One of the most common health problems is allergies in dogs. It can develop into almost anything. And that is why it is very difficult to quickly identify the allergen. But what is an allergy in dogs, and how does it develop? Is there a classification for it? What symptoms are typical for her? And most importantly, how to help the animal: what to give a dog for allergies?

In scientific terms, then

Allergy is an increased and qualitatively changed reaction of the body to the ingress of substances of an antigenic and non-antigenic nature, or immune reactions occurring in a sensitized (sensitization - increased and changed sensitivity) body.

In simple terms, it is the body’s reaction to a substance entering it that causes an abnormal “response” in it. This substance causes a “shake-up” of the animal’s immune system, as a result of which the body tries to fight by producing antibodies (class E). Normally, these antibodies contain only 0.03% - this is very little. As soon as their number begins to grow, the sensitivity of the immune system is immediately “perverted”.

Allergies are most often observed in animals with a compromised immune system, as well as in those who have an allergic constitution (increased permeability of blood vessels, skin, as well as tissues of the respiratory and digestive organs).

If a dog has an allergic constitution, then the feedback with the immune system does not work, that is, class E antibodies continue to be produced (even after their number has reached the normal amount). Such “hypersensitivity” can be inherited. It often develops during life.

What can trigger the development of allergies in an absolutely healthy animal? Frequent vaccinations (a shake-up for the immune system, you should not do it more often than required according to the vaccination schedule), use of medications with an expired expiration date, frequent contact with synthetic substances, etc.

By degree of sensitivity (propensity to allergies) in descending order: guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, dogs, pigs, birds, monkeys, humans.

The mechanism of development of an allergic reaction

There are 3 stages in the development of allergies:

1. Stage of immune reactions
2. Stage of pathochemical changes
3. Stage of pathophysiological disorders

Stage of immune reactions

In response to allergens entering the body, the body with an altered immune system produces a huge amount of class E antibodies and T-lymphocytes, which are fixed on the surface of cells and tissues. That is why these cells become overly sensitive to repeated exposure to the allergen.

If a lot of antibodies and T-lymphocytes are attached to the tissues, then they are called shock. They are the first to react to an allergen entering the body. Shock tissues most often are the walls of blood vessels, smooth muscles, skin, tissues of the respiratory and digestive organs.

All this happens during the body’s initial “acquaintance” with the allergen.

Stage of pathochemical changes

When allergens re-enter the body, they interact with class E antibodies and altered T-lymphocytes, which are located on the surface of cells. As a result of this interaction, cells are damaged and destroyed. As a result, a large number of active substances are formed - histamine, serotonin, bragykinin.

Stage of immune reactions

The resulting biologically active substances enter the blood, spread throughout the body and cause dysfunction in organs or tissues. Most often, disturbances are recorded in shock tissues. Others react to a lesser extent.

What can a dog be allergic to?

Substances that can change the body's sensitivity (increase it) are called allergens. The most common are viruses, bacteria, fungi, helminths (as well as toxins released by them during their life processes) and poisons.

There are also exogenous (coming from outside). These include:

• Medicines
• Substances of animal origin (down, wool, feathers)
• Foreign proteins (enzymes and hormones)
• Plant pollen, some types of herbs and flowers (especially home decorative ones)
• Poison of insects and reptiles. For bites of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other bloodsuckers, as well as for their waste products
• Household chemicals
• Food (milk, berries, grains, etc.).

But the rarest are “internal” (endogenous) allergens. In another way, they can also be called autoallergens. These are your own defective cells or tissues. Cases have been reported in which an animal developed an allergy to the lens of the eye, thyroid tissue, testes, and gray medulla.

Classification

Allergic reactions have several classifications:

According to the speed of occurrence

Immediate allergy– allergy symptoms in a dog appear just 3-5 minutes after the allergen enters an already sensitized body (with hypersensitivity). That is, the animal has already come into contact with the allergen at least once.

Delayed Allergy– in this case, the dog’s allergy symptoms appear a day or two or three after the “irritant” enters the body.

By type of allergen

• Infectious - develops when a pathogen enters the body of one or another pathogen. For example, for the causative agent of tuberculosis, brucellosis, leptospirosis and others.
• Serum - occurs after the introduction of serum into the body (ready-made antibodies against the disease). For example, antitetanus.
• Food – for some feed component.
• Plant – on pollen or plants themselves.
• Medicinal – for a component of the drug.
• Household - mold, dust, even food for other pets (fish, rodents).
• Autoallegia – to one’s own defective cells.
• Idiosyncrasy is a congenital hypersensitivity to certain foods.

By the nature of sensitization

Nonspecific– when sensitivity increases due to one type of allergen entering the body, but it will react to another. Even nonspecific allergies in dogs can be divided into 2 subtypes:

1. Heteroallergy - when sensitization occurs due to a non-antigenic allergen, but a reaction occurs as soon as an antigenic allergen enters the body. Speaking in non-scientific language, a cold is a non-antigenic factor, but an incoming virus or bacteria is antigenic. Thus, a cold weakens the immune system, cells and tissues become more sensitive, and incoming pathogens cause the development of an allergic reaction.
2. Para-allergy - despite the fact that one allergen causes increased sensitivity, and the immune system “responds” to another, both irritants are antigenic. For example, viral infections always “weaken” the immune system, and invading bacteria become “second” antigenic allergens.

Specific- a reaction to the same allergen. For a reaction to develop, it is necessary for the “stimulant” to enter the body twice (the first hit increases sensitivity, the second provokes the appearance of clinical signs).

Depending on the degree of violation

General – the functions of all organs and systems are disrupted. Most often it develops on food.

Local – a violation at the site of injection/direct contact. For example, after administering a medicine. Swelling, redness, swelling, and even pus may appear. Often multiple injections of the allergen are required.

Symptoms

Allergies are manifested by dysfunction of organs and systems.

From the circulatory system

Hemorrhages (including on the skin, visible mucous membranes), congestion, changes in blood pressure (both decrease and increase).

From the digestive system

The most frequently recorded allergy symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in enzyme activity.

From the nervous system

Convulsions (involuntary muscle twitching) or, conversely, paralysis may appear.

From the side of thermoregulation and other systems

Body temperature changes, swelling appears, and joints swell. If the dog had chronic diseases, they will worsen and again begin to bother the mustache. Itching, scratching, sneezing, shuddering appear, and extremely rarely, involuntary discharge of feces and urine may occur.

Now let’s look at what symptoms are characteristic of different types of allergies in dogs.

Food allergies

Rash, redness on the skin, severe itching, hair loss. Dandruff is noticeable on the skin, the tissues themselves are dry, but there are wet areas in the chest area and armpits. Defecation changes and vomiting may begin. If you look into the mouth, you may notice inflammatory processes on the gums (stomatitis), and the smell from the mouth changes. Allergy symptoms in a dog may disappear (or worsen) as soon as the diet changes.

Flea dermatitis (allergy to flea bites and their excrement)

Presence of bloodsuckers. If these small reptiles do not catch your eye, then you can shake the fur on a sheet of white paper or comb it. You will immediately notice black dots on the sheet. Bite marks (spot redness) and scratches are noticeable on the skin. Hair may fall out (especially where itching is severe). There may be severe redness in the groin area.

Atopic dermatitis

Most often, young dogs – from one to three years old – are affected. Lesions are noted in the muzzle, armpits, ears, paws, and groin. The pet tries to lick all the affected areas. Wet areas may be recorded.

Autoimmune

Erythematous blisters appear on the skin. Cutaneous vasculitis, lupus, erythema multiforme. Epidermal necrolysis (tissue death) is also recorded.

Contact dermatitis

Redness and itching occur in areas where the skin has come into contact with the allergen. If the animal does not tolerate household chemicals, then the male’s feet, paw pads, scrotum, and abdomen will show symptoms of dermatitis. There will be eczema between the fingers.

Medicinal

Develops immediately after taking the medicine. The main signs are clearly defined lesions and almost all rashes on the face. The urticaria disappears as suddenly as it appears. The most dangerous symptom is anaphylaxis.

Allergic otitis media

It occurs as a usual inflammation of the middle ear: redness, itching, exudate, scratching, swelling, increased temperature of the shell. But it can only be distinguished from ordinary otitis by the results of a bacterial analysis.

Infectious allergy

It is characterized by symptoms similar to those of a disease. Viruses, bacteria and fungi act not only as an allergen, but also as a causative agent of the disease.

Treating a dog with allergies

Treatment for a dog with allergies should begin as soon as possible. Otherwise, anaphylactic shock may develop (paralysis of the pharynx will occur, and Quincke's edema may occur). Therefore, as soon as you notice allergy symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately.

First, you can donate blood (the doctor will notice characteristic deviations from the norm). Then you need to “calculate” what triggered the change in sensitivity. Without eliminating the cause, it will be impossible to cure your pet. The symptoms will not only return, but each time the attacks will become stronger and more severe.

What to give your dog for allergies? As emergency therapy, they resort to the use of antihistamines: diphenhydramine, suprastin, pipolfen, calcium gluconate, tavegil. The dosage should be calculated based on the weight of the pet.

You can also ask questions to our site's in-house veterinarian, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comment box below.

Good afternoon
We have a 6 month old golden retriever. A week ago, the dog developed red spots on his stomach and the inside of his hind legs, some covered with a small crust. At an appointment with a veterinarian, lichen was ruled out, Suprastin was prescribed 1/2 tablet 2 times a day for 3-5 days and the exclusion of any food other than dry food. After a week of treatment and diet, no significant improvement is visible.
The dog does not itch, there is no pain. On March 31st we took the Bravekta tablet. Deworming was carried out on March 10 with Prazitel. The dog is active.
We use Hill’s Puppy Large Breed Chicken dry food from 3 months.
Please advise what is best to do. Perhaps take some tests or change the food? Thank you.

• Natalia 19:54 | 14 Feb. 2019

  Daria - veterinarian 00:16 | 15 Feb. 2019

  Natalia 13:52 | 15 Feb. 2019

  Thanks a lot! We bought a hypoallergenic food that had purina + additional vitamins, they were also taken because there was a lack of vitamins (she chewed on the walls and ate her own feces). Let's feed and see how the disease behaves.

  Daria - veterinarian 00:38 | 16 Feb. 2019

  Watch! Which one did you take? You can’t stay on z\d for long. up to a month. It is specifically designed to relieve acute allergic reactions. But d|d is suitable for lifelong feeding (although for some, 2-3 months are enough to relieve symptoms, cleanse the body and search for an allergen). Maybe you can look at the food you fed, what is in its composition (what type of grain and meat, its percentage, what other additives). You need not only vitamins, but also minerals (micro-macroelements, including calcium, phosphorus)

Good afternoon!
Shepherd, 3 years old. We took it from the breeder on 10.10. 2018. We noticed swelling of the hind paw, slight at first, but it progressed. We took him to the veterinarian clinic for a veterinary examination. doctor - no pathology detected, no tachycardia, no arrhythmia, an. blood general and biochemical parameters are normal. The dog does not limp, is not interested in its paw (does not lick), there is no pain on palpation, and when pressed with a finger, a mark-dent remains, which gradually evens out. Lasix was prescribed 6 ml per day x 10 days.
The previous owner denies the dog's previous illness.
They punctured it, the swelling decreased, almost to normal, and now it is gradually increasing.

An allergy in dogs is a reaction of the animal’s body to a substance that is perceived as dangerous and rejected. It is determined not by the amount of allergen, but by the fact that it enters the body.

An allergy in dogs is a reaction of an animal’s body to a substance.

Food allergies are common in dogs that have passed the age limit of 2 years. At the same time, it appears regardless of whether the animal has been sterilized (castrated) and what gender it belongs to.

The most allergenic are the following products:

• meat (poultry, beef);
• milk, cottage cheese, etc.;
• vegetables and fruits with red pulp;
• cereals (wheat);
• legumes (soybeans);
• corn.

Some foods not only can cause allergies, they are contraindicated for dogs because they cause irreparable harm to health, for example, sugar, spices and spices, chocolate.

A dog is more likely to develop allergies if it constantly consumes flour products, cereals, and carbohydrates.

A disease such as food allergy in dogs is determined by the symptoms:

1. Uneven, severe hair loss. Sometimes bald spots may appear.
2. Itching. The dog scratches the skin a lot in certain places.
3. Frequent stools.
4. Infection affecting the ears and allergic otitis media. These symptoms cause anxiety in the animal, the dog begins to shake its head, and discharge is noticeable in the ears.
5. Weeping spots on the skin.
6. Strong odor from the mouth and the whole body.
7. Mucus in the inner corners of the eyes, lacrimation.

This list of allergy signs is universal, that is, they are also observed in other types of allergies.

Food allergies in dogs are much more difficult to treat than in humans, so every owner of a four-legged pet should carefully monitor its condition.

Food allergies are common in dogs that have passed the age limit of 2 years.

Food allergies in dogs, the treatment of which is carried out using a complex method, involves the use of antibiotics, an antihistamine, and antifungal agents. The animal is given glucocorticosteroids and placed on a hypoallergenic diet.

Symptoms and signs of allergies in dogs (video)

Allergic reaction to fleas

If a pet scratches its skin intensively and for a long time, microscopic wounds can form on it, through which a secondary infection can occur.

Treatment is carried out in several stages:

• Fleas are eliminated using pesticides.
• The animal is washed using a special product (flea shampoo).
• Preventive measures are used in the form of collars with pesticides and drops on the withers.

The question of what to give a dog for allergies is decided by the veterinarian. Self-prescription and use of medications is not allowed, because this is dangerous for the pet.

Antihistamines for dogs are not used in therapy because flea allergies do not produce histamine in the quantities characteristic of other types. They are replaced with corticosteroid ointments, but only after consultation with a veterinarian.

Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma in dogs can be caused by allergens that enter the body through breathing, eating, or through the skin.

Signs of allergies in dogs in the form of bronchial asthma:

• the animal sneezes frequently;
• liquid discharge begins from the nose;
• the dog tries to rub its eyes with its paws;
• the animal breathes frequently;
• The dog has difficulty breathing.

The owner can only limit contact with the allergen if he knows about it. Subsequently, the veterinarian conducts skin tests, determines how to treat the animal, prescribes an antiallergic drug, glucocorticosteroids, and medications with a bronchial dilating effect (mainly injections).

Treatment of allergies in dogs (video)

Skin allergies

Skin allergies in dogs (dermatitis) are caused by substances coming from the environment. Among them:

• industrial cleaning products;
• synthetics;
• pollen;
• mold;
• shampoos and other care products;
• medicines;
• vitamins and supplements.

Young animals are most susceptible to this type of allergy (a puppy may be allergic). In older individuals, the manifestation of skin symptoms may indicate the development of cancer.

Skin allergies in dogs can look similar to food and other types, but they also have features:

• profuse dandruff appears;
• itching spreads mainly in distant parts of the body - limbs, ears, nose, stomach;
• the disease worsens in the warm season;
• itching is relieved with corticosteroids and antihistamines.

Allergic dermatitis cannot be determined in an animal on its own; this must be done by a veterinarian. Very often, signs can be mistaken for an allergy, although in fact the dog is suffering from, for example, kidney failure or scabies.

You should pay attention to the fact that a favorable outcome in the treatment of allergies in a dog is possible only with timely consultation with a specialist.

Allergy prevention

In order to prevent the development of allergies, maximum attention to the pet’s well-being is required, especially when normal living conditions change: introducing new food into the diet, moving, using new hygiene products, etc.

Allergies are very difficult for animals. It is often accompanied by other infections, the treatment of which does not always end successfully. It is very important to seek qualified help in a timely manner if your pet experiences negative changes in its condition. Timely medical intervention will allow you to restore health and avoid consequences.

Food allergy is a reaction to foreign proteins obtained from food.

The cause may be digestive diseases, hypothyroidism, and a hereditary predisposition to allergic reactions (atopy). Dogs with hypothyroidism and atopy are not allowed to breed, so as not to fix an undesirable genetic trait.

Development and types of food allergies

Digestion of proteins begins in the stomach, in the small intestine the proteins break down into amino acids, then are absorbed into the blood passing through the venous biofilter - the liver. Amino acids are not allergic: they are universal and suitable for the synthesis of any proteins that the body needs.

Allergies in dogs occur only to foreign proteins that have not lost their specificity and enter the small intestine unchanged. The intestinal cells that protect the body from “strangers” react to their appearance very violently. Histamine is released, the blood vessels dilate and swelling and itching appear.

In dogs, the target organs for histamine are the skin, ears, and mucous membrane of the eyes. Accordingly, allergic dermatitis, otitis media or conjunctivitis are diagnosed.

Symptoms of food allergies in dogs

Severe skin itching. The dog constantly scratches his skin and ears, and tries to literally “rub his eyes” with his paws. The tissues are injured and a bacterial or fungal infection occurs. The ears and eyes “flow”, the dog develops a characteristic sweetish-sweet smell, which gradually intensifies.

The discharge is initially liquid and colorless, but when infected it becomes purulent. Brown masses accumulate in the ears, yellowish ones in the corners of the eyes, especially noticeable after sleep.

Skin scratches merge into bright pink spots, and a semblance of dandruff appears. Then the hair begins to fall out (alopecia areata). The next stage is the transition of dry eczema to weeping; The skin under the arms, in the groin, and around the anus is affected.

The second sign is digestive problems: loss of appetite and lethargy, rumbling in the stomach, diarrhea. It is important not to confuse the manifestations of atopy and food intolerance; Unlike allergies, it is not accompanied by itchy skin.

With prolonged exposure to allergens, serious disruptions in the functioning of the liver and pancreas begin. A putrid odor appears from the mouth, foamy vomit mixed with bile, then swelling of the small intestine (reactive enteritis) and its obstruction increases.

Everything can end sadly: metabolic products accumulate in the intestines, the liver is not able to inactivate them, and toxins enter the kidneys. As a result, the dog may die from hepatic-renal failure.

A dramatic development of events is typical for dogs whose body weight is low and the lumen of the small intestine is only up to 5 mm - Yorkshires, Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers. There are breeds that are genetically predisposed to developing food allergies - German Shepherds, Dalmatian Dogs, Staffordshire Dogs, Shar Peis, French and English Bulldogs. It has been noticed that white dogs are more likely than others to become allergic.

Causes of food allergies

Animal proteins: chicken, beef, egg yolk and any fish. Slightly less often, allergies are caused by plant proteins such as soy, oatmeal, and wheat. Proteins from milk and fermented milk products are the main cause of eating disorders.

Supplements with B vitamins, with yeast, cheap canned food and dry food, treats with synthetic dyes and flavors.

Chronic liver and pancreatic diseases, advanced canine age, previous viral enteritis and inflamed perianal glands are risk factors that increase the likelihood of food allergies.

How can a veterinarian help?

Your doctor will help diagnose food allergies and prescribe treatment. It begins with the selection of food that is suitable for the dog in composition and adequate for its age. Ready-made hypoallergenic food is used, where the source of protein is lamb, duck or salmon, carbohydrates are corn and rice. For older dogs, a diet low in zinc, phosphorus and sodium is recommended.

When feeding a natural diet, it is important to immediately remove the allergen protein and instead use a protein source that the dog has never received before. If the allergen is unknown, then the diet is selected by exclusion. For example, chicken meat is replaced with duck meat and the dog is monitored: if the allergen is guessed, its condition will improve over the course of 3 weeks.

It is advised to consolidate the result without changing the diet for 2-3 months. Then you can add a new protein component, but only 1 per week, and evaluate the result again.

Depending on the symptoms of a dog's allergy, treatment can vary dramatically, even for pets who are sensitive to the same substance. There are no general schemes and there cannot be. The owner must remember that the best allergy remedy for dogs is one that is selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the pet. And this is not the choice of the family, not the seller, but only of the veterinarian - inquisitive, attentive and scrupulous to the smallest detail.

Please do not attempt to treat your dog without visiting a clinic. Allergies are a progressive disease, and today's rash can develop into asthma tomorrow. Any allergy medications for dogs are prescribed only after a full examination and sensitivity tests - do not trust advertising, advice from sellers, friends and other well-wishers.

It is a sad fact that allergies are incurable. If you find the right approach, you can achieve stable remission, but with frequent contact with the allergen, the symptoms will return again and again. It is clear that such contacts must be kept to a minimum. But this is not always possible (allergy to grass and pollen, for example). To ensure your pet can live a normal life, your veterinarian will prescribe injections or allergy pills for dogs to stop the attack. Symptomatic medications do not relieve allergies, but eliminate symptoms by suppressing the immune response to an irritant.

In most cases, antihistamines are used to relieve an attack, for example, they prescribe treatment for allergies in dogs with suprastin or diphenhydramine. Normally, histamine is in a low-active state, but in allergies, too much of this substance is released. Excess and excessive activity of histamine provokes allergy symptoms - itching, rash, swelling, spasms, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory processes, etc. Suprastin and diphenhydramine block histamine, preventing symptoms from developing.

Read also: Liarsin for dogs: composition, purpose, dosage

However, before treating allergies in dogs with these drugs, be sure to consult your doctor: diphenhydramine and suprastin are not always effective, and in some cases lead to adverse reactions. These medications work well as a preventative measure, such as before administering a foreign protein, vaccine, or other drug that the dog may be allergic to. But if we are talking about food or contact allergies in dogs, it is better to replace treatment with suprastin (diphenhydramine) with a course of new (third) generation antihistamines - desloratadine, hifenadine, levocetirizine, etc. Antihistamines are prescribed both as a course and as a single dose to relieve an acute attack.

Corticosteroids

Hormonal allergy medications for dogs have a lot of positive effects: they relieve inflammation, reduce tissue sensitivity to serotonin, histamine, etc., accelerate the processes of histamine deactivation, reduce the amount of immunoglobulin (Ige), etc. Improvement occurs quickly, since the effect of corticosteroids is complex, acting on almost all stages of the mechanism of triggering and development of allergies. However, hormonal allergy injections for dogs can be dangerous: the list of side effects is almost endless, from mild gastrointestinal disorders to the development of chronic ailments (for example, diabetes). Therefore, injecting corticosteroids is a last resort, only in severe cases and only after consultation with a veterinary allergist.

In addition to injections, hormones are prescribed in the form of ointments, lotions, tablets, etc. For example, sugar for dogs against allergies (Execan cubes) helps relieve itching and inflammation of the skin, incl. for eczema. The composition includes vitamins (PP, B6) and the hormone dexamethasone, which has a complex antiallergic effect. Execan works gradually, not stopping reactions, but gently eliminating symptoms, because The dose of the hormone in the composition is gentle. For severe skin reactions (severe itching, scratching, ulcers, eczema), hormonal allergy ointments for dogs are effective (it is important that the pet does not lick the drug!). Contact, atopic, allergic, insect dermatitis - Advantan (methylprednisolone), Elokom (mometasone) and others. Hormones also help with allergic rhinitis (spray, nasal drops, inhalations) - tafen nasal, nasonex, aldecine, etc.

Read also: Why does a dog lick the floor: identifying the causes and finding a treatment

Cromony

T.N. Stabilizers of mast cell membranes, which include cromones, prevent calcium channels from opening through which histamine is released. Cromones are excellent for rhinitis (stuffy nose, sneezing, inflammation of the sinuses - cromoglin, cromohexal) and conjunctivitis (lacrimation, redness of the eyes - lecrolin, high-chrome, etc.). However, these allergy medications are of no use to dogs during an acute attack. Cromones are an additional measure that is effective only with long-term planned use.

Immunomodulators

A course of immunomodulators is an attempt to influence the root of the problem, i.e. an attempt to correct the “breakdown” in the functioning of the immune system. Injections and allergy pills for dogs that correct immunity do not relieve an allergic attack - they are prescribed in long courses, trying to achieve a long-term remission. Immunomodulators are of both plant origin (cordyceps, birch buds and leaves, rose hips, eucalyptus) and synthetic origin.

For self-use, only natural preparations can be recommended. For example, phytomins against allergies for dogs - for weeping ulcers, scratching, eczema, hair loss, itching, etc. Contains plant extracts (plantain, dandelion, burdock, etc.), taurine, sulfur, vitamins. The positive effect is noticeable within a week from the start of the course. More serious drugs are prescribed only by a veterinarian, and only after an examination - many immunomodulators can lead to the opposite effect (increase symptoms), others are contraindicated in asthma.

Remember that allergy injections, tablets, ointments or shampoos for dogs only work effectively if contact with the allergen is eliminated! Therefore, it is important to identify the irritant and protect your pet from a dangerous substance or substances (polyvalent allergy, sensitivity to several substances).

All the listed injections and tablets for dogs do not relieve allergies. All this is just eliminating symptoms and an attempt to somewhat improve the pet’s condition. However, there are methods that allow you to achieve stable remission or even completely overcome a dangerous disease. These include autolymphocytotherapy (ALT) and allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). If an allergy occurs in a dog, only a veterinarian can decide how to treat it and how to achieve remission. Moreover, this should be a competent allergist, and not an ordinary general practitioner. The methods described below are carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor and constant monitoring of the condition of the four-legged patient.

The penetration of an irritant into the dog's body is perceived by the immune system as an aggressive factor and promotes the synthesis of antibodies that react to the structure of a certain type of antigen. Allergy in dogs is a defense, and for the first symptoms to appear, hypersensitivity to the allergen must develop.

Symptoms of skin pathologies are difficult to notice, since they are located under a layer of fur, and become visible when severe scratching appears against the background of painful itching and developing inflammation. Treatment depends on the type of allergy and is prescribed only by a specialist.

Show all

Allergies in puppies

The causes of allergies lie in poor diet, untimely treatment of pets for fleas, use of poor-quality hygiene products and other factors. Most often, animals are allergic to food. A reaction is provoked by substances entering the body that cause specific responses from the immune system, these include common proteins and their complex combinations.

Malaise occurs due to the use of food additives contained in prepared animal feed, namely dyes and substitutes. Allergies to food occur both in dogs of small breeds and in representatives of large species; the reaction in both is no different. Less commonly, soy, milk and dairy products, and cereals act as food allergens.

If treatment is not started in time, the animal will grow up to be allergic; at the peak of the disease, anaphylactic shock may occur, which often leads to death.

Drug allergies manifest themselves as mild ailments or develop into a serious pathological form. Some types of skin manifestations in response to medications used are inherited. An immune response occurs to the use of the following medications:

• antibiotics;
• preparations containing white streptocide;
• suspensions and serums based on living microorganisms;
• morphine;
• vitamins (especially group B);
• painkiller and sedative medicine chloral hydrate.

Various causes of illness

Damage to the pet’s body occurs due to fungi, worms, dangerous microorganisms and other types of infection. Severe allergies can occur to chicken, cold - the list of all irritants is extensive, so the main types are classified according to the causes of their occurrence:

• food products;
• medicines and substances;
• contact with chemicals;
• infectious damage to the body;
• insect type (irritation from bites of fleas, insects and other bloodsuckers);
• autoimmune responses (rarely) are associated with a violation of the body’s defenses, which ceases to distinguish between foreign and self-proteins.

The course of the disease manifests itself in two types:

1. 1. Cumulative form, when the reaction does not occur immediately, but after a certain period of time after the allergen penetrates the body.
2. 2. Instant response - almost immediately after contact with the stimulus.

The first form makes it difficult to search for an allergen, since it does not allow establishing the relationship of the antigen with the appearance of symptoms of the disease.



Allergic scratching



Characteristics of atopic dermatitis

The disease is caused by the animal's hereditary predisposition to produce antibodies when exposed to an allergic agent. The allergen enters the body through the paw pads and the digestive system. Penetration of the irritant leads to the development of skin manifestations. The hereditary form with atopic dermatitis is detected in 20% of dogs.



Specific allergy symptoms

Allergy symptoms depending on its origin:

Signs of anaphylactic shock

Regardless of the cause, anaphylaxis has a standard course. It can manifest itself in individual places or be systemic in nature, with the first type often flowing into the second. Symptoms of painful illness:

• with the first type, urticaria appears in the form of a rash, redness and itching, angioedema is noted in deep-lying tissue layers or located subcutaneously;
• a systemic disease is characterized by alternating agitation of the animal and depression, vomiting, difficulty breathing, all signs of cardiac and vascular failure are present, sometimes the pet loses consciousness.

If such symptoms develop, the owner has about an hour to provide assistance, while independent treatment is completely excluded - the animal must be urgently taken to a specialist.

Treatment of the disease

Typically, symptom relief is carried out according to a standard treatment regimen; each manifestation requires effective intervention:

Treatment methods for anaphylaxis



The doctor at the veterinary clinic immediately begins treatment according to the established scheme:

1. 1. Administer 0.2 mg/kg a or Suprastin intramuscularly.
2. 2. 0.02–0.5 mg/kg Cordiamin is injected into the animal’s vein or replaced with a subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg/kg Sulfocamphocaine.
3. 3. Gives a subcutaneous hormonal injection of 0.5–0.9 mg/kg Hydrocortisone, Dexone or Dexamethasone. Intramuscular administration of Immunofan in a dosage of 1 ampoule helps.
4. 4. A medicine made from ascorbic acid and glucose is infused into a vein.



After the attack subsided, about a day later:

• the dog is given calcium chloride to drink from a spoon, 1–5 times per day;
• water is replaced with herbal decoctions of succession;
• itching is relieved with hydrocortisone aerosols.



Antihistamines



In medical practice, medications that reduce the response to histamine and relieve spasm of smooth muscles are most often used. List of antihistamines:

• Diphenhydramine It has both a sedative and antihistamine effect and reduces inflammation. Used for all forms of allergies (including drug allergies).
• Diprazine (Pipolfen, Phenergan) helps with skin dermatitis, when the affected areas itch and irritate the animal. The medication is administered by injection or prescribed in tablets.
• Diazolin (Incidal, Mebhydrolin) used in cases of unknown etiology of the disease. The drug affects the functioning of the central nervous system.
• Suprastin acts on all types of allergic processes. Has a slight sedative effect.
• Tavegil (Clemastin, Angistan) The action is similar to Diphenhydramine, but the effect lasts longer.
• Ketotifen (Zaditen, Astafen) actively helps with anaphylaxis, bronchospasm of a histamine nature and long-term systemic allergies.
• Astemizole prescribed in food forms, it reduces the symptoms of urticaria and runny nose. The medicine is used orally; it is not recommended to give to bitches during false pregnancy.
• Cetirizine Effectively treats allergies without causing drowsiness.
• Loratadine or Claritin prescribed to reduce lacrimation and pathologies in the form of allergic rhinitis.
• Bicarfen has a wide range of indications for use - medicinal and food forms, atopic dermatitis, hay fever, neurodermatitis, lacrimation.



Hormonal agents

The most commonly used drugs in treatment are corticosteroids, such as Mstil, Prednisone, Dexamethasone and Prednisolone. To treat animals, weak-acting drugs are chosen and minimal dosages are used. Such drugs remain in the blood of dogs for about 30 days from the moment of intramuscular administration.

In puppies, side effects are much less common than in humans. The occurrence of undesirable effects is associated with the duration of therapy and the daily dosage. Side complications include:

• dyspnea;
• increased appetite;
• insatiable thirst;
• a large amount of urine discharge, some bitches experience incontinence;
• sometimes irritation;
• with prolonged use, obesity and weakness develop.

After completing the monthly course of treatment, the drug is discontinued within a week. If an animal is prescribed annual treatment courses for a month, then the functioning of its adrenal glands is suppressed; practice shows that the drug should be given to dogs every other day. High dosage leads to decreased immunity.

Hormonal ointments for skin allergies



Local remedies do not have such a pronounced hormonal effect as drugs used internally. But it should be borne in mind that the substance is absorbed through the surface of the skin, so lubricating large areas of the animal’s body unless absolutely necessary is unacceptable. The following ointments are common for the treatment of dermatitis:

• Advantan- is a new generation drug, therefore long-term use is allowed for three months, the ointment is thinly applied to the affected areas once a day, avoiding contact with healthy skin;
• Sinaf- due to its strong effect, it is not allowed to be used in treatment for more than 10 days, since the ointment is a first-generation medicine and causes side effects;
• Comfoderm- has a gentle effect on allergic skin rashes, the timing of its use is discussed with the veterinarian;
• Elidel- is a unique hormonal medication, its use is stopped after the disappearance of skin symptoms, but withdrawal is carried out gradually so that the dog does not develop side withdrawal syndrome, the ointment is applied twice a day.



Non-hormonal creams and ointments



To cleanse the skin surface under the fur, antiallergic medicinal compositions are used for topical application. Their action is not as dangerous for the body as hormonal drugs, so there is no need to monitor clear boundaries of application. The following medications are usually prescribed:

• Skin cap– the ointment is highly effective, one of the latest developments, applied to problem areas under the fur in the morning and before bed;
• Zincointment- has a low price and is used for weeping eczema and dermatitis to dry the skin; before use, it is recommended to treat the skin with an antiseptic drug;
• Bepanten or Panthenol heals the damaged structure well and helps reduce allergic rashes; it is not used for weeping dermatitis, as it moisturizes the epidermis;
• Belosalik used for any form of allergy accompanied by a rash, the skin can be treated for a month.

Antiallergenic ointments with antibiotics



Such drugs are often used in the second stage of therapy, when hormonal compounds are no longer safe to use. Similar ointments include:

• Levomekol- contains chloramphenicol, the ointment is used once a day, used in the form of a small compress with gauze or a bandage, which is fixed for a day;
• erythromycin ointment- can be used to lubricate the eyelids of puppies with lacrimation and purulent inflammation of the eyes, can be used for two weeks;
• Fucidin- used in the treatment of allergic rashes for no more than 10 days, but can be applied about three times during the day.

Compositions for quick relief from irritation



Flucinar ointment acts immediately after application in the first minutes, itching and swelling quickly subsides. Lubricate the affected areas twice every day, gently rubbing the composition into the skin. Due to its high efficiency, there is no need for long-term treatment with an antiallergenic agent.

Akriderm belongs to a new generation of medicinal formulations and will quickly relieve your pet from itching and inflammation on the surface of the skin. It should be used under the supervision of a veterinarian and only for 7 days. Apply in the morning, at lunchtime and at night at equal intervals.