supervision.

Food allergies in dogs, the symptoms of which we already know, never completely go away, but with the right diet, you can completely eliminate its manifestations. First of all, you should refuse to feed your pet with the usual products, after which it will be possible to start compiling a new menu. For example, if a dog's allergic reaction was caused by eating rice, then you should stop giving it anything other than rice. But also any other products that contain this ingredient.

When choosing a new diet, you need to try to make it as balanced as possible. Feed better with those products that nutritional value similar to the old food. If this advice is not followed, then the lack of any substance can cause exhaustion, which, in turn, will only aggravate the situation.

What are the best foods to include in your diet?

What is the best food for a dog with food allergies? This question interests many people who have a dog at home. Nutritionists argue that it is not so much the products themselves that are important, but the principle of feeding the animal. It is based on eating those foods that the pet has either never tried before or has not used for a long time. To prepare food for a dog, you should use only one type of meat and cereal.

This method of feeding will allow you to determine which substance caused the allergic reaction, if one new ingredient is introduced into the diet every two weeks.

What foods should not be given?

Food allergies in dogs should avoid feeding your pet certain foods that can be potentially harmful.

These include:

• sea ​​fish;
• rabbit meat, turkey and beef;
• today's dairy products;
• buckwheat, oatmeal and rice cereals;
• pears, apples, carrots, zucchini.

It is allowed to feed with special types of feed that have a therapeutic effect, but they should be selected together with a nutritionist. The specialist will perform a sensitivity analysis, after which he will be able to choose the food that is best for your dog. But you should not abuse these feeds too much, because their composition is very poor, and they cannot provide the animal with the necessary amount of nutrients. With food allergies in dogs, it is very important not only to eliminate the allergen from the diet, but also to create a good diet for the animal, which can be fed to the dog on an ongoing basis.

Together with diet food, the veterinarian may prescribe symptomatic drugs that are aimed at reducing the content of histamine in the body, relieving inflammation, and also alleviating the clinical manifestations of food allergy in dogs. If the condition is too neglected, a course of taking immunomodulatory drugs may be necessary. But no medication can ever completely and permanently rid an animal of an allergic reaction without a special diet. At the same time, do not forget that pampering a pet is not the most The best decision, since even a small piece of goodies containing an allergen can completely nullify all your efforts.

For how long should a therapeutic diet be followed?

With food allergies in dogs, it is very important to choose the right diet. But how long should you stick to it? Doctors advise to follow a diet for at least three weeks, but, as practice shows, it is not uncommon for an allergic reaction to a product to make itself felt after a longer period of time. In most cases, in four-legged friends, an allergy to a new product introduced into the daily diet of an animal appears approximately 12 weeks after the start of feeding. Therefore, the diet should be followed throughout this period.

If the manifestations of allergies begin to gradually decrease or disappear altogether, then it will be possible to return the pet to normal mode feeding with old products. This is necessary in order to accurately verify that the animal has intolerance to any product that provokes the development of allergies.

If food allergies in dogs reappear, a veterinarian can accurately diagnose the problem and begin treatment. In the absence of repeated confirmation of an allergy, but with strong suspicions of it, you can try feeding your pet with other types of food.

Making a diagnosis using laboratory tests

To date, in medical practice, there is no method of research that could, with absolute certainty, establish the fact that a dog has an allergy to food. The most commonly used blood test, but it is ineffective.

As for intradermal tests, which are used to diagnose ordinary allergies, in the case of food they do not give absolutely no results. Therefore, the only way out in this situation is to use the elimination diet, which was described earlier in this article.

"False" allergies

An allergic reaction is manifested due to an increase in the level of histamine in the animal's body. This substance is produced by the immune system in response to the appearance of an allergen in the body. But there are times when histamine is not produced by the immune system, but enters the body along with some food. All this leads to the development of the so-called “false” food allergy in dogs, which in its manifestations is very similar to food allergies.

The whole problem with this is that the use of special therapeutic feeds and diet changes are ineffective, since not one, but all foods that contain a large amount of histamine and tyramine will have to be removed from the diet. After that, the veterinarian will have to calculate the allowable level of these substances at which the dog will not develop an allergic reaction. In addition, there will have to be special diet, consisting of foods containing histamine and tyramine. The purpose of this diet is to accustom the body of the animal to the normal perception of the products used by the dog for food. Thus, the dog's sensitivity to allergenic substances will decrease over time, and the "false" allergy will disappear.

If the dog itches and hair falls out, then this is the first sign of an allergic reaction. After completing the course of treatment, in order to avoid its recurrence, it is necessary to choose high-quality food for the pet. In this case, it is recommended to adhere to the following tips and recommendations:

1. When choosing a food, consider the age and activity level of your pet. This will help you to correctly calculate the nutritional value of the feed.
2. Consider your pet's nutritional needs. The food must be balanced and contain the optimal amount of proteins and carbohydrates in order for the dog to be healthy and strong.
3. Before buying food, consult with your veterinarian and check with him what kind of food is best to use for feeding your pet. The specialist will suggest the most best option taking into account the state of health of the animal.
4. Never rely on advertising when choosing pet food. Its main goal is to increase sales, not to help consumers choose a quality product.
5. Do not use different kinds stern. Give your dog either canned or dry food.

By following these tips, you will be able to choose high-quality food for your four-legged friend, from which he will not have any allergies.

If you decide to have a pet at home, remember that this is a big responsibility. He needs some care: regular walks, proper nutrition, as well as attention and care from the owners.

The most typical common signs of allergies in dogs are:

• Erythema (vasodilation in combination with redness of the skin provoked by expansion)
• Tendency to secondary infections.

In this case, the animal can observe only one of the above signs, or a combination of any two phenomena, as well as all three at once.

It is not always possible to immediately understand that the animal has itching. Sometimes the owner may think that the animal is just very clean, and therefore licks so often. You can determine that an animal has itching by the following signs:

• The animal itches
• Gnawing on himself
• paw licking
• shakes his head
• rubs face
• Riding on your back
• Self-induced alopecia (overgrooming)

The three most common types of allergies are:

1. Allergy associated with flea bites
2. food allergy
3. Atopic dermatitis

   Localization of symptoms in food allergies and atopic dermatitis

• The first option is flea infestation. In this case, itching may be intense, or absent altogether, depending on the number of fleas. At the same time, fleas can be seen on the animal, and the cause of the itching is beyond doubt.
• In the second variant, itching is provoked precisely hypersensitivity to flea saliva. At the same time, regardless of the number of fleas, the itching will be very intense. Fleas on an animal may not be detected, which will cast doubt on the accuracy of the diagnosis. However, it should be remembered that adult fleas, which can be found on an animal, make up only 5% of the flea population in an apartment. The remaining 95 live in carpets, furniture and other furnishings.

Flea allergies may not affect all pets in the home. In the warm season it is more common, but it is not completely excluded in winter.

Flea dermatitis

Where to look for fleas on a dog

In dogs, in the differential diagnosis of allergy to flea bites, there is one auxiliary moment - the favorite places of fleas. These are the croup, the root of the tail, the back of the thighs.

So-called flea dermatitis(in essence, being an allergy to flea saliva), if its presence is ignored, it can be complicated by a secondary infection in the form of pyoderma or "weeping eczema" - superficial acute bacterial inflammation in the form of rounded areas with severe itching and severe exudation.

Flea dermatitis

Diagnostics

Diagnostics includes:

• Symptoms, typical locations
• Wet paper test. A4 sheet soaked in water, put on a flat surface. Place an animal over it and rub it well or scratch it. Blurred brown-red spots on the leaf - flea feces. Only digested blood can produce such traces.
• response to treatment

  Flea dermatitis

Treatment

Treatment is as follows:

1. Treatment of the animal with insectoacaricidal preparations to eliminate the adult population of fleas, and in the case of allergy sufferers, these treatments should be more frequent than in the instructions - once every two weeks. Processing to be done all year round, even in cold weather, but in winter you can do it less often. The effect may not be immediately visible, but this does not mean that the diagnosis or treatment is not correct. It may come only after 3 months.
2. Repellents
3. Harvesting and breeding regulators aimed at eliminating the remaining stages of the flea population

Food allergies in dogs

Symptoms

There are four concepts:

1. Adverse food reaction is a clinically abnormal response to a food component.
2. Hypersensitivity/Allergy – an increased immune system response to an allergen
3. Food intolerance is an abnormal physiological response to food components, the development of pharmacological, metabolic reactions. Not related to allergies.
4. Toxic reactions - dose-dependent reaction to toxins

The exact mechanism for the occurrence of food allergies is not known. As it is correct, the reaction occurs on proteins (glycoproteins). Between 35% and 60% of dogs react to more than 1 ingredient. It is most common in animals under the age of 1 year. In 15-20% of dogs, along with skin manifestations of allergies, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are observed.

food allergy

Dog Breeds Predisposed to Food Allergies

There is no gender predisposition to food allergies. May occur at any age. The most commonly affected dog breeds are:

• Labrador
• West Highland White Terrier
• Ridgeback
• Boxer

Clinical signs of food allergy:

• Non-seasonal, intermittent, recurrent itching
• Otitis in 50-80% of cases
• Affected areas: armpits, groin, abdomen, muzzle, eyelids, perianal region, interdigital space (classic manifestation)
• Recurrent infections

  food allergy

Diagnostics

Unfortunately, there is only one way to diagnose food allergies - a diagnostic diet and provocation. There is no single test that can confirm or disprove a food allergy. The choice of diet in this case is as follows:

• Diagnostic feeds based on new components
• Homemade food from new ingredients
• Hydrolyzed feed (they contain split proteins, that is, they cannot cause allergies)

You need to use new ingredients for the simple reason that dog allergies are cumulative. If you let the dog eat the meat that she has never eaten in her life, accordingly, she simply cannot have a reaction to it, since the antibodies could not have time to accumulate. But at the same time, if the clinical picture does not change in the near future (the itching continues), it can be argued that the itching is not associated with food.

food allergy

Treatment | Diet for food allergies

When choosing a diet, one should take into account possible cross-reactions - some proteins in different foods may have similar properties. So, chicken and turkey can cross-react, as well as beef with venison and lamb. At the same time, it is desirable that carbohydrates are also new - you also need to change porridge and vegetables in the diet.

Diet failures most often occur due to:

• Non-compliance with the diet (relatives treated, fed with treats, added vitamins, medicines “in a piece” without permission)
• Lots of animals in the house
• theft
• Pickiness (rejection of diet food)

The provocation occurs as follows: the animal is returned to the previous diet and the condition is assessed. In most cases, an exacerbation of an allergy occurs within 7 days, and sometimes even 24 hours. Then the animal is again returned to the diet. Allergy in dogs to a new diet can occur, the development of this reaction is noticeable from 6 to 12 months. A definitive diagnosis of a food allergy can only be made after a provocation. After a provocation, you can try to pick up foods that are not allergic to you every two weeks, or simply leave the animal on the diet on which the itching was initially gone.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is an inadequate response of the immune system (immediate allergic reaction), formed due to an inherited genetic predisposition and caused by certain environmental factors (house dust, mold, human skin flakes, other animals, plant pollen).

Causes and Predisposed Breeds

• Most often, atopic dermatitis occurs in dogs between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
• It can be seasonal (depending on the allergens that cause it).
• There is no gender predisposition.
• Most common in dog breeds such as Labrador, west highland white terrier, German Shepherd , Jack Russell Terrier, boxer other. As you can see, among these breeds are those that are prone to food allergies, so they can go in combination, which can affect diagnosis and treatment.

  Atopic dermatitis

Symptoms

Clinically, atopic dermatitis is similar to food allergies.

• First of all, signs appear on the skin, but an allergic reaction can also appear on the mucous membranes ( conjunctiva, nasal mucosa) and in the respiratory organs ( atopic asthma).
• It's the same itching in the same places muzzle, interdigital spaces, elbow bends, armpits, groin, perianal region), otitis externa and recurrent infections(bacterial folliculitis and/or malassezia dermatitis).
• At the same time, it may be noted discoloration of hair on limbs, on the front paws - bilateral pododermatitis.
• May be observed erythema on the face(near the eyes and on the lips) inflammation of the lips, chronic nonspecific inflammation of the skin.
• Bilateral inflammation of the conjunctiva.
• Seborrhea, hyperhidrosis is not excluded.

As environmental conditions change, so can the severity of the allergy.

Atopic dermatitis

Diagnostics

Atopic dermatitis- a clinical diagnosis, it is not confirmed by tests. It is confirmed by a combination of characteristic symptoms, to the exclusion of other causes of itching. Allergy tests are not a 100% diagnostic option, but if everything says atopic dermatitis, and allergy tests too, this can strengthen confidence in the diagnosis. If the allergy tests did not reveal anything, the treatment will still be the same as for atopic dermatitis confirmed by allergy tests.

Atopic dermatitis

Treatment of atopic dermatitis

• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Cyclosporins
• specific immunotherapy

Antihistamines

Unfortunately, antihistamines are not able to act on the receptor already associated with histamine, so they will have little effect on allergies that already exist. However, they can prevent its development. In animals, they are very poorly absorbed, and therefore their doses will significantly exceed those in humans, while they work in less than 30% of animals, so you should not rely on them. At the same time, they completely harmless. When used with fatty acids and hormones, they can show synergy - mutual enhancement of action, that is, the dose can be reduced.

Corticosteroids

Glucocorticoids effectively affect itching, while they have a non-specific anti-inflammatory effect and inhibit (inhibit) the synthesis of inflammatory proteins.

The drugs of first choice are prednisolone and methylprednisolone. Them average duration action - half-life, 12-36 hours. The stronger the hormone, the more pronounced side effects(dexamethasone). Dogs often have side effects(bloody vomiting), therefore prolonged hormonal preparations are not recommended. The longer a hormonal drug is used in treatment, the slower it will subsequently need to be canceled, since the cessation of hormone intake in the same amount can cause a withdrawal syndrome. It is desirable to combine hormone treatment (the same fatty acids, antihistamines, local treatments) in order to shorten the duration of the course of treatment. Therapy with hormonal drugs always begins with maximum doses, followed by their reduction to the minimum effective, and not vice versa.

Atopic dermatitis

Side effects

Side effects may include behavior changes, vomit, diarrhea, and most often polyuria(increase in urine output) and polydipsia(increased thirst).

With long-term treatment, a variety of side effects can develop:

• Secondary infections
• Osteoporosis
• Muscular atrophy
• Steroid hepatitis, pancreatitis
• Inhibition of adrenal function
• Weight gain
• saggy belly
• Diabetes
• Cataract

This still confirms that the course of treatment should be as short as possible.

From the side of the skin:

• Atrophy
• Secondary infections
• Alopecia
• Poor wound healing
• hemorrhages

An animal that is on a course of hormone treatment should be regularly observed by a veterinarian and be under the vigilant supervision of the owner.

contact dermatitis

In addition to the three most common allergic reactions listed above, dog allergies include: contact dermatitis.

Causes

contact dermatitis

Symptoms and treatment

Clinical manifestations are as follows: at the site of contact, erythema, macula, papules, and this area itches. The diagnosis can be established by eliminating the allergen, and then provoking an allergic reaction again. Treatment consists in the exclusion of the allergen and the local treatment of the lesion.

homepitomec.com

Poor environmental conditions, malnutrition and improper care are the main reason for the appearance in dogs of increased sensitivity to certain allergens. Allergies can occur due to an abnormal reaction of the immune system to various environmental factors. The most common irritants are food, synthetic fabrics, hygiene products, household chemicals, pesticides, dandruff, as well as animal hair, dust mites, pollen, medicines, vitamins and much more.

When should you contact an allergist veterinarian?

If a pet constantly combs the body, especially behind the ears, licks its paws and rubs against furniture or the floor, then this may indicate the development of an allergy. At the initial stage, you can help him on your own by offering suprastin in the right dosage. The drug will help relieve itching and minimize the appearance of skin rashes. In case of an exacerbation of the disease, you should immediately seek veterinary help.

It is necessary to sound the alarm and be sure to take the animal to the clinic if there is lacrimation, abundant clear discharge from the nose, inflammation in the ears, diarrhea, severe itching, local swelling and redness on the paw pads. At an advanced stage of allergy, it may appear white coating on the coat and develop eczema. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to self-medicate. Only a qualified veterinarian knows how to properly and how to treat allergies in dogs. Otherwise, dermatitis can become chronic, aggravate and cause discomfort to the pet until the end of his days.

Allergy diagnostics

Treatment of allergic dermatitis should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified and experienced specialist. Methods and course of treatment are determined only after an accurate diagnosis is made. In turn, it is placed after diagnostic measures.

To date, allergies, unfortunately, it is almost impossible to completely cure. With the right approach, you can only achieve remission. However, with regular contact with the substances causing the reaction, the symptoms will reappear.

How and what to treat if an allergy is detected in a dog - anti-inflammatory therapy

A course of treatment is prescribed, which depends on the nature and degree of the disease, taking into account weight, age and other features. pet. Anti-inflammatory therapy involves treatment with antihistamines and hormonal drugs to relieve severe itching, redness and inflammation.

In the treatment are used:

Antihistamines. They help with the relief of an attack. For example, diphenhydramine will stop the inflammatory process and reduce pain, and suprastin will relieve itching, reduce swelling and get rid of the rash. Most effective medicines from allergies of the newest generation - desloratadine, hifenadine, levocetirizine.

Hormonal preparations. They are necessary to relieve inflammation, reduce the amount of immunoglobulin and the susceptibility of animal tissues to histamine and serotonin. Hormone treatment is prescribed in the form of injections, ointments, tablets or lotions, depending on the condition of the sick pet. For the treatment of allergic dermatitis, elocom, advantan are prescribed. The specialist will tell you how to treat and in what dosage to offer medicines. To eliminate allergic rhinitis, hormonal sprays, inhalations or nasal drops are used: tafen nasal, aldetsin or nasonex.

Local treatment

When the first signs of allergies are found, you can begin to treat the dog on your own. For this, ointments with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components are usually used. If a pet has itching in certain areas of the skin, various moisturizing lotions, mousses, ointments, creams or gels for dogs are usually prescribed. The main rule of local treatment: the ointment is applied to problem areas 2 times a day until the inflammation decreases.

Special shampoos and conditioners for dogs with antibacterial components triclosan and chlorhexidine give a great effect. Regular washing of the animal will eliminate allergens from the coat and skin surface and thereby suppress the active development of bacteria.

Immunotherapy

Allergic dogs are generally at risk for severe immune decline. Therefore, it is recommended to take a course of immunomodulators. Pills and injections will correct the immune system and achieve a stable remission.

At home, you can use phytomines. These are preparations of natural origin containing plant extracts, vitamins, sulfur and taurine, which effectively help with itching, eczema, weeping ulcers and scratching. Immunomodulators of artificial origin are prescribed by a doctor only after a complete diagnostic and laboratory examination.

Treatment of allergies in dogs is a responsible event on which the health and life of a pet depends. Therefore, at the slightest sign of illness, you should immediately seek professional veterinary help!

www.belanta.vet

Our four-legged friends often suffer from diseases that are common to humans. One of these diseases is allergies. The cause of pathology in a pet is sometimes more difficult to determine than in humans. Its symptoms are similar to many manifestations of other canine ailments. Read this article to learn more about how an allergy is manifested and how it is treated in a dog.

The dog, like all mammals, has a complex immune system. The task of immunity is to protect the body of an animal from all alien and harmful organisms and influences.

From birth, bacteria and viruses are constantly trying to enter the puppy's body from the environment.

Small animals usually have strong immunity and the body's reaction to foreign cells is not expressed in painful symptoms.

A pathological reaction can occur in a puppy or adult if the animal's immune system is weakened, but is trying to fight off the invasion of foreign bodies. A violent reaction of the body is manifested in itching, rash, lacrimation, runny nose.

The causes of pathology are many. And it is very difficult to determine the source of the allergen. Veterinarians divide this disease into several types, which have their own sources of occurrence and pronounced signs.

Types of this disease in pets:

• Food. It manifests itself as a reaction to certain foods. This type of disease usually manifests itself in the second year of a pet's life. Food allergies in dogs can occur to the following foods: soy, milk, eggs, beef, corn, seafood. The reaction can cause: chocolate, sugar, smoked meats, salty and fried foods. As well as dyes and flavors that are added to dog food and dental care products.

Food manifestations:

1. severe skin itching, the appearance of scratching and redness;
2. skin rashes all over the body, especially noticeable on the muzzle, paws, ears, abdomen;
3. hair loss and bald spots;
4. ear discharge, otitis;
5. tearfulness of the eyes;
6. frequent loose stools;
7. bad breath;
8. increased sweating.

The pet behaves either sluggishly or restlessly. He looks sickly.

In addition to the bites themselves and scratching the most affected places, the animal is worried about:

1. the animal behaves restlessly, sometimes even aggressively.
2. otitis and rashes on the ears;
3. indigestion;
4. severe itching;

• chemical allergy. Dogs are susceptible to reactions to chemicals.

Allergies can be caused by:

1. medicines: antibiotics, vaccines, novocaine, B vitamins;
2. household chemicals: powders, cleaners and detergents that you use in everyday life;
3. cosmetics and care products for dogs.

Symptoms of a chemical allergy in dogs:

• runny nose and sneezing;
• skin itching, redness and rash;
• restless behavior and irritability.

In addition to the above reasons, an allergic reaction in your four-legged friend can cause: grass and pollen, wool of other animals, the presence of a viral infection, helminthic invasion.

How to treat an allergy in a dog - the veterinarian decides on the basis of diagnosis.

The correct treatment of allergies in an animal is based on the following scheme:

• Determination of the type of pathology and exclusion of the allergen.

The habitat of the dog and the rooms it visits should also be processed. With a chemical allergy, the possibility of contact of the animal with the substance that caused the reaction is excluded.

Food allergy is the most difficult disease. It often happens that it is very difficult to isolate the product that caused it. And here the help of specialists is needed. Entrust the treatment of the animal to a well-established clinic or consult a private veterinarian;

• Treatment with antihistamines.

The use of these drugs quickly relieves the symptoms of the disease, normalizes the condition of the pet. For the treatment of dogs used: "Claritin", "Suprastin", "Tavegil" and other drugs. The veterinarian will tell you which medicine is best for your case;

• Nutrition and care.

For all types of this pathology, and especially for food, experts recommend compliance with a specific therapeutic diet.

It consists in the use of exclusively boiled rice without additives in the first days of the disease. Then other foods can be added to the diet. Upon re-reaction, the product is immediately discarded. Health food should be continued until the dog's allergy is completely healed.

Care consists in the use of ointments and creams that eliminate itching. And also in the care of ears, eyes, hair. When washing the coat, try to use the simplest shampoo for dogs, which does not contain chemical additives, oat extract and other cereals.

Suitable means with decoctions of herbs. Do not wash your pet with laundry soap and do not dry with a hair dryer. This will only increase his suffering, make the skin dry and increase itching.

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. This also applies to animal diseases.

Prevention of this disease consists in simple actions that will help protect your pet from this dangerous disease:

1. Pay close attention to your dog's diet. Try to avoid foods that cause food allergies. Give preference to natural food;
2. Timely carry out the prevention of helminthic invasions, as well as infections with ticks and fleas;
3. Avoid using too many chemical detergents in your home. Keep them out of the reach of the animal;
4. Do not overuse antibiotic treatment and vaccinations;
5. Bathe your pet as needed. For washing, try to use natural products;
6. Make sure that your dog does not pick up food from the street and does not eat from the garbage.

To strengthen the dog's body, vitamins, regular walks, and physical activity are useful. Walk and play with your pet more often. This will help maintain immunity and avoid allergies.

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If a dog scratches all the time and does not let its owners sleep at night, combing the skin - this is most likely an allergy. You can learn about which foods most often cause it, how to properly feed your pet, how to replace allergen proteins, and what other reasons can cause a reaction.

The immune system of dogs often reacts to certain factors, as a result of which painful sensations appear in the form of itching, redness of the skin, watery eyes, or a runny nose. If you start this process, bloody ulcers, abscesses, ear infections of a chronic nature may appear. Skin manifestations are only part of the problem, major changes are taking place within.

Types of allergies and effects on the dog's immune system

The immune response to foreign elements that constantly enter the body from the outside leads to modifications of its own proteins. If the body could not get used to them in the process of admission, it reacts painfully. A protective reaction to the penetration of the allergen consists in the production of antibodies to the structure of the antigen.

Allergy affects dogs of any breed, age, sex, coat color, although it is sometimes believed that animals with poor pigmentation have a greater predisposition to allergic reactions.

Allergens enter the animal's body in various ways. There are allergies:

food allergy is one of the most common. The risk group includes such products:

• chicken eggs;
• meat (beef, poultry);
• all dairy products;
• soy and all products with its additive;

• corn;
• yeast products;
• seafood
• wheat.

Can't feed dog with salted or too sweet food. Any overkill with goodies can cost your pet an allergic attack, so it is better to exclude chocolate, sweets, pastries, smoked meats from the diet.

In the finished feed many different components and one of them can cause severe allergies over time.

Allergy Signs in Dogs

Back to main symptoms manifestations of an allergic reaction include: redness, itching, frequent scratching of the animal and hair loss in places of scratching, the appearance of dandruff, vesicles, ulcers, abscesses.

The presence of allergies can be determined by redness of the eyes, watery eyes, asthmatic breathing, runny nose, cough, vomiting, colic and frequent flatulence, diarrhea.

Symptoms may appear an hour or a few days later. An accurate diagnosis can be established by a veterinarian after conducting an allergy test and taking a blood test.

Allergy to food recognized according to the following criteria:

• quickened stool;
• rash and itching in its places;
• hair loss;
• bad odor from the dog

• weeping spots on the skin;
• accumulation of mucus in the corners of the eyes
• swelling of the larynx, tongue, muzzle, paws.

These and other symptoms may be a manifestation of an allergy in other types of it.

skin allergy manifested by dermatitis:

• itching in the limbs, nose, ears, in the abdomen;
• severe dandruff;
• exacerbations in the warm season.

Flea dermatitis or a reaction to insect bites is accompanied by:

• intense itching;
• irritation behind the ears or all over the body;
• profuse skin rashes;
• otitis, accompanied by discharge from the ears;
• focal hair loss;
• purulent wounds on the back, croup, in the tail area.

Several symptoms such as rubbing the eyes with paws, sneezing, convulsive inhalations and exhalations with difficulty, abundant fluid from the nose make it possible to judge that the animal has bronchial asthma.

Household allergy to chemicals and cosmetics accompanied by an itchy rash, redness, and difficult cases swelling, weeping eczema, blisters.

What should I do if my dog ​​has an allergy? Allergy is not a simple disease and is very individual, therefore important point in search of a way out of the situation is an appeal to a narrow-profile specialist veterinarian - an immunologist, an allergist, a dermatologist.

True the cause of the disease is determined the method of exclusion from the diet of the animal products included in the risk group, previously prescribed drugs, cosmetics for animal care.

Scrapings, special adhesive tapes, blood tests serve as material for a thorough laboratory study.

How to treat allergies in dogs? With unbearable itching, antibiotics, various antifungal agents are used. Corticosteroid drugs are widely used in the treatment of allergies.

The use of drugs is possible only when the method of exclusion does not work. For example, if you remove the foods that cause an allergic reaction from the dog's diet, the rash and other symptoms will go away on their own.

Allergy treatment regimen consists of three stages:

1. Determine the cause of the allergy.
2. Administration of antihistamines.
3. Increase the immunity of the animal.

In addition to drugs for oral and intramuscular use, local preparations are also used - ointments and various emulsions. Used for conjunctivitis eye drops for washing and for allergies.

The most important thing in the prevention of any allergy is proper care of the animal from the first days of its life. The health of his pet depends only on the owner of a four-legged friend. Most cases of an allergic reaction will help eliminate the following simple recommendations:

• do not feed with allergenic foods;
• constantly carry out prevention from worms;
• use exclusively hypoallergenic products in hair care;
• keep household chemicals away from animals
• Check and clean your ears regularly.

To all this, you can add frequent walks and active games in the air, the use of products of exclusively natural properties.

Why food allergies develop and other common forms can be found in the video. In it, the veterinarian will tell you how to act if your pet has symptoms of an allergic reaction.

If you have experienced dog allergies before, tell us how you identified the main allergen. How quickly did the allergy symptoms go away? What is the best food for a dog for allergies? What medications or allergy pills for dogs have been the most effective?

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Certain stimuli can cause different reactions in the body in dogs. Some animals eat chicken without ill effects, while others develop health problems. Some simple things are perceived by the animal organism as harmful or dangerous. Visually, such a reaction manifests itself in the form of skin irritations, itching, rashes, etc. This article discusses in detail the main types of allergies in dogs, the accompanying symptoms, methods of treatment and provides helpful tips from veterinarians.

Reaction to fleas in pets

Flea bites can be visually distinguished, but not always the pet's body is able to respond normally to a foreign protein. With a normal reaction of the immune system to flea bites, redness disappears quite quickly, the animal does not itch for long.

Symptoms

If an allergic reaction occurs, the following symptoms can be observed:

• the dog itches from 3 hours to 2 days;
• papules, crusts, scabs appear on the skin;
• hair falls out on the back near the tail or genitals.

After that, there is a risk of developing chronic dermatitis.

Treatment

To determine the most accurate diagnosis, the following methods are used:

When the diagnosis is determined correctly, the veterinarian prescribes a course of treatment.

In more difficult situations, dogs are given drugs that contain a lot of iron, as well as immunostimulants to increase the production of a hormone that improves adrenal function.

Experts recommend using ointments, all kinds of repellent sprays and other means for prevention. It must be understood that a dog with a high sensitivity to flea bites requires timely treatment and the adoption of the correct preventive measures. At individual breeds allergies are extremely difficult.

The most commonly prescribed drugs are:

• Suprastin;
• Tavegil;
• Zyrtec;
• Fenistil.

Only a veterinarian determines the appropriate drugs for flea allergies in each case.

Flea allergy in animals belongs to the category of ecological or insect. The reaction to flea saliva can manifest itself in different ways depending on the state of the immune system, breed and age of the dog.

food allergy

Dogs are very susceptible to food allergies. The immune system can negatively perceive some components that enter the pet's body. The most common causative agents of allergies are various protein compounds.

Food allergies often occur after eating food coloring, all kinds of artificial additives that are part of the feed. Soy, food containing cereals, dairy products can provoke diseases. Cases of anaphylactic shock have been reported.

Often an allergic reaction occurs after eating chicken or fish. In the production of poultry meat in industrial scale too many antibiotics, various growth hormones are often used. To keep the product in a suitable form for sale, it is often pierced with all sorts of preservatives.

Symptoms

Food allergy symptoms:

• skin color changes in some places;
• rash;
• discharge from the eyes;
• bad smell;
• mucus flows from the nose;
• some areas of the skin may become moist;
• pet has diarrhea
• outer ear.

Often the rash appears on the abdomen, on the face and near the anus.

If symptoms are detected, you should contact the veterinary clinic for tests. After that, the doctor will prescribe medications or tell you which specific foods should be completely excluded from the dog's diet.

Treatment

Treatment involves taking measures to strengthen the immune system. The standard therapeutic course can last 6 months. So that the itching can be stopped, shaggy friends are given hormonal drugs.

If the infection appears a second time, doctors prescribe antibiotics. Additionally, the pet is given antifungal and antibacterial agents.

At home, you can use shampoos and ointments that the veterinarian recommends. To improve appearance wool, dogs are given special vitamin supplements.

1. The pet is given new foods for 3 months.
2. Doctors recommend rice, duck or rabbit meat, swede. You can give the animal food Exclude, Purina, Hill's.
3. Puppies are given special balanced feed.
4. When the dog's symptoms decrease or completely disappear, you can switch to a simple diet. Thus, a provocative test is carried out, allowing a more accurate diagnosis.
5. If all symptoms return after switching to regular food, then the pet has a food allergy.
6. The room in which the dog lives must be constantly checked. It is undesirable to smoke near the animal. Need to enjoy detergents containing no toxins.
7. If the animal has a seasonal allergy to plant pollen, you need to limit its stay on the street or walk it where it is least.
8. Animals should not be given water containing fluorine, heavy metals, or any other contaminants.
9. It is undesirable to deviate from the recommended rate of taking medications, since they do not allow the immune system to act, thereby providing suitable conditions for the development of diseases.

After about 5-7 days, you can re-test with a different list of foods.

Preparations:

• Suprastin;
• Tavegil;
• Dimedrol.

The dosage of drugs is determined by the breed and age of the dog.

To prevent food allergies in pets, you need to carefully consider the choice of feed.

contact allergy

This type of allergic reaction is extremely rare in dogs and is highly sensitive to things like:

• personal hygiene products;
• household chemicals;
• toys;
• synthetics.

Often the reaction occurs with prolonged interaction with the allergen.

Symptoms

Consider the main symptoms:

• hair loss;
• irritation;
• severe lesions of the skin tissue in places of contact with the allergen;
• erythema;
• acne;
• hives;
• combing.

When symptoms appear, tests should be carried out at a veterinary clinic.

Treatment

After receiving the results, the specialist doctor determines the appropriate medications and course of treatment.

Preparations:

• Cytherizin;
• Bicafren;
• Cyprodin.

The dosage and course of treatment are determined taking into account the body weight of the animal, breed and age.

Contact allergies may occur seasonally, after exposure to plant pollen or other environmental factors.

Atopic dermatitis

Symptoms:

• incessant itching, the dog constantly itches;
• damage to the skin on the face, on the fingers, tears, cracks, inflammation, the formation of boils;
• the formation of focal lichenification after scratching;
• dry skin;
• instant reaction of the body to the allergen;
• external form of otitis;
• external manifestations of staphylococcus aureus.

The complexity of the disease is determined by the duration of exacerbations and the size of the affected skin area:

• with a mild form, symptoms appear a maximum of 2 times a year for 2-3 weeks;
• moderate dermatitis is characterized by manifestations 3-4 times a year with a total duration of 1-2 months;
• in severe cases, remission is completely absent or its duration is a maximum of 1 month.

The difference in the area of ​​damage:

• with a mild degree, small single spots appear;
• the average is characterized by numerous irritations on the skin;
• a severe degree is characterized by a large number of confluent lesions, gradually turning into erythroderma.

Treatment

Treating atopic dermatitis requires a lot of effort and patience. In most examples, such a disease manifests itself in animals throughout their lives.

To make the animal less allergic, you need to buy special feed for it, provide an influx fresh air indoors and control the humidity level. You will also need special ultraviolet emitters.

Ensuring the right conditions for treating atopic dermatitis in dogs is expensive, so many owners simply leave things as they are.

Treatment requires regular intake of antihistamines. You need to buy only those types of feed that are guaranteed to be safe. The room in which the animal is kept must be kept clean at all times.

Only 15-30% of animals show a positive reaction to antihistamines. Most effective drug Cyclosporine is considered to help eliminate allergies in its various manifestations.

To teach the immune system to deal with allergens, their components are introduced in very small doses into the animal's body. This method is called hyposensitization. However, this method of eliminating allergies requires relatively considerable costs.

Also, with atopic dermatitis, non-steroidal drugs that relieve inflammation help. It is not recommended to use folk remedies to treat such a disease. Such methods will not bring the desired results and can only harm the animal.

As soon as all signs of the disease are stopped, antibacterial and antifungal agents are prescribed. In this case, you can use shampoos specially made for such purposes. To improve the functioning of the immune system, a special diet is developed for the animal.

In the course of treatment, the following agents are prescribed:

• Toloxtaton;
• Amitriptyline;
• Trimipramine;
• Peritol;
• Suprastin;
• Benadryl;
• Prednisolone;
• Dexamezaton.

Constant movement is useful for the animal, therefore frequent active walks on the site are recommended.

Examples of what allergic diseases in dogs look like in real life

In the photos below you can see certain cases of allergies in dogs. different breeds and ages:

Eczema around the nose

Small rashes on the face

ear dermatitis

Allergic reaction in the eyes

Large rash

Flea dermatitis

Rare examples of atopic dermatitis

Consider a few rare varieties of atopic dermatitis in dogs:

1. Sun allergy. Walking animals with such a disease is recommended in the morning and evening in the absence of sunlight.
2. Allergy to the owner himself. The animal reacts to specific components found on the skin and hair of the host.
3. Irritation can occur from certain types of perfumes.

Regardless of the type of allergy, the symptoms may be almost the same, with the exception of some features. The most common skin irritations occur in the axillary areas, around the eyes, on the muzzle, abdomen and paws.

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