How Genetic Predisposition Affect Allergies in Dogs
If your dog seems to have problems with its ears or skin, or stomach, there's a good chance that your dog may have symptoms of an allergic reaction. One of the best-known causes of allergies in dogs is their genes. When that issue is triggered, the results are usually itchy ears, skin, or stomach. Studies are still being conducted to determine what causes some dogs to experience these allergic reactions, but the pattern is usually genetic. Let's explore how genetic predisposition affects allergies when it comes to dogs.
What are Predispositions to Allergies?
Any dog can develop an allergy, but some members of the canine genus are more likely to develop allergies than others. Although there are several causes of allergies, genetic influence, environmental components, and immunologic factors all play a role in the development of allergic reactions in dogs.
Some dogs are genetically predisposed to have allergies, which can make them more susceptible to developing allergies in the first place. Environmental factors like the presence of certain airborne irritants can also trigger allergic reactions in dogs.
Immunologic factors refer to the conditions of the dog’s immune system, which can make it more sensitive to allergens than dogs with healthy immune systems. Dogs with pre-existing conditions like skin disorders or food intolerances are more likely than healthy dogs to develop allergic reactions if they are exposed to their allergens.
Symptoms of Predisposition to Allergies in Dogs
Allergic reactions are caused by a hypersensitive immune system. There are a variety of allergens and a variety of body parts affected by these allergens. Each type of allergy has a wide variety of symptoms, such as:
Contact Allergies - This is when you are allergic to something that touches your skin, like poison ivy or bug bites, rather than something you eat. Contact allergies are most likely to cause redness, thickened skin, bumps, itching, and hair loss. If you notice your pet always trying to lick, chew, or scratch their skin, it’s a clear sign of contact allergies.
Insect Allergies - If your dog is allergic to proteins in bees or wasp stings, then they could get itchy bumps that extend beyond the sting site. Your pet might also get welts, hives, and vomiting. Depending on the severity of their reaction, they could grow swollen, have difficulty breathing, or experience anaphylaxis.
Dust and Dander Allergies - Dust and dander allergies show up as sneezing, a runny nose, irritated eyes, and itchy skin. In severe cases, dogs may develop a chronic cough. They may also develop a contact allergy from touching something or being scratched by another dog. These allergens are microscopic flakes of skin that can be found on animals with hair, fur, or feathers.
Food Allergies - While most food allergies in dogs cause only minor issues, including chronic gas, obsessive licking, and vomiting, they are rarely fatal. Anaphylactic shock caused by food allergies is extremely rare in dogs.
Pollen and Mold Allergies - Same with humans, dogs also experience stuffed or runny noses, irritated eyes, or sneezing due to molds and pollen. In humans, this is known as a pollen allergy, while the same symptoms in dogs are called canine mold allergy. Contact allergies from molds also occur. The respiratory system gets inflamed to cause coughing and shortness of breath. This can be a sign of a dog’s asthma being triggered or even originating from a mold allergy.
Conclusion
Allergies are not uncommon in dogs. When they are found, they are generally treated with the same drug options as they are in humans. Dogs do not need to live with allergies, and they can be treated effectively to make the animal comfortable.
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