Understanding Pet Allergies

We all know that itchy, scratchy pets seem to fluctuate throughout the year and that the seasons impact these flare-ups, and much like us humans an increase is seen around the spring-time or general season changes.

Understanding your pet’s allergic reactions and how best to prevent them going forward, is vital to a pet owner.

What causes an allergic reaction?

Like humans, pet’s systems get sensitized when exposed to allergens over a few months or years – lessening the reaction they may have.

Subsequent exposure to the same type of allergen causes the body to occasionally overreact, which results in inflammation and what we see externally – the allergic reaction.

How does an allergic reaction happen in the body?

The reaction is quite complex with most reactions involving allergen protein molecules combining with antibodies in the blood, and then attaching themselves to a cell found in tissue throughout the body, called a Mast Cell.

When these antigens and antibodies react with these Mast Cells, potent chemicals are released (such as Histamines) that cause an array of inflammation, redness, itching and swelling in and on the body.

These are often seen on the skin, paws, ears and groin areas of dogs. For cats, it can occur in the same places, and under the chin and around the neck.

These outward signs are then associated with an allergic reaction.

Allergies are quite common in pet’s today, with pets having their first reactions from as early as 6 months old already however, most reported cases are dogs from one year of age.

What symptoms must I look out for if I think my pet is having an allergic reaction?

Most commonly, allergic reactions will be;

· Redness of the skin

· Itching

· Inflammation / swelling

· Areas of hair loss and bumps

· Welts or hives

· Coughing / wheezing

· Sneezing

· Discharge from the nose

· Diarrhea or GI upset

· Vomiting

What causes and types of allergies are there?

There are many, many causes for allergies in pets with a the few below being the most commonly reported causes or types of allergies.

· FAD (Flea Allergy Dermatitis – flea bite reactions) OR insect bites

· Food allergy (most commonly seen with commercial, dry food fed pets)

· Contact allergy (direct epidermal contact to an allergen like pyrethrin in flea collars)

· Inhalant allergy (or known as Atopy – and is from grass, pollen, mold, mildew etc.)

How is it treated once a flare-up begins?

Most often, pets in a current flare up episode are given a Corticosteroid along with an antihistamine to combat the current inflammatory reaction in the body. Some chronic skin cases are given an antibiotic, if necessary after swabbing and testing the skin, to combat the reaction.

These are given by your local GP veterinarian.

Does food matter?

YES! Highly processed carbohydrate containing diets are inflammation magnets – with a high number of processed carbs in pet food causing huge health problem in pets. Carbohydrates are not bad when it comes to your dog, but the type of carbohydrate and how it is delivered, is very important.

Dogs have a reduced amylase enzyme in their bodies, so while they can digest starch foods, highly processed carbohydrate content foods put pressure on the digestive system which can cause GI upsets, diabetes, obesity, and cancers down the line.

Including fresh and functional foods with your pet’s bowl of commercial kibble will benefit them in the long run. Using the 80/20 rule (80% existing kibble with 20% fresh foods), and including select foods can counteract the inflammation response, and ensure that your pet is getting essential and vital vitamins, minerals and added protein – along with phytonutrients – for added health benefits.

A study conducted found that including fresh vegetables just three times a week, showed promising results in reducing transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in a group of Scottish Terriers, that are predisposed to this type of cancer.

Some of our favourite anti-inflammatory property foods to add to your pet’s bowl are;

The importance of anti-inflammatory foods in your pet’s diet

Including fresh foods with a host of anti-inflammatory properties ensures that your pet has decreased risks of developing diseases like cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease and obesity, cancers, and muscular disorders.

Food rich in antioxidants are a natural defense mechanism against free radical inflammation and damage in the body. Studies conducted on flavonoids are showing that they increase health and fight chronic disease.

Both above are found in fresh fruits and vegetables, with important and vital minerals found in fresh meats.

Ensuring that your itchy pet gets specific fresh fruits and vegetables, along with extra proteins and omega 3’s – will help that inflammation reaction in the body, thus reducing the intensities of internal flare ups experienced by chronic sufferers.

A reminder, due to the lack of amylase, all fruits and vegetables need to be slightly processed before serving to your pet. This can be finely chopping, boiling, turning it into a puree etc.

For nutrition assistance for your fluffy furkid(s), please pop us an email to nutrition@clawsnpaws.co.za or book via our website under the "consultations” tab.