Allergy therapy
Does your dog suffer from an allergy? This is not only unpleasant for him, but also for you as the owner. Allergies can have various causes, such as pollen, house dust mites, food or parasites. The symptoms are often similar: itching, skin inflammation, hair loss, ear infections or gastrointestinal complaints.
How can you help your dog to alleviate or even cure his allergy? In this article, you can find out more about the various options for allergy therapy in dogs.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a certain substance that is normally harmless. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system recognizes the allergen as foreign and forms antibodies against it. These antibodies trigger an inflammatory reaction that leads to the typical allergy symptoms.
How is an allergy diagnosed?
To diagnose an allergy in your dog, you must first consult a vet. He will examine your dog thoroughly and ask you some questions about his health, diet and living environment. They will also carry out some tests to identify the possible allergens.
The most common tests are:
- The skin test: This involves injecting small amounts of different allergens into your dog's skin and observing the reaction. This test is very accurate, but also expensive and can be stressful for your dog.
- The blood test: A blood sample is taken from your dog and analyzed in the lab for antibodies to various allergens. This test is less invasive and less expensive, but also less reliable than the skin test.
- The exclusion diet test: Your dog is put on a special diet for a few weeks that contains only a few or no potential allergens. Individual food ingredients are then gradually reintroduced and your dog's reaction is observed. This test is particularly useful for food allergies, but is also time-consuming and requires discipline.
How is an allergy treated?
The treatment of an allergy in your dog depends on the type and severity of the allergy. There are three main approaches:
- Avoiding the allergen: This is the simplest and most effective way to combat an allergy. If you know what your dog cannot tolerate, you can remove it from his food or environment. For example, you can give him hypoallergenic food or keep him away from certain plants.
- Symptom relief: This is a short-term solution to reduce your dog's discomfort. These include, for example, antihistamines, cortisone or special shampoos that relieve itching. However, these medications can have side effects and should only be used after consultation with your vet.
- Immunotherapy: This is a long-term solution to get your dog's immune system used to the allergen. Your dog is regularly injected with small amounts of the allergen or administered orally. The aim is for the immune system to learn to tolerate the allergen and no longer react to it. This therapy can take several months or years and requires your patience and cooperation.
An allergy in your dog can have many causes and manifest itself in different ways. To help your dog, you must first get the right diagnosis and then choose the right treatment. You should always work together with your vet and give your dog lots of love and care. This is the only way to give your dog a happy and healthy life.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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