Can I Have A Golden Retriever If I Have Allergies
If you have dog allergies, but you want a golden retriever, there is still hope.
For one, if youre allergic to dogs, you may not be allergic to golden retrievers.
That might sound like a weird statement, but according to this article, its possible for people to be allergic to some breeds but not others.
This is the case with me.
Im allergic to labs and some other dog breeds, but not golden retrievers.
But if you are allergic to golden retrievers, your allergies may be manageable, and there are some things you can do to reduce your reactions.
First, youll need to understand your allergies a little better.
Why Are Golden Retrievers So Susceptible To These Skin Allergies
Unfortunately, the golden retrievers most distinctive physical feature is also his biggest curse when it comes to picking up allergies. The breeds long, thick double coats are magnets for picking up dirt, mold, chemicals, and other irritants known to cause atopy. This is particularly the case since the breed enjoys the outdoors.
A goldies double coat also makes it possible for these nefarious elements to fester and thrive into some of the deeper, darker parts of his body. These areas, such as the region around the groin, are marked by overlapping portions of skin that tend to trap irritants.
Symptoms Of Hot Spot On Golden Retriever
Your Golden Retrievers behavior might be the first hint he has a hot spot. Obsessive, licking, scratching, or biting is a telltale sign that something is wrong with your dog, however, many skin conditions have similar symptoms, so it is important to visit your vet if you have any concerns.
Any dog regardless of age or breed can get a hot spot, but shepherds, rottweilers, Labradors, and long-haired breeds such as Saint Bernard and Golden Retrievers tend to be more susceptible than other breeds, hot spots are also more common in warm weather, case numbers rise more in the summer months.
Here are some indicators of a hot spot that may help you avoid a hot spot on Golden Retriever
- Swelling of skin area
- Redness of skin area
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Common Environmental Allergies For Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers, and most other breeds, can suffer from skin allergies and allergen agents. What makes it difficult to spot in golden retrievers though, is their thick coat. It can actually hide any skin reactions they have.
Atopic dermatitis is a genetic condition that can affect some golden retrievers. It causes them to develop inflammation and reactions to things like:
- grasses
- tree pollen
- dust
To spot an allergic reaction in golden retrievers, there are some symptoms to look out for. Keep an eye out for:
- hot spots
- lesions
- scratching
If left, this can result in infections or eczema forming. So, if you spot anything like the above, its important you speak to your vet. You want to try to narrow down whats caused the issues and start treatment.
The first thing you can do to treat skin allergies is to bath your golden retriever on a regular basis. Every 4 or so weeks should be good for most goldens.
This will help relieve the itchiness. Be careful not to bathe them too often or youll strip the skin of essential oils and dry out the skin further. If after a monthly bath your golden retriever is still itchy, talk with your vet.
When your golden retriever goes out, wipe them down with a damp cloth after. This will remove any allergens from their coat and skin.
That thick coat is beautiful but is also vulnerable to skin irriations
Signs & Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs
A dog with atopic dermatitis will usually show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Its not as common for dogs over the age of 7 to develop atopic dermatitis, although a new environment can trigger new allergens. Atopic dermatitis often begins as a mild condition with symptoms not becoming clinically visible before the third year.
Recognizing the sign and symptoms is relatively easy once they begin to present themselves. If your dog exhibits any of the following, contact your veterinarian immediately:
-
Scratching the skin
-
Licking of the body, especially the paws
-
Biting the skin
-
Chronic ear and skin infections
-
Foul odor
The most commonly affected areas include:
-
Ears
-
Ankles
-
Muzzle
In its early stages, atopy may be mild and might not be as recognizable, but as the disease progresses, the symptoms will as well.
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Can I Prevent Food Allergies From Occurring In First Place
To be honest there isnt much you, as an owner, can do to prevent your Golden Retriever food allergies. If your dog is genetically predisposed to be allergic to certain types of food you cant do anything about it.
But you can at least try to relieve some of discomfort your dog is going trough due to this condition.
Allergy shots, antihistamines and hydrocortisone creams will help. Also, Benadryl will be effective in relieving itch. But, dont forget to consult your vet before applying these measures.
How To Test If Youre Allergic To Golden Retrievers
If youre allergic to dogs, but really want one, then talk to your doctor.
You may be able to get tests done to see how allergic you are, and whether or not itll be manageable.
You might also want to find someone with a golden retriever and spend some time with the dog and in their home to see how you react.
But even if you have an allergic reaction to dogs, it may be treatable.
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Treating Skin Allergies With Antihistamines
Clinical And Pathological Effects
Canine atopic dermatitis is a genetically-predisposed inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features. Allergic diseases result from an exaggerated immune system response that causes pathological damage.
The immune system consists of various cells and chemicals which work together to defend the body from invading pathogens . Some of the immune cells which help defend the body produce proteins called antibodies when stimulated to do so. Antibodies help the immune cells get rid of the pathogens invading the body. Anything that stimulates the immune system is called an antigen. Antigens are normally parts of the invading pathogen, but sometimes otherwise harmless substances stimulate an immune response in individuals who are prone to allergies and exaggerated immune responses. Any substance that can stimulate an allergic immune response is called an allergen.
Atopy is associated with the immune system over-producing a type of antibodies called IgE. Most commonly this is directed against environmental allergens such as house dust mites and pollens .
Secondary skin changes often seen in atopic dogs include: lichenification , a coat that is greasy and scaly and loss of fur . Pustules and crusts are seen when there is bacterial infection and, when this is deeper in the skin, nodules with pus draining from sinuses may be seen.
There are currently two main theories for the pathogenesis of atopy and there is good evidence that both are important.
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Symptoms Of Allergies In Dogs
The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.
In general, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
- Itchiness
- Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
- Red, inflamed skin
Taking Care Of Your Golden Retriever At Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Goldens. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.
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Treatment For Skin Problems
At the first sign of damaged skin or foul-smelling ears, take your golden to her vet. Skin conditions may appear mild, but can indicate serious whole-body illness. Once your vet identifies the problem, treatment may range from flea control or medicated baths to prescription medication. Skin conditions such as serious staph outbreaks are treated with medicated shampoos to fight the bacteria on the skin and antibiotics to fight it inside the body. Even when the cause is not identified, most skin conditions can be treated to make the dog comfortable and reduce complications. Ichthyosis, though an unsightly skin problem, rarely requires medical treatment in a golden retriever.
Recovery Of Skin Rash In Dogs
Your dog will need follow up visits to help monitor his progress. Most dogs recover from skin rashes once the underlying condition is diagnosed and treated. However, even though a rash appears to be healed, the medication prescribed must be completed in full. The rash and itching may return otherwise.
It is worth noting that those who suffer with atopic dermatitis tend to experience rashes and itching that comes and goes. The aim is to manage these dogs as, unfortunately, it is rarely possible to ‘cure’ the disease.
Skin rash can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has skin rash or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the pawfect plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
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What Are Common Allergies In Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers can develop any type of allergy that affects dogs. However, this breed is more prone to having certain kinds of allergies. These include the following:
- Skin allergies: Golden Retrievers have skin folds and thick coats that can make them more likely to have allergic reactions that affect the skin. These reactions commonly occur in certain areas, such as skin folds, ears, feet and belly. Golden Retrievers often develop skin allergies when they are between 1 and 3 years old, and these allergies can get worse with age.
- Food allergies: Golden Retrievers can develop allergies or sensitivities to ingredients found in some pet foods, such as corn or animal protein. Consuming foods with these ingredients can trigger reactions that affect their digestive system or their skin.
- Ear allergies: Golden Retrievers have floppy ears with a lot of hair growing around them. Ear allergies can affect the skin inside the ears, which can happen due to exposure to environmental allergens, food allergens or other allergens. Having ear allergies can make Golden Retrievers more prone to developing other ear problems, such as ear infections.
- Eye allergies: Golden Retrievers can have eye allergies if theyre allergic to certain substances, such as dust, fleas, pollen, cigarette smoke, perfumes or cleaning products. Some medications, such as flea shampoo, can also cause eye allergies to occur.
What Are Hot Spots
Hot Spots are a form of canine pyoderma which also known as canine Pyo traumatic dermatitis, acute moist dermatitis, or summer sores. These names accurately describe the infected area of skin that is moist, red, itchy, and very painful.
Since these hot spots are on the outer layer of skin, you can easily spot them anywhere on a dogs body, but the most common sites are the head, legs, and hips. These painful, smelly sores may be very obvious or maybe hidden beneath matted fur, so it is very important to check your golden coat once in a while because a hot spot on Golden Retriever can double in size within hours and can spread quickly if not treated.
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Reishi Mushrooms: Yes Some Mushrooms Are Good For Your Golden Retriever
Reishi mushrooms provide countless benefits for dogs, including eliminating allergies, boosting the immune system, protecting the liver, regulating blood pressure, and supporting kidney health. They do this because they contain ganoderic acid. Ganoderic acid is known for preventing the release of histamines, which trigger allergic reactions.
Reishi mushrooms are also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce allergy symptoms. In addition, they can relieve common allergy-related issues, such as itching and respiratory problems. Some popular supplements, such as this, contain reishi mushroom in the formula.
Hot Spots From Allergies
Due to their thick, water-resistant undercoat, golden retrievers store a lot of heat. If wet, it can also keep a very moist, humid environment next to their skin. A lot of golden retriever parents will see their dogs scratching and grooming a lot.
Hot spots are a very common issue for golden retrievers. These are patches of skin that get inflamed and swollen. They will cause itching, and can be painful. Sometimes, they may even fill with puss or liquid.
For severe cases, immediate veterinarian attention. But, in most milder cases, you can treat it at home. You need to wash the area using an oatmeal-based shampoo. But be gentle and careful, as this may be sore for your dog.
Once washed and rinsed, make sure you blow dry them after. After swimming or being out in the rain, make sure you dry them off. Dont let your golden retrievers undercoat stay damp for too long.
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Treating Skin Allergies With Steroids
You Can Prevent Skin Allergies Before They Start
Considering that a golden retrievers fur can be such a minefield for allergens, it is extremely important to keep up on grooming. Its specifically important to learn how to keep both coats free of mats, as gnarled fur tends to have problems getting clean.
If you do see him mildly scratching an area, you can thwart the advance of an allergic reaction by giving him a bath with either a hypoallergenic shampoo or oatmeal. Youll also want to make sure hes completely dry afterward. If his allergies are a recurring issue, you may want to consider changing his diet or switching to pet-friendly household cleaners.
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The Simplest Way To Give All 6 Of These Ingredients To Your Golden Retriever
The iHeartDogs® Happy, Healthy Allergy & Itch Relief for Dogs is the perfect and natural way to reduce dog allergies. It not only provides allergy and itch relief for canines, but it also benefits their all-around health. From immune systems to digestion, these treats will have your dog feeling young and vibrant at any age.
Using Immunotherapy To Treat Skin Allergies
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