Allergic reaction in dogs symptoms and what to do
Dogs are naturally curious, and this stems from their ancestry. However, while exploring their surroundings is healthy, they sometimes expose themselves to risks that can cause allergic reactions.
To help you learn how to prevent all types of allergies in your pet, the Petz blog has prepared an article covering the topic. Keep reading to learn more about allergic reactions in dogs.
What is an allergic reaction in dogs?
An allergic reaction in dogs occurs when the pet’s body mounts an exaggerated immune response to a foreign agent that can cause harm. Therefore, it’s an individual response and not the agent’s fault.
The body does everything it can to expel potential danger and prevent further damage. However, because this dog ‘s reaction is intense, some complications can arise.
Because each individual is unique, an item that potentially triggers an allergy in one dog may not do anything to another. Even among those with allergies, reactions can be mild, causing only itching, or more severe, leading to anaphylactic shock. Often, there’s no way to predict what will happen.
Most common causes of allergies in dogs
Allergic reactions in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are:
food: certain ingredients such as chicken, beef, soy, wheat, dairy ;
environmental: pollen, mites, mold, cleaning products, perfumes, cigarettes, incense;
insect bites: bees, ants, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes;
medicines or vaccines.
Cleaning products deserve special attention. They’re the leading cause of dog allergic reactions , especially with skin symptoms. So, when cleaning, it’s best to keep your dog comfortable in another room and use only products recommended by veterinarians.
Furthermore, be extra careful when rinsing, as residue is enough to cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Therefore, the recommendation for cleaning homes with allergic animals is to wipe down a cloth with the product and then another with just water, removing the excess. Furthermore, make sure everything is completely dry before your pet returns to the room.
Main symptoms of an allergic reaction
Symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs vary in severity depending on the cause and the pet’s immune response to the attack. However, veterinarians emphasize the danger of an allergic reaction crisis if left untreated.
The person responsible needs to be alert to the signs of a dog with allergies to know if they need immediate help.
Each allergic reaction will have unique symptoms, but there are some symptoms that most dogs experience during an allergic reaction. The most common signs are:
- intense itching and redness of the skin;
swelling of the face;
restlessness;
sneezing, coughing, runny nose;
vomiting or diarrhea.
What to do in case of an allergic reaction
If you’ve noticed your dog having an allergic reaction, what should you do ? The first step is to immediately stop contact with the causative agent, if identified. Take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible, especially in cases of facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
Don’t try to treat the problem at home with a dog allergy medication unless you’ve been previously prescribed it by a professional. Also, note the symptoms and when they began to aid in diagnosis.
Veterinary diagnosis and treatment
When a veterinarian finds a possible case of an allergic reaction in a dog, they will perform a thorough physical examination, looking for lesions and parasites, as well as taking the animal’s history by asking the owner questions.
They may also order blood tests and perform allergy and food exclusion tests. The most common treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, special shampoos, a hypoallergenic diet , and, in more severe cases, hospitalization with oxygen support, fluid therapy, and injectable medications.
Prevention of future reactions
Because allergic reactions in dogs vary greatly depending on the quantity, substance, and the pet’s body type, it’s difficult to predict the consequences. Therefore, it’s best to prevent your pet from coming into contact with allergens. Here’s how:
identify and avoid known allergens;
- use antiparasitic and deworming medications regularly;
provide a controlled diet free of prohibited foods;
Pay extra attention after applying vaccines or new medications.
When is it an emergency?
Mild cases of allergies are generally limited to itching, skin sores, or gastrointestinal discomfort. However, these can quickly progress to more severe symptoms, such as those described below. If you notice these symptoms, take your pet to an emergency room immediately:
sudden facial swelling;
difficulty breathing;
lethargy, tremors, fainting or seizures,
any reaction, even mild, after insect bites or vaccinations.
