Dog Allergic Reaction

Just like humans, dogs also tend to have allergic responses which are observed when their immune system overreacts to certain allergens or antigens that enter the body and set off an alarm. This alarm in turn stimulates the production of antibodies in the dogs with a view to protect itself from these allergens. The antibodies then tend to attach themselves to the immune cells that are known as mast cells within the body tissues and the skin. When the allergens penetrate these body tissues they tend to get captured by the antibodies which in turn stimulate the mast cells causing them to release powerful chemicals into the surrounding tissues known as histamines that then cause inflammation and itching during a dog allergic reaction. The common dog allergic reaction symptoms include autoimmune, endocrine, parasitic and infectious skin diseases as well as an itchy sensation in the dog and hair loss. Dog allergic reaction vaccine treatment usually commences with the vet determining the cause of the allergic reaction in the dog. As soon as the dog is diagnosed as having an allergic reaction the vet will put the dg on flea control as flea allergies are the easier to control and are also known t be the most common type of allergies observed in dogs. If the flea allergy is ruled out and the itching is also non- seasonal then the vet will check for any possible food allergies which begins with putting the dg on an elimination diet for at least 10 weeks wherein the dog is fed food that contains carbohydrates and proteins that the dog has not eaten before such as venison, duck, potatoes etc. If this results in the reduction in the amount of itching then the vet will diagnose the allergen to be one of even more of the dog’s food ingredients.

Dog owners’ should remember that while the dog is being tested for possible food allergies it should not be fed any treats, table scraps, chewable medications or rawhide toys that may also contain a certain allergen. Dogs are also susceptible to allergies arising out of insect bites and stings that can affect dogs of any breed and age. The reactions of a dog to an insect bite may range for mild to severe and may include symptoms like sluggishness, fever, loss of appetite etc in case of a mild reaction to insect stings. In some cases of moderate reactions to insect stings the dog may develop wheals or hives.