INTRODUCTION

Allergies in dogs are a reaction of your dog's immune system to foreign substances. Just like allergic reactions in people. While it is relatively easy to diagnose an allergy in humans, in dogs it is often quite complicated, as there are many different types of allergies and the symptoms often overlap. It is therefore difficult to know which allergy they are actually suffering from.

WHAT IS ALLERGY?

Allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system, via specific antibodies, to substances in the environment that should normally be tolerated. The most common types of allergy are food allergy and environmental allergy, the latter also known as atopic dermatitis. Dogs can also develop contact allergies, and in some cases, it is not possible to determine exactly what the dog is allergic to.

ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of allergies in dogs vary according to the type of allergy. However, the following are some of the most common signs seen in dogs suffering from allergies, to varying degrees:

• PICOR: This is one of the most common symptoms of dog allergies. If your pet suffers from it, it may lick, bite and scratch excessively, causing skin lesions and wounds.
  
  

• RASHES: These can be the result of an allergic reaction on the dog's skin. These rashes can be red, inflamed and painful.
  
  

• Runny nose and sneezing: Dogs suffering from environmental allergies may experience runny nose and sneezing.
  
  

• VOMITING AND DIARRHEA: Dogs suffering from food allergies are likely to experience vomiting and diarrhoea.
  
  

• DYSNEA: Difficulty breathing, chest pain and asthma attacks are serious allergy symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
  
  

COMMON ALLERGIES

Allergies in dogs are varied and are caused by different substances. The following are some of the most common types of allergies in dogs:

• FOOD ALLERGIES: These arise from intolerance to certain foods that make up the dog's diet. Symptoms of food allergy may include itchy skin, rashes, vomiting and diarrhoea.
  
  

• ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES: Caused by a foreign substance or certain allergens in the air, such as pollen, mould and dust mites. Signs of environmental allergy can include itchy skin, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. A prime time for this type of allergy is in the spring.
  
  

• FLEA ALLERGY: Flea allergy is caused by an allergic reaction to the dried saliva of the flea parasite. Symptoms range from intense itching of the skin to redness or swelling.
  
  

• MEDICINAL ALLERGIES: Sometimes animals develop allergies to certain medications that are administered to dogs. Symptoms of drug allergies can include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling and vomiting.
  
  

CONCLUSION

Most allergic dogs will develop fewer symptoms with proper care and treatment. It should not be forgotten that allergy is a chronic condition and close cooperation and dialogue with the veterinarian in charge is often the key to providing the best treatment for the animal.

The responsibility of the pet owner is to care for the animal according to the plan provided by the veterinarian and to ask for assistance if the symptoms change or worsen, or if the itching cannot be sufficiently relieved.