Health animals allergy
Federal Association for Animal Health e.V. (BfT)
The Federal Association for Animal Health e.V. Manufacturers of veterinary medicines. Feed additives in Germany. Member companies research, develop and produce vaccines and pharmaceuticals, as well as diagnostics and other healthcare solutions that drive veterinary progress and help address current societal challenges. Proven solutions and innovations are used to ensure the health and well-being of livestock, small animals and pets.
Federal Association for Animal Health e.V. (BfT)
Despite thick fur – dogs also have skin problems
Allergies are a big topic, especially in these weeks into early summer. Dogs can also be affected. Causes and symptoms are varied, the search for triggers and treatment options is often lengthy. The observation gift of the animal owner is completely particularly in demand thereby. The skin is the largest organ of the dog. Takes up between 12 to 24 percent of the total body mass. Skin diseases can thus affect the well-being. The health of the animal considerably impair. Skin diseases are the second most common reason for visiting a veterinary practice, the causes are varied. It can be metabolic disorders, diseases of internal organs, hormonal and even psychological factors or infections. Very often allergies are the triggers, about 10 percent of all dogs suffer from the misguided reaction of the immune system. Flea saliva, dust mites, pollen or food components can be the cause of allergies.
Allergies manifest themselves in a wide variety of symptoms. They range from mild redness to dandruff to hair loss. Often the animals show conspicuously restless behavior. A common symptom of allergic skin diseases is itching. The consequence: the animals lick the itchy areas and scratch themselves there. This can cause open wounds.
The allergy is usually a chronic, not curable disease, no matter what the trigger is. Diagnosis and treatment require a lot of observation and patience."
Atopic dermatitis
A special form of allergy is Atopic Dermatitis (AD). It is amed that the barrier function of the skin is disturbed. As a result, environmental allergens or microbial substances can penetrate the body and trigger pathogenic reactions there. Feed allergies can support the onset of atopic dermatitis. Even if allergic skin diseases are usually not life-threatening, they lead to a strong impairment of the quality of life of dog and owner.
Allergies can also manifest themselves in so-called hot spots on the skin. This is a localized, superficial inflammation. The usually round skin area is red and hot. The dog also suffers from severe itching or pain. Often the site also secretes a wound secretion. One speaks then of an "acute weeping dermatitis". In principle, any small injury can develop into a hot spot if not treated properly. Most frequently, a flea saliva allergy leads to the development of a hot spot. Food intolerance can also lead to itching and hot spots. The dog tries to relieve the itching by licking intensively, but this makes the situation even worse. Germs and dirt get into the open wound and cause stronger itching. A vicious circle.
Allergy is usually a chronic, non-curable disease, no matter what the trigger is. Diagnosis and treatment require a lot of observation and patience. Before treatment, the triggering factors must be identified together with the veterinarian. Since flea saliva allergies occur frequently, it is recommended to exclude this cause by means of flea prophylaxis. The food allergy, on the other hand, seems to be with 10 to 15 percent rarer the cause than amed. Skin and blood tests can provide further clues. It is helpful to keep an itching diary in which frequency, localization, measures and applications are recorded.
The goal is to avoid allergy triggers as much as possible. Controlling itching is essential to prevent further damage and injury from excessive scratching and gnawing. The veterinarian can prescribe appropriate medication here. Care products for local treatment are also available to help control the symptoms.