Common Allergies In Golden Retrievers

The Connection Between Food And Skin Allergies

If you see your Golden frequently or excessively biting, scratching, rubbing or itching, a food allergy may be the cause. Self-trauma and chronic allergies can lead to yeast or bacterial infections that may take the form of lesions, seborrhea and crusting.

In many cases, the cause of food allergies in dogs is an animal protein such as chicken or beef, although some dogs also develop allergies to other sources like corn, eggs and milk. Your Golden Retrievers reactions to a food allergy may manifest itself in areas aside from the skin often, dogs with food allergies will also experience gastrointestinal distress.

Food Allergies Vs Seasonal And Environmental Allergies In Dogs

Environmental allergies and food allergies often present similar symptoms which include:

• Itchy skin that flakes

The main differences between food allergies and environmental allergies are:

• Environmental allergies may come and go with the seasons

• Food allergies can cause gastrointestinal issues that include chronic gas, diarrhea, or vomiting

Since so many symptoms overlap between each type of canine allergy, its best to check with your veterinarian instead of assuming allergies may be one or the other.

How Can I Treat My Dogs Allergies

You can alleviate your dogs allergy symptoms by treating them with anti-allergy medication, preventing exposure to allergens, and treating secondary skin infections with antibiotics, antifungals, and/or ear medications.

Allergic responses like itching can be reduced with antihistamines, steroids, or other immune-modulating drugs. Your vet will prescribe the best treatment based on your particular dogs needs and considerations. Another option? Allergy shots, just like people get! Vets can use the data from allergy testing to create a custom treatment that helps desensitize your dogs immune system.

Preventing exposure to allergens can be a little more involved than simply giving a pill to your pup. It may mean limiting walks through woods or parks when pollen levels are high, dusting and vacuuming more thoroughly to minimize dust mites, and cleaning your dogs bedding more often. A monthly flea preventative is the best way to eliminate fleas as an allergy vector.

Food allergies are more complicated. Identifying a food allergy and changing a dogs diet to treat it takes time. First of all, remember that easing your dog to a new type of food needs to be done gradually to minimize gastrointestinal distress. Dogs that are allergic to chicken or beef may need to eat a novel protein, such as rabbit, venison, or turkey. It can take up to 12 weeks for symptoms to resolve themselves after changing your dogs diet.

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What Is Food Allergy And How Is It Treated

A food allergy or hypersensitivity can develop to almost any protein or carbohydrate component of food. It most commonly develops in response to the protein in the food beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, dairy products, and soy are commonly associated with food allergies in dogs. A food allergy can develop at almost any age. Common clinical signs include itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress. A dog may have multiple types of allergies, such as food allergy and atopy, making the exact diagnosis of a dogs itching challenging.

“A food allergy can develop at almost any age.”

Food allergies typically do not respond well to corticosteroids or other medical treatments. Treatment requires identifying the offending component of the diet and eliminating them. The most accurate way to test for food allergies is with an elimination diet trial using a veterinary hypoallergenic diet. Because it takes at least eight weeks for all other food products to be eliminated from the body, your dog must eat the special diet exclusively for eight to twelve weeks. If there is a positive response and improvement in your dogs clinical signs, your veterinarian will advise you on how to proceed.

Parasites & Skin Issues

Parasites can cause problems for any dog, but for a breed already susceptible, it can be even worse. Fleas are one of the most common things behind golden retriever skin issues.

Much like allergies, they will cause your dog to itch a lot. But a telltale sign is brown dust or brown shapes moving across your dogs skin. They can infest your home too, spreading to other pets and living in soft furnishings.

Unlike fleas, ticks are a little harder to spot. Sometimes, you may notice large scabs which you may notice. If untreated, ticks can cause diseases such as:

• Rocky mountain spotted fever
• Canine lyme disease
• Canine ehrlichiosis

Most of these will show up as a loss of appetite, fever and excessive drinking. In some cases, your golden retriever may show extreme pain or even organ failure. Benadryl for dogs can be beneficial for helping with minor temporary allergy symptoms.

The best thing to do to prevent this is give your dog tick repellent. And make sure you check their skin and fur as part of your regular grooming sessions.

The best treatment for fleas and ticks is prevention. Depending on what type you use, flea and tick prevention medication can kill existing critters. They also stop them from taking hold in the first place. There is a wide range available to suit any dog and their needs.

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What Does Hypoallergenic Mean Exactly

Hypo means less so hypoallergenic means less allergies. But it turns out that the term is a little more complicated than it seems.

We generally take hypoallergenic to mean a dog that doesnt cause allergies. But the truth is that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Even classic hypoallergenic dog breeds like the poodle, maltese, Chinese crested, or Bichon Frise have the potential to cause allergies. However, these lower shedding breeds tend to spread fewer allergens.

To explain why, lets talk a bit about what causes dog allergies. Dog allergies are caused by a protein in dog dander , as well as in a dogs saliva and urine. If you have pet allergies, your immune system sees these proteins in pet dander as a foreign invader. Thats what triggers allergic reactions like sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Every dog produces these proteins, even hypoallergenic breeds. But because dander attaches itself to pet hair, the more a dog sheds, the less hypoallergenic it is. However, its important to remember that the severity of a reaction to dander will vary for each individual.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs

This skin allergy often called allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition associated with environmental factors and is typically acquired through inhalation of certain types of allergens. In human terms, its a form of hay fever.

Atopic Dermatitis is hereditary and generally afflicts purebred dogs, more so than mixed breeds.

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Ways Can We Treat & Manage Allergies

As stated before, if you suspect that your golden is experiencing allergies take him to the vet. Your vet will review a checklist that looks at your dogs signs and symptoms, diet and home environment.

Some tests will be administered, usually a blood and skin test to see what the appropriate treatment or intervention will be. In the meantime, you can do a few things to help make your golden more comfortable.

Environmental Allergies And How To Treat Them

Golden retrievers, and many other breeds, can suffer from environmental allergies, and develop atopic dermatitis. These are allergies to things in the environment such as dust, tree pollen, grass, and even cleaning products. What makes it difficult to spot in golden retrievers is their thick coat as it can actually hide any skin reactions they have.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:

• Skin inflammation

A runny nose, If left untreated, can result in infections so if you suspect your Golden has an environmental allergy, it is important to consult your vet. Depending on the severity of your dogs symptoms and the type of allergy, they may recommend itch relieving medication, antibiotics or antifungals.

Something you can do at home is to wipe your Golden Retriever with a damp cloth after they go out in order to remove allergens from their coat and skin.

That thick coat is beautiful but is also vulnerable to skin irritations.

That thick coat is beautiful but is also vulnerable to skin irriations

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Bone And Joint Problems

A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend’s bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life.

• Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Golden’s elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritisthe sooner the betterto minimize discomfort and pain. Well take X-rays of your dogs bones to identify issues as early as possible. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering!

Owning Any Dog Is A Time Commitment

Now, I said that Goldens make great pets for anyone, and thats true, but remember that no dog likes to be left alone. If you dont have a reasonable amount of time to spend with your dog, a Golden is not the dog for you, and you probably shouldnt get a dog at all.

Golden Retrievers are extra sociable dogs, and they are known for being very devoted and loving. They like to play and get lots of attention, so if thats not something you can commit to, you shouldnt get one.

If you have a Golden Retriever, youll need to plan on trips to the park to play fetch and chase. If you have a good dog park in your town, thats even better. Goldens love to pal around with their canine friends.

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Medications For Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition. So, some vets might try to deal with it through an extended medication routine. Antihistamine and corticosteroids are the class of drugs that are normally used to alleviate the itching and redness of the skin.

Cyclosporine is one of the most effective drugs that are used to treat protracted skin cases allergies. So, your vet might prescribe this medication . Another of its variant Atopica is also used to treat itchiness and redness of the skin.

Golden Retriever Allergies Eyes

Most Golden Retriever owners ask specifically about eye allergies so if you find your dogs eyes red or watery then it can be Distichiasis.

Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. It can cause severe pain.

Talking about Golden Retrievers, these big dogs are more likely to catch this allergic condition than other dog breeds.

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Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic Or Will They Cause Allergies

There are many great reasons to consider adopting a golden retriever. Theyre family-friendly, non-aggressive, active dogs who love nothing more than spending time with their humans. Its no wonder that this dog breed consistently tops the American Kennel Clubs list of the most popular dogs in America.

But is this a good breed for allergy sufferers? Are golden retrievers hypoallergenic, or will they trigger an allergy attack?

For all their great qualities, golden retrievers are not hypoallergenic. If you or someone in your household has pet allergies, youll want to carefully consider whether to bring home the irresistibly adorable golden retriever.

Lets go into what it means to be hypoallergenic, why golden retrievers tend to cause allergies, and whether allergy sufferers can possibly live with these majestic dogs.

Some Of The Most Common Golden Retriever Allergies

Skin allergies are as common in pets as they are in humans. However, Golden Retrievers are more prone to allergies in comparison to other breeds. Here, we are going to discuss some of the common allergies that can bother your golden pooch.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these allergies so that you can identify them at the onset and can take your pooch to the vet in time.

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Signs Of Food Allergies In Golden Retrievers

The symptoms of food allergies are really diverse among canines. This dissimilarity also makes this common Golden Retriever allergy hard to detect.

The most common and obvious sign of food allergies is gastrointestinal problems including chronic gas and chronic diarrhea. However, not all dogs experience these obvious symptoms. For instance, some retrievers affected by food allergy start licking their paws. Some Golden Retrievers experience severe itching in the rear end when their body adversely reacts to certain foods. Dogs suffering from food allergies also experience chronic ear inflammation.

Can Golden Retrievers Have Cauliflower

Yes!Cauliflower is healthy for your dog to eat and is a good source of fiber, vitamins K, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and folate. These vitamins support the health of your dogs vision, blood, liver, muscles, immune system, and more. Fiber is good for your dogs colon health, weight issues, and bowel issues.

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What Is Contact Allergy

A contact allergy is the least common type of allergy in dogs. It results from direct contact with allergens, such as pyrethrins, found in flea collars, pesticides, grasses, and materials, such as wool or synthetics, used in carpets or bedding. Contact allergies can develop into practically anything and at any age.

“A contact allergy is the least common type of allergy in dogs.”

If your dog is allergic to any of these substances, there will be skin irritation and itching at the points of contact, usually the feet and stomach. Removing the allergen often solves the problem, although topical or systemic treatments may be required.

Caution: The symptoms of allergies can be confused with other disorders or occur concurrently. Therefore, do not attempt to diagnose your dog without veterinary assistance. Be prepared for your pet to receive a full diagnostic evaluation to rule out other causes of itching and skin problems. If an allergy is diagnosed, your whole family must follow your veterinarian’s advice very closely to successfully relieve your pet’s discomfort

Signs Of Atopic Allergy

These are the signs that you should look for in your Golden Retriever if you suspect that it is suffering from this chronic skin condition.

• They constantly and excessively start licking, rubbing, and scratching their abdomen, paws, and hindquarters.
• Another way to determine if atopic dermatitis has set in your retriever is to inspect its ears. If they are hot and red, then you should take it to the vet for further examination.
• In some acute cases of atopic dermatitis, your Golden Retriever might get redness in the groin, armpits or between the paws.

Golden Retrievers can acquire atopic dermatitis in the puppy age . However, the aforementioned signs only become visible and require clinical aid when they enter the third year.

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Is Chocolate Bad For Golden Retrievers

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs mostly because of its theobromine content, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. If your dog eats chocolate, you should monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if they show any symptoms, or if they are very young, pregnant or have other health concerns.

How Is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed

There is no specific test for atopic dermatitis and this common allergy is diagnosed by a combination of clinical signs, response to treatment and identification or exclusion of other allergic conditions such as flea allergy dermatitis and food allergy dermatitis. Your vet will develop a diagnostic plan to determine if your dog is suffering from atopic dermatitis.

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Golden Retriever Allergic To Chicken

Golden Retrievers can be allergic to chicken as some food allergies are caused by proteins, especially from those which can be found in chicken, lamb, beef, and dairy products.

If your dogs food has these substances then by eating it, antibiotics react and your dog will start showing symptoms. If your dog is having a chicken allergy then he can show symptoms like diarrhea, obsessive licking, and vomiting.

How Do You Treat Golden Retriever Allergies

Examples of antihistamines commonly used for dogs include Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Atarax, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Clemastine. However, antihistamines are considered to be worth trying in most cases since the side effects associated with antihistamines is low, and they are typically inexpensive medications.

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How Do I Know If Im Allergic To A Golden Retriever

There are two main ways to determine if you are allergic to a Golden Retriever. The first is direct exposure, and the second is testing by an allergist.

Suppose you are allergic to a Golden Retriever. In that case, you will most likely experience some symptoms ranging from mild to severe upon exposure.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a Golden Retriever include:

• Itchy or watery eyes
• Congestion or a runny nose.

Those symptoms will continue as long as you are exposed to the allergen. Or, in this case, the Golden Retriever. More concerning, however, is that long-term exposure could lead to more chronic issues such as sinusitis or bronchitis.

If you suspect that you might be allergic to a Golden Retriever, there is a second and milder way to know than direct exposure testing by an allergist.

The most common way to diagnose an allergy to a dog is by skinprick test by an allergist. Testing is a good idea because often people think they are allergic to dogs and it turns out they are not. It is something else in the environment.

An allergist will place a small amount of the suspected allergen on your skin to administer this test. The allergist will then prick the skin with a sterile probe to allow the liquid extract to seep into the skin.

The allergist does monitoring for a reaction. Typically a response will appear within 15 to 20 minutes if you are allergic to the substance.