November - How allergies affect your pet

The term allergy is used to describe several reactions that can occur in different parts of the animal’s body: the skin, the eyes, digestive system or respiratory tract. The types of symptoms and their intensity will vary depending on where the allergy occurs, and depending on several factors unique to each animal.

The main types of allergic reactions are: food allergy, asthma, atopic dermatitis (or atopic), allergic rhinitis, some forms of urticaria and anaphylactic shock.

Food Allergy:

Certain foods or nutrients are likely to result, as they are not tolerated or not tolerated by the body, an abnormal reaction due to an immunological process. This immunological response due to the fact that these foods are seen as foreign bodies (allergens) in the body and causes the production of antibodies. Do not confuse food allergy and food poisoning.

Note: Food allergy is always caused by a protein. Ex: The chicken protein and not chicken fat.

The allergic reaction: How does it work?

 
• To have an allergic reaction, the allergen must travel in the blood vessels and always after a second contact with the protein. The animal may have ingested the food (protein) for several years before being assigned.
 
• The body reacts as if to destroy the allergen, which is considered dangerous.
 
• In people with allergies or animals, the immune system produces antibodies, also called immunoglobulins that attack encountered allergens.

Atopy or Environmental allergies:

Atopy is related to genetic factors. This anomaly is the possession, production, excessively, of immunoglobulin E (IgE) which are a variety of specific antibodies. This is the contact with allergens usually trivial, such as house dust, animal hairs, pollens, dust mites that cause abnormal production of IgE, which triggers immediate hypersensitivity. Often found in animals, especially dogs, characterized by severe pruritus (scratching), often seasonal, involving mainly the legs, face and abdomen. The animal is often self-inflict these injuries. Dermatitis and external otitis are often present.

What to do?

 
• At first make sure you give your pet a supplement of essential fatty acids. ULTRA OMEGA BOTANICAL from Zanimo is a very good example. Like any supplement, it must be provided with the proper dosage daily and for several weeks.
 
• If after a few weeks the symptoms do not disappear, it would be helpful to see your veterinarian.
 
• After a good review and a questionnaire very sharp, he will prescribe, most likely cortisone and antihistamines. He will advise you strongly to continue the Ultra Omega from Zanimo, this formula is of plant origin. Its botanical omega-based plants can be applied directly to the skin, which is not the case with fish oil supplements.

Dr. Raymond Racicot
Veterinarian