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Contact allergies

You love your dog and want him to be healthy and happy. But what if he suddenly starts scratching, licking or biting himself all the time? What if he gets red, inflamed or flaky skin? What if he loses hair or has open wounds?

These could be signs of a contact allergy. A contact allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction of the skin to certain substances that come into contact with it. These substances can be of natural or artificial origin and can be found in the environment, in food or in the dog's grooming.

Causes of contact allergies in dogs

There are many possible triggers for contact allergies in dogs. Some of the most common are:

  • Plants such as grasses, herbs, flowers or weeds
  • Chemicals such as cleaning agents, disinfectants, pesticides or fertilizers
  • Metals such as nickel, chromium or zinc
  • Textiles such as wool, cotton or synthetic fibers
  • Plastics such as rubber, latex or PVC
  • Medicines such as ointments, creams or sprays
  • Food additives such as colorants, flavorings or preservatives

Symptoms of contact allergies in dogs

The symptoms of a contact allergy in dogs can vary depending on the severity and the part of the body affected. They typically occur in the areas that come into direct contact with the allergen, such as

  • Paws
  • muzzle
  • ears
  • belly
  • groin
  • armpits

Symptoms may include the following:

  • Itching
  • redness
  • swelling
  • rash
  • blisters
  • scabs
  • hair loss
  • Infections

Diagnosis of contact allergies in dogs

If you suspect that your dog has a contact allergy, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will examine your dog thoroughly and ask you some questions about his history, lifestyle and behavior. He will also try to identify the possible allergens by performing the following tests:

  • Skin scraping: This involves taking a small sample of the top layer of skin and examining it under a microscope for parasites, fungi or bacteria.
  • Skin biopsy: A small sample of the deeper skin layer is taken and analyzed in the laboratory for cell changes.
  • Intradermal test: Small amounts of various allergens are injected under the skin and the reaction is observed.
  • Blood test: A blood sample is taken and tested for antibodies against specific allergens.

Treatment of contact allergies in dogs

The treatment of contact allergies in dogs depends on the cause and severity of the condition. The most important goal is to avoid or minimize contact with the allergen. To do this, you can take the following measures:

  • Identify the allergen and remove it from your dog's environment.
  • Change your dog's food or grooming products to hypoallergenic alternatives.
  • Wash your dog's bedding and toys regularly with mild detergents.
  • Protect your dog's sensitive body parts with shoes, coats or bandages.
  • Gently clean the affected skin areas with lukewarm water and a mild soap.

In addition, the vet may prescribe medication for your dog to relieve the symptoms and prevent infection. These may include:

  • Antihistamines: These block the release of histamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the allergic reaction.
  • Corticosteroids: These inhibit inflammation and itching.
  • Antibiotics: They fight bacterial infections that can be caused by scratching.
  • Immunotherapy: This sensitizes the dog's immune system to the allergen by administering it in small doses.

Prevention of contact allergies in dogs

The best way to prevent contact allergies in dogs is to avoid contact with the allergen. To do this, you should regularly check your dog for skin lesions and protect him from potential allergens. You should also provide him with a balanced diet and good hygiene to strengthen his immune system.

Contact allergies in dogs are not a life-threatening condition, but they can have a significant impact on your dog's quality of life. If you recognize the signs early and treat them, you can save your dog a lot of suffering and give him 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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