Pet Care
Terribly allergic
According to current estimates, around 15% of pet dogs suffer from allergies. Read on to find out how this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
What precisely is an allergy? Generally speaking, it is an overreaction by the immune system. When people and animals display various symptoms when exposed to substances in their environment, they react allergically. These substances are known as allergens, and include pollen, types of mould, house dust mites and pet food.
How can dogs get allergies?
It is often the case that dogs' parents pass on a genetic predisposition to allergies to their puppies. As is the case with humans, many factors are involved in the onset of an allergy. In principle, the following applies: the animal has been exposed to the allergens which trigger the allergy over a long period. The first symptoms may develop after months or years have passed. Typically, the animal will initially only display the first symptoms very mildly for a short period of time. If contact with the allergen continues, the symptoms will intensify significantly. The most frequent symptom is itching, which can lead to skin inflammations. Digestive problems (sickness, diarrhoea) occur less frequently. The respiratory tract may also be affected (coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath).
How can allergies be treated?
The most successful treatment is avoidance of the allergens. However, this is not possible in many cases. If the allergy only occurs on a short-term basis each year, soothing medications may be prescribed for this period. Various options exist for long-term treatment, which you should discuss on an individual basis with your vet.
What if my dog has a pet food allergy?
It is often difficult to determine the case of pet food allergies and intolerances. Recent studies have now established that beef, dairy products and wheat are common factors in around 68 % of food allergies. If possible, these triggers should be avoided in the case of pet food allergies. MERA DOG PURE Turkey & Rice uses these findings to your dog's advantage: the new product range, which concentrates on a single source of meat (turkey) and just one type of grain (rice), is ideal for many dogs with pet food allergies. MERA DOG PURE Turkey & Rice reduces allergy triggers to a minimum and guarantees a tasty variation.
If you suspect that your dog has a pet food allergy, please consult your vet.
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