Yorkshire Terriers - small dogs with hair similar to human hair. Due to their small weight and lack of fluff under their fur, terriers are more susceptible to allergies.
Allergies in Yorkies can develop even from a very small dose of the substance that provokes the allergy. It doesn’t matter at all what type of disease it is. An animal’s body can react negatively to absolutely any allergen. The cause can be both nutrition, that is, certain foods, and insects. Not only fleas bite your dog, but also other insects, such as mosquitoes.
Each disease has its own specific indicators, by which it is possible to first determine the presence of the disease. Yorkshire Terriers are very sensitive and show signs of illness very quickly.
Signs of allergies
Dogs' intolerance to a certain substance leads to allergic reactions. The dog reacts to the allergen almost immediately and after a certain period of time the dog feels unwell.
First of all, signs appear on skin where there is little hair:
- on the stomach;
- inside the ears;
- on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth;
- on the paws.
The dog begins to get nervous and itch. Care must be taken to ensure that it does not rub too hard against the furniture. Because it can get hurt and an infectious disease will be added to the allergy.
If the allergy is of a food nature, negative reactions from the stomach, intestines and respiratory organs are possible. In the latter case, York begins to hiss and finds it difficult to breathe. A cough may begin.
Main symptoms of the disease:
- rashes and redness on the skin;
- weeping spots;
- severe hair loss;
- eyes begin to turn red and watery;
- the animal refuses to eat;
- vomiting begins;
- loose and frequent stools.
As soon as one or more manifestations of an allergy are noticed in a terrier, it is necessary to immediately show it to a veterinarian. Otherwise, the animal may even die.
Types and causes of allergies in Yorkies
One of the main reasons for a negative reaction in a dog’s body is bites from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. This is due to the lack of undercoat. It’s easier for parasites to get to the skin, which they happily take advantage of.
The dog begins to react to such attention from insects with skin rashes and itching. If you notice that your Yorkie is starting to itch a lot in one place, he has most likely been bitten. Since the animal's skin is delicate, the reaction occurs instantly.
Allergies to insect bites are the most common. It is seasonal. Mostly occurs in spring and autumn. The food type of negative reaction is much less common. Even less commonly, allergies can occur to other irritants.
These substances include the same ones that cause allergies in humans, that is:
- Plant pollen;
- Dust;
- Leather or fur products;
- Household chemicals and cosmetics.
All dogs are very sensitive to chemical components, and Yorkies especially. Therefore, you should be especially careful when choosing care products and household chemicals. This will benefit not only the terrier, but also people.
Food allergies in this breed can be very dangerous, the reason for this is the animal’s low weight. On average it is 3 kg. A problem may arise with the introduction of new food or feed into the diet.
It is worth noting that the disease caused by other external irritants may be seasonal. The same reaction occurs to the appearance of new plants or objects in the house. Allergies very rarely develop in puppies; this usually occurs by the time the dog is 1 year old. Terriers at the age of 6 quite often outgrow the allergy; it no longer makes itself felt.
Yorkshire Terriers, like humans, can have a hereditary predisposition to allergic diseases. Therefore, before buying a puppy, you need to make sure that its parents did not suffer from this disease.
Reviews
The reviews below confirm that an allergy to a toy terrier can indeed occur.
Elena: We received a dog as a gift. After a couple of hours, the child became allergic to the toy terrier. My daughter’s hands began to itch, she developed rhinitis and her eyes were swollen. After taking Suprastin, the symptoms disappeared, but then everything happened again. The puppy had to be returned, although it was a lot of stress for my daughter.
Victoria: Allergies to toy terriers really exist. The neighbors bought a puppy for the family, and a week later the child developed a severe allergy with all that it entails. The breeder had to take the dog back. Therefore, it is important to check everything in advance.
Treatment of the disease
As soon as the owner of a four-legged miracle notices signs of allergies, the question of treatment arises. This should only be done by a qualified specialist.
First, you first need to determine the cause of the problem. This can only be done by eliminating possible allergens. After all, any type of disease manifests itself almost identically. If a food allergy is suspected, a new product or food should be removed from the diet. Symptoms should go away on their own within a few days.
Secondly, it is necessary to do special tests and conduct a trial treatment. This should already be done by specialists. If an allergy to insect bites is suspected, the animal and the room where it lives are treated with special means.
The disappearance of symptoms after this procedure indicates that the animal was allergic to insects. In this case, it is necessary to periodically treat the dog for preventive purposes. Only an experienced veterinarian can decide how to do this and what to do.
Manifestations of negative reactions to food require adherence to a certain diet. In this case, restrictions should be adhered to for a period of 1 week to 2 months.
It is not even recommended to occasionally spoil your dog with something tasty. This will not only make the therapy ineffective, but also cause harm. In addition, York could suffer greatly in this case.
As soon as the symptoms of the problem completely disappear, they resort to provocative therapy. That is, they begin to introduce new foods into the diet one by one. This must be done carefully, carefully observing the animal’s reaction. It is worth noting that if the dog does not feel better after all the measures taken, the reason must be sought in his environment. This is a rather complex question; very often it is not possible to determine the true cause of the problem. Because it can be hidden in anything. A terrier can react negatively even to house dust.
Elimination diet
The fastest reliable way to diagnose a food allergy is to do an elimination diet. The basic principle of an elimination diet is to feed your dog something completely new and relatively clean for at least eight weeks.
To get accurate results, you will need to feed your dog a simple mononutrient diet. Food for such a diet can be purchased or prepared independently throughout the entire testing period. Most importantly, the diet should include one source of animal or plant protein and one source of carbohydrates.
Classic examples of elimination diets include venison and potatoes, rabbit and peas, and fish and potatoes. There are newer options such as alligator and coconut, bear meat and sorghum.
It is important that you refrain from giving your dog treats, table scraps, snacks, vitamins, or flavored medications. This includes additives of any kind that do not match the combination of ingredients used for testing.
After eight weeks, to truly determine a food allergy, you must again feed the dog the original food containing the suspected allergic protein or proteins. If an allergic reaction occurs at this point, it is a pretty good sign of an allergy.
The reality is that most owners don't complete this part because they don't want their dog to develop symptoms again. Owners can simply continue feeding the trial diet if the dog accepts the food. But reintroducing suspected allergens is really the only way to confirm an allergy.
Diagnostics
Allergies in Yorkies to external irritants are a difficult problem to diagnose. It is almost impossible to identify the cause. There are several ways to protect your dog from them. This is a fairly effective approach, and at the same time it is quite complex. In addition, you will have to shell out a round sum.
An experienced veterinarian will always be able to advise effective methods; the decision rests with the owner of the Yorkie. Because everything depends on his capabilities. It is very common for a Yorkshire Terrier to have to treat allergies throughout its life.
In this case, the owner will have to be patient and strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations. This is the only way to make the dog’s life easier and minimize his suffering.
Under no circumstances should you listen to the advice of friends, even if they have a dog of the same breed and it suffers from allergies. Animals, like people, are each individual. And only a professional can help them. Also, do not forget about the consequences of allergic reactions. They can occur as a result of a dog scratching its skin. In this case, infection, bacterial and fungal diseases enter the wounds.
If such a problem arises, it is advisable to resort to the help of special ointments. Use ointments and creams with an antibacterial effect. It is desirable that they contain analgesics.
Depending on the type of allergic reactions, antiviral drugs and antibiotics may be prescribed. Do not forget about therapy with vitamins, and in some cases, sedatives.
In any case, the approach must be comprehensive and responsible, otherwise, why bother keeping a sick dog in the house? If there is no desire to help her solve her health problems, it is better to give the terrier in good hands.
Most often, a food allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction of the body to certain foods or components of the diet, manifested by various skin rashes and itching.
It is necessary to understand that skin manifestations of allergies are just a visible part of the problem; the main changes occur in the internal environments of the body, where the release of mediators of the allergic reaction takes place. Allergies in dogs account for only about 5% of all skin diseases and 20-40% of allergic skin lesions in dogs are caused by food allergies. Its mechanism is not fully understood and there is still no explanation for why some dogs are allergic to a specific allergen, while others are not. Hereditary predispositions to allergies are often traced. It is known that the disease can be mediated by immune and non-immune mechanisms. In response to the entry of allergenic proteins from the outside, the body’s immune system is activated and biologically active substances (histamine) are excessively released. This is manifested by three types of immune reactions: immediate-type hypersensitivity (rapid allergic reaction), the formation of circulating immune complexes and delayed-type hypersensitivity. Sensitization of the body can occur both before and after the absorption of the allergen from the gastrointestinal tract.
Since non-food allergens do not constantly affect the body, food allergies in dogs are of greatest relevance in the practice of a veterinarian.
Non-immune mechanisms include intolerance to individual feed components - an idiosyncrasy caused by genetically determined reactions to their metabolic, toxic and pharmacological effects. However, it is not always possible to clearly distinguish between the immune and non-immune nature of the pathological process.
Food allergies are manifested by systemic reactions: skin reactions - itching of any localization, otitis externa, secondary bacterial complications are also possible when scratches become infected; gastroenterological - vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, rumbling intestines.
It is also necessary to take into account that allergies in dogs can occur when the body is sensitized by various pathogens (toxins secreted by parasites, worms in the intestines). In addition, poor diet also makes the body more sensitive to allergens. In particular, for carnivores, this is a problem of carbohydrate feeding, the presence of flour products, sweets, and cereals in the diet. And proper nutrition, on the one hand, reduces the spectrum of allergens entering the body, and on the other hand, prevents the development of allergies by maintaining the stable functioning of all body systems. Questions about proper dog feeding are covered here
A fairly big problem with allergies in dogs is the owner's violation of the dog's feeding regime. The most typical disorders that can cause allergies are: feeding exotic fruits, sweets, food additives, various “bones” with flavors and dyes, dog cookies and biscuits, etc. Common food ingredients that often cause allergies in dogs include fish and chicken. However, this does not mean that meat or fish is something that should not be fed; an allergy to one or another component is a very individual matter.
Laboratory research methods are not very informative. The main diagnostic test is a diet eliminating all foods except one source of protein and one source of carbohydrate. The test is considered positive if, with the diet, there is a gradual disappearance of symptoms. This can happen as early as 4 weeks after the start of diet therapy, but sometimes a maximum period is required (up to 13 weeks). If the first test is positive, the animal is given all the original foods again. If the symptoms of the disease reappear (within 10 days), this confirms the diagnosis of food allergy. However, it should be noted that other causes of skin itching (flea bites, atopic reactions, parasitic infestations) can lead to false negative results of a dietary test.
Another option is the so-called “provocative” test: one product at a time is added to the feed and the appearance of disease symptoms is monitored for 10 days. It usually occurs 1-2 days after the start of provocation with food containing the allergen. To carry out the test, it is necessary to use products containing proteins of animal (beef, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, dairy products) and vegetable (raw, finely chopped vegetables) origin. Based on the results of the provocative test, the doctor can select foods that do not contain allergenic substances.
Treatment of allergies in dogs consists of three directions: exclusion of the allergen from the dog’s diet, correction of the sensitized (overly sensitive) state (treatment of the allergy itself at its causal level), and the use of symptomatic antiallergic drugs. Treatment is carried out by adhering to several criteria: hypoallergenic diet (avoid protein foods, exclude sweets), do not give vitamins, chew toys, antiparasitic agents; Prescribe systemic antipruritic drugs for the first 2-3 weeks. diets to prevent severe scratching and antibiotics or antifungals to treat secondary bacterial complications (pyoderma). It is not recommended to use drugs that have an anti-inflammatory effect (tetracycline, erythromycin, bactrim). Glucocorticoids and antihistamines should be discontinued in the first 2 weeks. from the beginning of diet therapy in order to attribute the improvement specifically to the elimination of the food allergen, and not to the therapeutic effect of the drug.
It is important to understand that neither antihistamines nor hormones will cure allergies in a dog. These drugs help relieve the problem. In mild cases, when a dog is allergic to only one product, the issue is resolved by eliminating this product from the diet. In severe cases, systemic treatment cannot be avoided. Systemic treatment of allergies using classical homeopathy has proven itself to be effective. If treatment is effective, the dog’s allergy problem will be solved forever.
Veterinary Directory (General Information)
1. Allergy to parasites (fleas, ticks) 2. Atopic (allergy to substances in the air: mold, cigarette smoke, flowers) 3. Food allergy 4 Contact - Allergy (to contact with plastic, grass, etc.)
Allergic reactions in dogs of food origin.
As a rule, allergies do not occur to the entire diet, but to a specific ingredient in the diet. First, you need to determine which ingredient your dog is allergic to. The main allergens include ingredients containing proteins. The most common ones include: beef, chicken, corn, eggs. Various additives used in feed can also be allergens. How to identify an allergen? The dog needs to be put on a “special homemade diet.” This diet should consist of a maximum of 2 ingredients that your dog has never consumed. For example, if you previously fed your dog a formula consisting of chicken, corn, millet and rice. Then the “special diet” should not contain these ingredients. The only exception is given to rice. There are virtually no allergic reactions to it.
Example Diet: 1. Boiled potatoes (50%) and Duck (or any other source of protein that your dog has never eaten) 2. Boiled rice (preferably brown) (50%) and lamb (or any other source of protein that your dog has never eaten) did not use).
Rice and potatoes can also be replaced with buckwheat or pearl barley. Be sure to exclude any vitamins and supplements while on this diet.
The diet is given for 1 month if the dog has no reactions. After 1 month you can add 1 more component. And again monitor the reaction. This diet cannot be a complete diet for a long time. Therefore, it is recommended to determine which ingredients the animal does not have a reaction to and which ones it does, and find a food formula that will not contain allergens.
It is also recommended to add a complex of Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acids. Once you have prepared your “special diet,” you can portion it into portions and freeze it. This way you don't have to cook every day.
What to do if the diet didn't help?
1. Are you sure that the dog did not receive any supplements, medications or vitamins during the diet? 2. Are you sure that the source of protein that the dog took during the diet has never been consumed by the dog before?
If you answered yes to all the questions, then your dog may have a respiratory allergy. You also need to check the possibility of demodicosis.
The substances that can cause an allergic reaction in dogs are largely the same ones that cause allergies in humans: pollen, dust and mold. Observing the regularity of allergy manifestations allows you to determine its type. If it occurs throughout the year, then most likely the reason lies in mold and dust. If this is a seasonal occurrence, then pollen is the likely culprit. Symptoms of respiratory allergies include scratching, paw chewing, and constant licking. The most severe itching can be on the paws, sides, groin and armpits. Dogs may rub their faces against carpets, and their ears may become red and hot (which can lead to chronic ear infections). The wool may become dull, greasy and have an unpleasant odor. Allergies have also been cited as a possible cause of Acral Lick Granulomas, a severe, untreatable condition in which a dog creates numerous ulcers on the body as a result of incessant licking.
How to stop itching
1.Simple cold water can stop the itching for 20-30 minutes. 2.Oatmeal-based shampoos help stop itching. 3. Water mixed with white vinegar also helps, but be careful not to get it in your eyes or other “sensitive places.” It is best to use when there is itching on the paws. 4. Benadryl 5. Omega 3 Omega 6 fatty acid complex (in oil or capsules). Look at any human pharmacy. 6.Antibiotics. Antibiotics are used because constant itching causes the dog to constantly itch and, therefore, bacterial infection occurs, as well as possible “secondary” fungal infection at the itching sites. 7. If all of the above measures do not help, then they also use corticosteroids. Please consult your veterinarian before using any medications.
Normally, the body has the ability to distinguish between foreign substances necessary for life and foreign substances that can cause harm to the body. That is why, for the most part, animals and people are able to normally tolerate various food products included in food. However, in some individuals tolerance is more selective: some foods are not recognized and cause abnormal reactions.
The cause of an allergic reaction can be food products, some plants, insect bites, some medications, etc. Among food products, protein, protein-polysaccharide, protein-lipid, and other complex protein compounds can have allergenic properties. Food dyes are also dangerous for allergic animals. Often strong broths are a source of trouble for both the animal and its owner. For example, the reasons for the development of an allergic reaction in the body may be: [*]intolerance to milk or feed enriched with cereals (due to a deficiency of certain enzymes, such as lactase or amylase); [*]a reaction caused directly by the ability of certain products or their components to immediately, without prior preparation trigger an inflammatory process (for example, histamine in some low-quality foods);[*]excessive fermentation in the large intestine, leading to the release of toxic substances (for example, poorly cooked meat products). In food allergies, almost every component commonly found in a dog's diet can cause this condition. The most common allergens are chicken, beef, fish, veal, milk, cereals, and soy. The majority of allergic dogs—60%—react to at least two different proteins. Moreover, only some animals give an allergic reaction to this particular type of product. For example, some dogs can absolutely safely eat wheat porridge, while in others it causes allergies. Sometimes this reaction is not constant, but periodically occurs only in combination with some additional factors. It is impossible to predict in advance what could cause an allergic reaction in a particular dog. The reason why one particular animal reacts inadequately to the entry of any food component into its body has not yet been clarified. Most often, food allergies are expressed by a reaction of the skin and fur: the skin may turn red, flake, or itch; wool falls out and thins. Somewhat less often, allergies are manifested by disorders of the digestive system, and even less often by edema or attacks of bronchial asthma. However, fortunately, allergic reactions are quite rare. According to French experts, only 10% of dogs are prone to this disease. Not all animal breeds are equally susceptible to allergic reactions. However, there are breeds for which food allergies are a scourge. These primarily include exotic breeds that appeared relatively recently - Shar Peis, Chow Chows, Dogo Argentinos, etc. Allergic reactions sometimes arise and develop very quickly, so the owner must take appropriate measures very quickly. Sometimes the symptoms of an allergy coincide with the symptoms of a food intolerance: the latter is accompanied by the same symptoms as a food allergy, but does not affect the immune system.
Allergies are expressed differently depending on the degree of development of the disease. This may include difficulty breathing, severe itching, rash, and redness of the skin. There may be thin discharge from the eyes and nose, and increased urination and bowel movements. The gums take on a bluish tint. With more serious manifestations of an allergic reaction, swelling of the mucous membranes and sometimes other parts of the body appears. With anaphylactic shock, which in some cases is an extreme manifestation of an allergy, difficulty breathing can develop into suffocation, and swelling can become very severe. All these signs can take on a threatening form and lead to respiratory arrest and cessation of cardiac activity. Sometimes food allergies are less pronounced and more protracted, lasting for months. In order to correctly diagnose a food allergy, it is necessary to link the observed symptoms to the specific type of food ingested by the animal. To do this, it is most reliable to resort to the method of feeding a known “hypoallergenic” diet, which will be discussed in detail below.
First aid in case of an allergic reaction
It is advisable to immediately exclude the effect of the allergen, although it is very difficult to identify it, and “immediately” rather refers to the area of good wishes. In severe cases, diphenhydramine or suprastin should be administered intramuscularly; in mild cases, suprastin, diazolin, diprazine or another antihistamine should be given in tablets. In case of cessation of breathing and cardiac activity, it is necessary to act as recommended in case of cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest. If the animal is in serious condition, you need to give it a comfortable position and provide access to fresh air. If vomiting is observed, the oral cavity should be emptied of vomit. Give a subcutaneous injection of cordiamine and sulfocamphocaine. Inject intramuscularly dexamethasone, dexona or hydrocortisone (for anaphylactic shock). If the symptoms do not disappear within 15-20 minutes, the injection of the antihistamine should be repeated and an injection of ascorbic acid and immunofan should be given. If the disease is protracted, calcium chloride is prescribed orally - 1-5 tablespoons per day. To make it convenient to give this drug (very bitter), calcium chloride can be diluted in half with milk and a little sugar added. Dogs, as a rule, willingly drink such a “cocktail”. If the disease is long-lasting, you can give a weak decoction of the string instead of water, and wipe the animal with a stronger decoction or make wraps by soaking the fabric in the decoction, or rinse with it. [*] For itching, hydrocortisone spray has proven itself well. If there is no branded drug, you can prepare it yourself by mixing 350 ml of water, 80 ml of alcohol, 50 ml of glycerin and 4 ampoules of hydrocortisone. Pour into a spray bottle, treat the animal, then rub the applied solution well into the fur.
Many people believe that an allergy to a Yorkshire Terrier is impossible. The breed is classified as hypoallergenic. But some people continue to complain of hypersensitivity to this type of dog. Why is this happening?
Allergy to Yorkshire Terrier
Allergy-free dogs: myth or reality?
Some breeds are called hypoallergenic. The prefix “hypo” means lower risks, but does not exclude the possibility of allergies. It’s just that an immune reaction upon contact with them occurs less frequently.
In fact, any dog can cause allergies. The reason for this is protein compounds that are formed during life. They can be found in:
- pet saliva;
- secretions;
- urine;
- dead skin particles.
These substances end up on the fur only later, spreading throughout the house. The rule also applies to hairless dogs. The peculiarity of hypoallergenic breeds is that they form a minimal amount of such compounds.
Allergies to animals are explained by the way their body works, not by the length of their fur.
The statement that wool causes allergies is incorrect. Short-haired dogs can be just as dangerous to people with compromised immune systems as long-haired dogs, and vice versa.
The low risk of hypersensitivity in people to Yorkies is explained by several factors:
- modest size, due to which fewer waste products are produced;
- silky wool that hardly gets stuck in furniture or cracks;
- invisible shedding due to missing undercoat;
- a muzzle without jowls, little secretion of saliva, which is also replete with allergenic agents;
- calm character, silence, which is why less biological fluid gets into the air and onto the surface of interior items.
Yorkies' lack of undercoat makes them safer for allergy sufferers
Despite all the positive qualities, the Yorkshire Terrier can also become a source of illness for its owners. It is especially dangerous to have a dog for people with bronchial asthma, a tendency to Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock.
All puppies cause different reactions in allergy sufferers, so before purchasing you need to talk to your pet live
Such contact can provoke another attack of an acute allergic reaction. Moreover, even different representatives of the same breed can be dangerous for one person in their own way.
Interesting! If the dog settled in the house before the baby was born, then the likelihood of allergies in the baby decreases. This is explained simply: from childhood, the child’s body recognizes proteins correctly, not considering them to be hostile agents.
Allergies to the Yorkshire Terrier are also caused by other reasons - for example, helminths that are transmitted to humans. Then the same symptoms appear as with hypersensitivity of the body.
Dandruff in a pet
Sometimes Yorkies develop dandruff, which worsens the well-being of a person with increased susceptibility to proteins secreted by animals. The pet’s skin condition deteriorates in the following cases:
- epidermal infections;
- fleas;
- metabolic disorders that cause peeling;
- stress.
In these cases, the dog should be taken to a veterinarian, who will determine why the skin problems arose and prescribe treatment.
Attention! Many Yorkshire Terrier dogs cannot tolerate chicken. To rid an animal of dandruff, it is often enough to exclude this type of meat from the dog’s diet.
Chicken allergy is not uncommon among Yorkshire Terriers.
Sometimes the cause of an owner's allergy to a Yorkshire Terrier may be an allergy in the pet itself. You can read about how to recognize allergies in your pet on our portal.
Allergy symptoms
The human immune response to protein agents produced by the Yorkshire Terrier manifests itself in different ways. The disease can be accompanied by many symptoms:
- redness, stuffiness, itching in the nose, runny nose, sneezing;
- wheezing and difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, dry cough;
- skin rashes, redness of the epidermis;
- lacrimation, hyperemia of the proteins and conjunctiva, burning of the eyes and swelling of the eyelids;
- headaches;
- Quincke's edema.
Less commonly, allergies provoke otitis media, a pressing sensation in the ears.
Quincke's edema is a deadly reaction of the body to an allergen.
Complications
Complications can occur even with constant medication use and stable treatment.
The most common negative consequences are:
- acute urticaria;
- Quincke's edema;
- myocarditis;
- chronic sinusitis;
- atopic and contact dermatitis;
- asthma, suffocation;
- conjunctivitis and partial blindness;
- epileptic seizures.
In some cases (anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema) an ambulance is required. That is why it is important not to ignore allergies, but to fight them before they lead to serious consequences.
Allergy treatment
It is impossible to completely cure an allergy to a Yorkshire Terrier. However, with the help of medications and some new techniques (as their developers promise), it is possible to achieve remission or weakening of symptoms.
Diagnostics
Before taking antihistamines or giving up an animal, you should be examined by a doctor. Allergy issues are managed by an immunologist, an allergist. The specialist listens to the patient’s complaints and prescribes tests to determine the harmful agent. Several diagnostic methods are used:
- Blood analysis. Blood is used to determine which foods the human body produces specific antibodies to. This is the safest way. Two methods are used: the RAST test and the test for specific immunoglobulin E. The disadvantage of the first is that it does not detect all substances. The second is characterized by higher accuracy. Blood is donated not only during exacerbation, but also during remission;
Allergy sufferers undergo blood tests periodically, regardless of their current health status
The human body's reaction to administered substances
Attention! If angioedema or breathing problems develop after contact with a Yorkshire Terrier, you should immediately seek medical help.
Video - Allergy tests
Drug therapy
Allergies to dogs are treated with several types of medications. First of all, these are antihistamines - Claritin, Benadryl, Allegra, Cirtek, Astelin and others. They suppress the action of free histamine. Histamine is a substance released when an agent enters the body that the immune system recognizes as dangerous. It interacts with specific receptors, causing unpleasant symptoms.
Another type of medication relieves swelling and prevents mucus from stagnating. Such drugs include Sudafed. In the most difficult cases, steroid medications are used. They are taken for a long time, even if there are no manifestations of the disease. Steroids are considered very effective.
The use of steroid medications should be monitored by a doctor due to possible side effects
Some drugs are available without a prescription, while others require a doctor's prescription. Antiallergic drugs are presented in different dosage forms - in the form of tablets, drops, syrups, sprays, ointments, inhalers.
Medicines are the basis of antiallergic therapy
Enterosorbents are an indispensable aid for allergies. Once in the digestive system, they bind and remove allergens and toxins.
Attention! The drug is chosen only by the doctor based on the diagnostic results.
Autolymphocytotherapy
This method was patented in Russia in 1992. Its essence is that one’s own immune cells are used, which are previously purified by physical means. 5–8 ml of venous blood is taken from the patient, from which the necessary components of the biological fluid are isolated.
Then the material is diluted with saline and the mixture is injected into the patient’s body. Blood cells contain information about allergens that previously entered the body. This affects the immune system, reducing sensitivity to certain foods. As a result, the symptoms of the disease are significantly reduced or disappear. The ALT course lasts a month and consists of 6–8 sessions.
According to the developer of the method, remission is achieved for 2–5 years. In some patients, the effect lasts for 10 years.
ALT treatment regimen
Children can undergo treatment after 5 years. Apart from early childhood, the method is contraindicated in the following cases:
- pregnancy, lactation;
- oncological diseases;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- severe pathologies of the immune system.
Important! It should be borne in mind that no high-quality studies have been conducted on this technique, and therefore the effect may be unpredictable.
Video - Interview with the author of the ALT method
ethnoscience
One of the main medicinal herbs for allergy sufferers is the tripartite series. It is taken orally as an infusion. To do this, pour 5 tablespoons of the string into a liter of boiled water and let it brew overnight. Before meals, drink 100 ml of infusion 3-4 times a day.
Healers recommend using alcoholic tinctures of herbs (onion, plantain or black elderberry), diluted in a glass of water (20 drops). Fresh birch leaves also come to the rescue. Brew a tablespoon of this raw material with a glass of boiling water and wait 10–15 minutes. Take the infusion instead of tea.
Introducing a drink made from birch leaves into the diet will help allergy sufferers relieve symptoms
Prevention measures
Patients who have daily contact with a pet must know what measures need to be taken to prevent an allergic reaction.
If you know that a family member is hypersensitive to dogs, you should choose hypoallergenic dog breeds.
In addition, the following conditions are recommended:
- The room where the animal is kept must be regularly treated with disinfectants. It is important to carry out ventilation and wet cleaning in order to remove hair and particles of the epidermis in case of an allergic reaction to the dog’s epithelium, provoking the development of an acute allergic attack.
- It is recommended to remove as much as possible from the apartment products made of pile, carpets, bedspreads, etc., where allergens may accumulate.
- It is best to install a high-quality air purifier indoors and limit the dog’s access to the master bedroom.
- It is necessary to care for the animal as thoroughly as possible (bathing twice within 7 days, because water removes accumulated allergens on the animal’s fur). In addition, you need to trim your dog's fur in a timely manner. If possible, the dog should be treated outdoors.
- During times of greatest allergic danger (molting, mating season, etc.), the animal should be isolated, away from the allergic person. In addition, if there is an allergic reaction to a dog, another family member who does not suffer from allergies should take care of it (feeding, cleaning the room, etc.). If this is not possible, all protective measures must be taken (mask, gloves, separate clothing).
- You should always carry antihistamines with you for emergency use.
It is important to remember that you should be attentive to the initial symptoms of the disease, since timely treatment in most cases allows you to stop the allergy at the initial stage of development. If you experience unpleasant sensations in the form of shortness of breath, frequent sneezing, headaches and redness of the skin, it is recommended to immediately consult an allergist, who will tell you how to get rid of allergies to dogs as soon as possible.
If all the methods taken are ineffective, the only solution will be to completely stop contact with the animal. This is the only way to prevent further complications.
What to do if you are allergic to your Yorkshire Terrier?
You can try to “get along” with your Yorkie if you use other techniques that reduce the frequency of exacerbations. This includes adjusting your diet and your dog’s, proper home care, and the use of special household chemicals.
Some Yorkshire Terrier owners benefit from adjusting their diet. The patient's condition improves if he consumes foods rich in pantothenic and ascorbic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, E, as well as magnesium, calcium, and zinc.
Allergy sufferers should pay attention to foods rich in plant lipids
The menu also includes olive oil, which is rich in oleic acid. Allergy sufferers need linoleic acid, which is obtained from plant lipids, soy, dairy products, and walnuts.
Top common allergens in dog food
| Allergens in food | Percentage of dogs with identified reaction |
| Beef | 34% |
| Dairy | 17% |
| Chicken | 15% |
| Wheat | 13% |
| Soybeans | 6% |
| Lamb | 5% |
| Corn | 4% |
| Egg | 4% |
| Pork | 2% |
| Fish | 2% |
| Rice | 2% |
Two important caveats to keep in mind if you decide to use this table.
- It is important to pay attention to new research. Many of the studies in that review may be out of date because the feeds were prepared and processed differently than they are today. Allergies change over time along with food. As new research comes out, we may see different allergens rise to the top of the list.
- The more common a food is, the greater the likelihood of an allergy to it. For a food allergy to develop, a dog must be exposed to that food. This may explain why proteins that are most commonly found in feed, such as beef or chicken, appear higher than others in the table.
