Title: Allergies in dogs

{{Short description|Immune system response}}
{{distinguish|Allergy to dogs}}

[[Dog]]s are susceptible to allergies much like their human companions. Most allergies occur in dogs over 6 months old. A dog that is repeatedly exposed to a particular allergen becomes sensitized to it, and the immune system overreacts to a subsequent exposure, most commonly manifesting in the form of skin irritation.&lt;ref name=&quot;:0&quot;&gt;{{Cite web|url=http://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-general-in-dogs|title=Allergies in Dogs|website=vca_corporate|language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}}&lt;/ref&gt; Some of the signs are redness, itching, hair loss, and recurring skin infections from the [[irritation]]. The dog may be more prone to scratching and licking at the irritated site, further exacerbating the problem.

Other common signs of allergies include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, ocular and nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and licking of the paws. &lt;ref name=&quot;:0&quot; /&gt;

While it may be possible to identify the cause of an allergic response, it is best to seek attention from a veterinarian to identify the best treatment possible. &lt;ref&gt;Shawn Messonnier (July 6, 2000). The Allergy Solution for Dogs: 1–10&lt;/ref&gt; To identify the specific allergens to which the dog is sensitive, veterinarians will commonly use a serum [[allergy test]] or a [[skin allergy test]]. Veterinarians may recommend either over the counter Benadryl without added decongestant or Zyrtec to alleviate clinical signs. If the allergy is more severe, allergy immunotherapy may be recommended.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=http://www.dogcarelife.com/zyrtec-for-dogs/|title = Zyrtec for Dogs, Safety, Dosages, and Alternatives|date = 11 May 2017}}&lt;/ref&gt;

There are a number of different kinds of allergies from which dogs may suffer. They may be gut-induced, skin-induced, and respiratory-induced.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/understanding-canine-allergies/|title=Understanding Canine Allergies|last=Randy Kidd|date=2004-07-09|website=Whole Dog Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-10}}&lt;/ref&gt;

==Allergies==
=== Gut-induced allergies ===
Gut-induced allergies, or food allergies, are common health concerns. They may be induced by an allergic reaction to the preservatives or artificial coloring used in commercial dog foods, or they may be triggered by the intact protein source used in the food.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite journal|last1=Kennis|first1=Robert A.|date=2006|title=Food Allergies: Update of Pathogenesis, Diagnoses, and Management|journal=Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice|volume=36|issue=1|pages=175–184|doi=10.1016/j.cvsm.2005.09.012|pmid=16364783}}&lt;/ref&gt; Protein sources that commonly offend include beef, soy, chicken, and turkey.&lt;ref name=&quot;:1&quot;&gt;{{Cite book |last=Jensen-Jarolim |first=Erika |author-link=Erika Jensen-Jarolim |title=Comparative Medicine: Disorders Linking Humans with their Animals |publisher=Springer |year=2017 |isbn=978-3-319-47007-8 |location=Cham, Switzerland |pages=121}}&lt;/ref&gt;

Clinical signs of gut-induced allergies include the presence of rashes, itchy or tender skin, gastrointestinal upsets like vomiting and diarrhea, and swelling.&lt;ref name=&quot;:1&quot; /&gt;

Dogs with sensitivities to food that contain these common proteins may benefit from food that contains a novel protein source. A novel protein is any protein not commonly used in dog food, such as elk, rabbit, or bison. &lt;ref&gt;{{Cite book|title=Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog for Optimum Health|last=Dodds|first=W. Jean|publisher=Dogwise Publishing|year=2015}}&lt;/ref&gt; Novel protein diets make up the majority of [[Hypoallergenic dog food|hypoallergenic dog food diets]].

=== Skin-induced allergies ===
====Flea allergy dermatitis====
{{Main article|Flea allergy dermatitis}}
[[Image:Flea allergy dermatitis.jpg|thumb|Dog with flea allergy dermatitis and secondary folliculitis]]
[[Flea allergy dermatitis]] is caused by the bite of a flea. The primary cause is due to the flea's saliva that is injected into the feeding site, triggering an immune response in the dog. This may include redness of the skin and pruritus, causing the dog to scratch, bite, and lick parts of the body, most commonly the base of the tail, abdomen, and head. A dog may find it soothing to be bathed in cool water with a shampoo designed for flea treatment. If the dog has self-mutilated by chewing or scratching, antibiotics may be needed, depending on the severity of the problem.&lt;ref&gt;Lowell Ackerman (January 1994). Guide to Skin and Haircoat Problems in Dogs: 14&lt;/ref&gt;

==== Bacterial hypersensitivity ====
Bacterial hypersensitivity is caused by an exaggerated immune system response to the natural flora normally found on the skin, like ''[[Staphylococcus]]'' bacteria. It may be identified by red blotches, pus pockets, hair loss and a skin formation that looks like [[ringworm]], called epidermal collarettes. Typically, bacterial allergies are secondary to other problems the dog may have, such as [[parasitism]] or hormonal disorders.&lt;ref&gt;Lowell Ackerman (January 1994). Guide to Skin and Haircoat Problems in Dogs: 20–28&lt;/ref&gt;

====Contact allergies====
Contact allergies are the rarest form, alleviated by cessation of contact.&lt;ref name=&quot;:0&quot; /&gt; The signs of contact allergies are very similar to those of flea allergies - skin irritation at the point of contact and itching. Sources of allergens include, but are not limited to, the synthetic materials in bedding, plants, pesticides, or household cleaning products.&lt;ref&gt;Lowell Ackerman (January 1994). Guide to Skin and Haircoat Problems in Dogs: 18&lt;/ref&gt;

===Respiratory-induced allergies===
====Atopy====
Atopy is synonymous with &quot;inhalant allergy.&quot;&lt;ref name=&quot;:0&quot; /&gt; It manifests as a condition called [[atopic dermatitis]], which is characterized by itching, biting, hair loss and face rubbing. Other signs may be the presence of [[papules]], which are small red bumps, or [[pustules]], which are small pimple-like [[lesions]]. Atopy is a genetic disorder that predisposes the immune system of a dog to react to tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, molds, mildew, and house dust mites, and can also be caused by exposure to chemical irritants, like common household products.&lt;ref&gt;Lowell Ackerman (January 1994). Guide to Skin and Haircoat Problems in Dogs: 8&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name=&quot;:0&quot; /&gt; Dogs will often have reactions to multiple allergens and may also experience concurrent flea or food allergies. Certain breeds are prone to atopic dermatitis, like [[Golden Retriever]]s, [[Irish Setter]]s, [[Lhasa Apso]]s, [[Dalmatian (dog)|Dalmatians]], [[Bulldog]]s, and [[Old English Sheepdog]]s.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://animalmedcenter.com/canine-allergic-dermatitis/|title=Canine Allergic Dermatitis: Causes and Treatment Options|date=2018-02-27|website=Animal Medical Center of Southern California|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-11}}&lt;/ref&gt;

Treatment methods include special shampoos, prescribed oral [[steroid]]s, oral [[cyclosporine]]s, and natural treatments like administration of [[omega-3 fatty acid]]s. Desensitization therapy, involving the repetitive administration of allergy injection serum, may help desensitize the immune system to that particular allergen. &lt;ref name=&quot;:0&quot; /&gt;

=== Medication-induced allergies ===
Dogs can have allergic reactions to certain medications just like humans can, though it is not as common as the other allergies. It is important to know how to look for adverse effects, especially after vaccinations or a dosage of new medication. [[Anaphylaxis]] reactions can quickly lead to severe health issues. Anaphylactic symptoms include cold feet, collapse, muscle weakness, hyperventilation, extreme drowsiness, weak pulse, and trouble breathing. Common allergy symptoms to look out for include diarrhea, hives, intense scratching, runny rose, shaking head, watery eyes, sneezing, and a red rash on the body.{{cn|date=April 2024}} If the dog is having a suspected allergic reaction, it should be checked by a veterinarian.

Precautions can ensure an allergic reaction to medication does not happen. These include prevention of double-dosing, mixing different medications without talking to a veterinarian, and giving the wrong dosage.{{cn|date=April 2024}} These are simple measures to ensure there are no mistakes made when providing medication.

== See also ==
[[Hypoallergenic dog food]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dog diseases]]