How do I find out what my dog is allergic to?

When our furry friends at home scratch frequently, sneeze incessantly, or show symptoms such as diarrhea and ear inflammation, the hearts of every pet owner are gripped with worry. Seeing our usually lively dogs listless due to allergies, the anxiety and heartache we feel are beyond words. To help our dogs get rid of the trouble of allergies, the top priority is to figure out what they are allergic to. This is not only a scientific exploration but also a manifestation of the deep love we have for our dogs, and an important step in safeguarding their health.

The symptoms of a dog's allergy are complex and diverse. These symptoms are like "distress signals" sent by the body, helping us find clues about the allergy. Skin symptoms are one of the most common manifestations. A dog may experience local or systemic itching, constantly scratching with its paws and biting its skin with its teeth, resulting in red skin, hair loss, and even ulcers. Some dogs may also develop ear infections, with secretions flowing out of their ears and giving off an unpleasant odor. In terms of the gastrointestinal tract, allergies may cause problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, and the regular bowel movements become abnormal. In addition, respiratory symptoms such as frequent sneezing, coughing, and rapid breathing should not be ignored. These symptoms may occur alone or simultaneously, and every subtle change may be the key to revealing the allergen.

Carefully observing and recording the daily performance of the dog is the first step in finding the allergen. As owners who live with the dog day and night, we need to be like detectives and pay attention to every detail in their lives. Prepare a special notebook and record in detail the time, place, and specific manifestations of the dog's allergic symptoms, as well as information about its diet, activities, and the items it has come into contact with on that day. For example, if we find that the dog has skin itching symptoms every time it eats a certain brand of dog food, or starts sneezing after coming into contact with a certain plant in the park, these pieces of information may become important clues. By insisting on recording for a long time, we can gradually sort out the connection between the allergic symptoms and certain factors from these seemingly scattered pieces of information.

The elimination diet trial is a common and effective method for determining food allergens. Food allergies in dogs are quite common, and many owners find it difficult to determine which food causes the allergy just based on the symptoms. When conducting a diet trial, we need to choose a hypoallergenic prescription food with simple ingredients and a single protein source. This special food is like a clean canvas, helping us redraw the dog's dietary map. For at least 8 to 12 weeks, let the dog only eat this prescription food and prohibit feeding any other food, including snacks, canned food, and human food from the table. During this process, the owner needs to overcome the heartache and reluctance and strictly implement the diet plan, because any "soft-hearted" feeding may make the whole experiment fail. As time goes by, if the dog's allergic symptoms gradually subside or even disappear, it indicates that there may be an allergen in the previous diet. Then, introduce other foods one by one, add only one new food each time, and observe for 7 to 10 days. If the allergic symptoms reappear, we can determine that the newly added food is the allergen.

In addition to food, environmental factors can also cause allergies in dogs. Dust mites, pollen, mold, certain chemical cleaners, etc., may all be the "enemies" lurking around the dog. To determine the environmental allergen, we need to conduct a careful investigation of the dog's living environment. Check the areas where the dog often moves, such as the dog's kennel and the corners of the sofa, to see if dust mites are likely to breed. Observe the dog's outdoor activity route to see if there is a large amount of pollen floating in a specific season. In addition, change the cleaning products at home, avoid using highly irritating disinfectants, and observe whether the dog's symptoms improve. If we suspect that a certain environmental factor causes the allergy, we can also try to let the dog leave the current environment temporarily and live in another place for a while to compare the changes in the allergic symptoms.

When we can't determine the allergen through self-examination, it is crucial to seek professional help from a veterinarian. A veterinarian can accurately detect whether the dog is allergic to a certain substance and the degree of allergy through professional means such as skin prick tests and blood tests. In a skin prick test, a small amount of the possible allergen extract is injected into the surface of the dog's skin to observe the skin's reaction. Blood tests can determine which substances the dog is allergic to by analyzing the levels of specific antibodies in the blood. These professional tests are like accurate "navigation devices" that can help us find the allergen faster and more accurately.

Finding out the allergen of a dog is a "long-term battle" that requires patience and carefulness. During this process, we may experience countless attempts and failures, but every effort is a manifestation of our deep love for the dog. When we finally determine the allergen and see the dog gradually regain its former vitality and happiness, all our efforts will turn into a feeling of great relief and touching. This persistent protection of the dog's health is not only a responsibility but also a testament to the deep affection between us and our furry friends.