Although not usually life-threatening, allergies in dogs can cause discomfort. Most of the symptoms are related to skin conditions, but some symptoms can also cause chronic respiratory problems in some dogs if left untreated for a long time. Now and then, the owner takes the dog to a vet, suspecting a severe condition, and discovers that the canine companion is allergic.
The common symptoms of allergies in dogs are excessive licking, compulsive scratching, and regular chewing of the same or different parts or areas of the body, frequent sneezing or wheezing, or skin irritation/shedding.
The treatment costs are high and the medications carry on for a long time. Having dog insurance can help you save a great deal on the quality medical care you wish to provide your pet.
Most allergies occur after the dog’s second year. During the first year, dogs will have many allergens, mainly through skin contact. Some allergies can be because of food. In the second year of life, the dog’s immune system can overreact to antigens, causing the release of immune cells, which release inflammatory substances that cause itching symptoms.
The skin barrier on most allergic dogs is not ideal at birth, allowing antigens to enter the skin quickly. Dogs with allergies have abnormal skin, inadequate immune response, and are prone to secondary infections. If left untreated these infections aggravate and may turn into severe health complications.
You need to understand that dog allergies are complex issues, which will change as the dog’s environment changes. Because these symptoms can have multiple causes, if you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog, we recommend you immediately consult with your veterinarian.
Early diagnosis and treatment of dog allergies can not only increase the likelihood of your dog’s treatment being successful, but it can also be cheaper in the long run than delayed treatment. The longer you wait, the more pain your dog will suffer, and the secondary infection will become more severe.
The first step in determining the cause of your dog’s symptoms is a thorough examination by your veterinarian. Besides looking for external skin parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites, your veterinarian will also need to perform some diagnosis to help determine what types of infections may be present.
After diagnosing and treating parasites, any other factors your veterinarian may want to discuss allergy testing. Once your veterinarian believes allergies are the leading cause of skin irritation/infection and discomfort, they may recommend testing for specific allergens.
Many things need to be tested to determine the cause of your dog’s allergies. Contact allergies such as fleas, food, and dust/pollen are the most common causes of dog allergies. These allergens can cause allergic reactions in the body, mainly concentrated within the epidermis, causing sometimes severe irritation. The result is that the dog scratches itself to an extent where infections and skin lesions can occur.
For financial safety reasons, it is recommended to purchase cat insurance. It will help you pay for a wide array of medical costs that can arise after an allergy, illness or accident. When shopping, compare pet insurance carefully on the market and buy comprehensive dog insurance to cover many of the costs that a vet may charge.
