Anaphylaxis In Dogs - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Anaphylaxis in dogs is a severe health problem that can affect your dog. It is widely known as an allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylactic shock and, in some cases, death. Dogs can be allergic to any substance, and because of that, anaphylaxis is quite unpredictable. In modern times dogs are exposed to many different substances, including vaccines, medications, new foods, or chemicals used for food preparation, and they all can lead to anaphylaxis. This is a severe health problem, and if you suspect your dog has anaphylaxis, you should seek vet help.

Anaphylaxis in dogs

Anaphylaxis is an abnormal reaction to any foreign substance. There are a few substances that are dogs more prone to, and they include:

Food proteins
Different medications
Chemicals
Insect bites
Antigens in vaccines

Dogs' immune systems will overreact to the foreign substance and will cause a big reaction.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis in dogs

The liver is the first and most common organ affected by this state. This will cause an upset in the dog's digestive system. You need to watch out for a few more symptoms, and if you notice any of them, you should seek emergency vet help.

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Symptoms of anaphylaxis in dogs include:

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Seizures
Itching
Red skin
Swollen face
Drooling
Pale gums
Shock
Hard breathing
Coma

Although these symptoms are mostly milder, you should still seek vet help since anaphylaxis is a disease that should be taken seriously.

Causes

Anaphylactic shock in dogs can cause any foreign substance that the dog ingests in their system. The most common causes are insect bites, different food and chemicals used for making food, and medications.

How can it be diagnosed?

This health problem is diagnosed with the most common clinical signs and the medical history of exposure to mentioned substances. With ultrasound, your vet can notice enlarged liver that could also indicate this disease.

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How to treat anaphylaxis in dogs?

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and you must act quickly. The first step your vet will take is to remove the substance causing this reaction (if it's possible to remove it). Next, your vet will monitor your dog for any problems for 24- 48 hours. In some cases, your vet will need to use adrenaline for your dog to get this reaction under control.

Some dogs will require IV fluids and oxygen to stabilize themselves. If your dog has ever had an allergic reaction in the past, you must share it with your vet because the course of treatment may be different.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis will depend on the severity of the shock. Your dog will have a better chance of solving this medical issue if you take him to the vet's office in time. If your dog has milder symptoms, he will, in most cases, be better within two days.

Anaphylactic reactions will worsen with each episode; you must ensure that your dog is not exposed to the substance causing anaphylactic shock. If your dog suffers from this medical condition, your vet can prescribe you some medication you can keep at home in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Anaphylaxis in dogs is a serious health problem that can affect your dog. If you notice any of the symptoms connected to this issue, you should immediately seek help from your vet. Your vet will remove the substance causing this health problem and monitor your dog for the next two days. In most cases, dogs will make a full recovery.

World Dog Finder team

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