Allergies in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment

When it comes to the health of our beloved dogs, it is important to also address possible allergies and food intolerances. Allergies are not uncommon in dogs and can manifest themselves in various ways. In this article you will learn more about allergies in dogs, their close connection with the immune system, the gut and the intestinal flora, as well as the ways to help manage them caringly. I would like to help you better understand the causes within the body.

Allergies in dogs - an extremely complex condition

Allergies represent a complex immune reaction to certain substances known as allergens. In dogs, allergies can occur to a wide variety of substances. These include certain ingredients in food, pollen, house dust mites and much more. The immune system's reaction to these allergens can manifest in the body in very different ways and impair well-being.

The difference between allergies and intolerances

Allergies and intolerances are two different reactions of the body that are often confused. This is especially true when diagnosing a dog. Here are the basic differences briefly summarised for you.

• Allergies as an oversensitive reaction of the immune system to foreign substances
• Intolerances as a pure metabolic problem without the involvement of the body's own defences
• Typical symptoms such as itching, redness or chronic digestive complaints
• The great importance of the intestinal flora and the immune factors for overall health

Allergies occur when the dog's immune system reacts oversensitively to substances that are normally harmless. Examples of this are pollen, dust or certain proteins in food. Intolerances, on the other hand, arise when the body cannot properly digest a particular substance. This is usually due to a lack of specific enzymes. A typical example is lactose intolerance, in which the enzyme for breaking down milk sugar is missing.

Food intolerances and sensitivities in everyday life

A common form of problem in dogs is food intolerances or sensitivities. Here the dog reacts sensitively to certain ingredients in its food. In our daily consultations, we often see that the symptoms can be varied and range from itching and skin irritations to digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Recognising the symptoms of allergies in dogs reliably

The signs of allergies in dogs are often individually different. Caringly watch for the following complaints in your animal.

• Persistent itching and frequent scratching of the ears or paws
• Distinct reddening of the skin and visible skin rashes
• Recurring digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea
• Respiratory complaints in direct connection with environmental stimuli

The connection with the immune system and the gut

The immune system plays a truly decisive role in allergies. During an allergic reaction, the system produces antibodies to fight the supposedly harmful substances. A large part of the entire immune system is located in the gut. A disturbed intestinal flora can therefore lead to a significantly increased susceptibility to allergies. That is why we always regard the gut as the centre of health.

Colostrum and probiotic support

Colostrum, also known as first milk, is the first milk a mother produces immediately after birth. It is extremely rich in antibodies and important nutrients that protect the newborn and strengthen its immune system. But colostrum is not only of great benefit to puppies. For adult dogs too it can represent valuable support, especially with existing allergies.

Colostrum contains a variety of probiotic bacterial strains that can positively influence the intestinal flora. A healthy intestinal flora is important for strengthening the immune system and caringly reducing susceptibility to allergies. In addition, first milk contains important immune factors that can help in coping with allergens. In animal naturopathy, we greatly value this natural approach.

Our conclusion on nutritional support

Allergies in dogs can be a great challenge that needs to be tackled together. With targeted support from probiotic colostrum, your dog can achieve a significantly better quality of life. However, if you notice signs of allergies in your dog, do not hesitate to first consult a veterinary practice in order to reliably determine the exact cause.

This article serves as general information and by no means replaces a visit to the veterinary practice of your trust.