Allergies
Allergies are one of the top reasons for veterinary appointments. Dogs may develop allergies to many different things, from parasites (e.g. fleas), to food and environmental factors, just like people do. Treatment and control is usually lifelong. The most common types of allergy in dogs are listed below, together with some tips on how the PetPace collar might help.
Atopy, or Atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammation of the skin as a result of allergies. Just like people, dogs can be allergic to all kinds of substances, such as pollen, grass, mold, dust mites, animal dander, and other environmental factors. Typical symptoms include itching, scratching, face rubbing, paw licking and excessive grooming, skin rash, repeated ear infections, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Breeds
While any dog may develop allergies, the breeds cited most often as being susceptible to Atopy include Bichon Frise, Terrier breeds, Boxer, Shar-Pei, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian, English Setter, Irish Setter, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, MIniture Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, and Shih Tzu.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in monitoring chronic conditions, flare-ups, and response to treatment:
- Changes in activity patterns
- Changes in posture patterns
- Increased posture score
- Decreased sleep quality
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased HRV
Some dogs may develop an allergy to certain ingredients in their diet, usually proteins, which leads to chronic skin inflammation. Symptoms may include itchiness, chronic or repeated ear and skin infections, skin rash or hives, excessive licking/chewing feet/rubbing, vomiting and diarrhea, and weight loss. The following protein sources have been suspected of causing food allergies in dogs: beef, chicken, dairy products, soy, rice, wheat, and eggs.
Breeds
Allergies have a genetic component, and the following breeds are over-represented: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Miniature Schnauzers, and Shar-Peis.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in monitoring chronic conditions, flare-ups, and response to treatment:
- Changes in activity patterns
- Changes in posture patterns
- Increased posture score
- Decreased sleep quality
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased HRV
Fleas are the most common external parasite of pets. Flea allergy dermatitis (known as FAD) is the most common skin disease of dogs in the US. When fleas bite a host, their saliva can cause an inflammatory response in some animals that are sensitive to it, causing FAD.
Affected dogs have intense itchiness, rash, and skin lesions, especially around the lower back, tailhead, and thighs. They tend to be restless and uncomfortable, spending much time scratching, licking, rubbing, chewing, and nibbling at the skin. Secondary skin infections may ensue.
Breeds
Dogs with other forms of allergies, such as Atopy, tend to be more susceptible to FAD.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in monitoring chronic conditions, flare-ups, and response to treatment:
- Changes in activity patterns
- Changes in posture patterns
- Increased posture score
- Decreased sleep quality
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased HRV
