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One of the most common conditions affecting
dogs are allergies. In the Allergic state, the dog's immune system overreacts to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which he is exposed. These overreactions are manifested in three
ways. The most common is itching of the skin, either localized (one area)
or generalized (all over the
dog). Another manifestation involves
the respiratory system and may result in coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be an associated nasal or ocular
(eye) discharge. The third manifestation involves the digestive system,
resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.
There are five known types of allergies
in the dog: contact flea
food bacterial and inhalant. Each of these has some common expressions in dogs and each has some unique features. Contact Allergy Contact allergy is the least common of the five types of allergy. They result in a local reaction
of the skin. Examples of contact allergies include reactions to flea collars or types of bedding, such as wool. If the your
dog is allergic to substances, there will be skin irritaion and itching at the points of contact. Removal of the contact irritant
solves the problem. However, identifying the allergen can require some detective work. Flea Allergy Flea allergy is common in
dogs. A normal dog experiences only minor irritation in response to flea bites, often without any itching. On the other hand,
the flea allergic dog has a severe itch-producing reaction when the flea's saliva is deposited in the skin. Just one bite
cause such intense itching that the dog may severely scratch or chew himself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair.
There will often be open sores or scabs on the skin, allowing a secondary bacterial infection to begin. The area most commonly
involved is over the rump just in front of the tail. The most important treatment for flea allergy
is to get the dog away from all fleas. Strict flea control is the backbone of successful treatment. Unfortunately, this is
not always possible in warm and humid climates, where a new population of fleas can hatch out every 14-21 days. When strict
flea control is not possible cortisone or steroids can be used to block the allergic reaction and give relief, but is (not recommended), and there are natural healing methods as well (recommended).
Grooming Directory
Bacterial allergy There are many types of Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Some cause severe disease and some do not. There are several species of Staphylococcus bacteria
that live on normal dog skin. If the skin is normal and the dog's immune system is normal, staph causes no problems to
its host. However, some dogs develop an allergy to this bacterium. When this happens, the dog develops areas of hair loss
that look much like ringworm. They are often round and 1/2 inch to 2 inches (1-5 cm) in diameter. These same lesions develop in true staph infection, they are easily treated with certain antibiotics
(not recommended) The lesions will clear with antibiotics, but will return as
soon as antibiotics are discontinued. Natural remedies and diets (recommended) are the best way to solve the problem in the long run to rid the staph all together.
A healthy immune system is the key and in order to have a healthy immune system you must provide your dog with a proper diet
to keep your dog in an alkalined state so these occurences do not happen.
Inhalant Allergy The
most common type of allergy is the inhalant type, (atopy).
Dogs may be allergic to all of the same inhaled allergens that effect humans. These include tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens (especially Bermuda), weed pollens (ragweed
etc.), molds, mildew and the house
dust mite. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar and grass pollens, others are around all the time
such as mold, mildew and house dust mites. When humans inhale these allergens, we express the allergy as a respiratory problem,
it is sometimes called "hay
fever." The dog's reaction,
however, usually produces severe, generalized itching. In fact, the most common cause of itching in the dog is inhalant allergy. Most dogs that have inhalant allergy react to several allergens.
If the number is small and they are the seasonal type, itching may last for just a few weeks at a time during one or two periods.
Food Allergy Dogs are not likely to be born with food allergies. More commonly, they develop allergies
to food products they have eaten for a long time. The allergy most frequently develops in response to the protein component
of the food, for example: beef, pork, chicken or poultry. Food allergy may produce any of the clinical signs previously discussed,
including itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress. A hypoallergenic diet is recommended. (Highly Recommended), because it takes at least eight weeks for all other food products to get out
of the system. The dog must eat the special diet exclusively for 8-12 weeks (or more).
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