Allergies in dogs
Allergic reactions occur because the body’s immune system reacts inappropriately to the presence of a substance that it wrongly perceives as a threat. In order to develop an allergic response, the body has to be exposed to something to trigger the immune response. This can be touched, inhaled, swallowed or injected – during a routine vaccination or by an insect sting.
The body doesn’t react to the irritant directly, it reacts to the histamine released by cells damaged through the immune response on subsequent exposure.
Pets can have an allergic reaction to all sorts of things, from bites and stings to grass, food … in fact, anything a human can react to!
Common allergens
Most allergic reactions will be from skin allergies, which are usually caused by one of three factors:
E – environment – usually seasonal, like pollens, mold spores, dust mites
F – food – the most common are sources of protein, like beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, dairy and soy
F – fleas – most dogs will be allergic to flea saliva
How will I know if my pet is having an allergic reaction?
They may be biting or licking the affected area.
When you observe the area, it may be swollen, red and have visible allergic hives (raised red patches).
The most commonly affected areas of an environmental reaction are:
- paws and ears
- wrists and ankles
- muzzle
- underarms
- groin
- eyes
Secondary infection
All skin allergies are at risk of secondary infection. The dog will start to bite, lick or scratch the affected area, which opens it up to further yeast and bacterial infections.
How to help?
If they are having a minor skin allergy, washing the area in cool water may help. Your vet will be able to prescribe an oral antihistamine if necessary.
Anaphylactic reaction
Just as humans can have an anaphylactic reaction, so can your pet.
This can be diagnosed by some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Pain, itching, swelling and redness of the affected area.
- Swelling of the face and neck.
- Raised hives spreading over the body, face and neck.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Shock, collapse and unconsciousness.
If you see the animal begin to develop breathing problems and swelling around their throat, get veterinary advice immediately.
Get help fast
Anaphylaxis is a serious medical emergency for your pet and they will need veterinary help extremely fast. Transport them to the vet in the pet recovery position with their lower back slightly higher than the rest of the body (pad underneath their body to keep their back straight). If they lose consciousness and stop breathing you may wish to start CPR.
If the reaction is caused by a bee sting and the sting is still visible, it should be scraped out using a credit card or thumbnail, but not removed with tweezers as this would squeeze more venom into the wound.
Your pet can develop a reaction to any foods and it can be very difficult to work out which one is the culprit. Do not smoke around your pet and be careful which chemical cleaning products you use around your house.
How to treat Anaphylaxis and acute allergic reaction
Avoid allergens where possible
The key advice is to avoid any known allergens if at all possible.
Antihistamine can help mild allergic reactions
If an animal is having a mild allergic reaction, your vet may prescribe an antihistamine tablet or syrup and this can be very effective. However, the medication will take at least 15 minutes to work. If you are concerned that the reaction could be systemic (all over) and life threatening, phone your vet immediately.
Get veterinary help fast
Your vet is likely to give adrenaline.
Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) acts quickly to constrict blood vessels, relax muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulate the heartbeat and helps to reduce swelling.
First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.
Please contact emma@firstaidforpets.net or https://firstaidforpets.net