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Why is my dog allergic and what can I do about it?

Many dogs suffer from allergies. Atopy is the most common form, but food allergies also occur in dogs. Digestion often plays a significant role in hypersensitivity reactions. This applies not only to food allergies but also to hay fever or flea allergies. You can read more about how this works in this article.

Skin

Digestion

Black cumin

25 July '24 • 2 min reading time

The three most common forms of allergies in dogs are: atopy, flea allergy, and food allergy. Atopy is an exaggerated reaction to irritants (allergens) in the dog's environment, such as pollen or dust mites. The primary symptom of atopy is itching, often on the head, but sometimes also on the feet or in the groin and armpits. Atopy is hereditary and occurs more frequently in some dog breeds than in others. German Shepherds, Labradors, Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Shar Peis are particularly sensitive. It is estimated that about 15% of dogs worldwide suffer from atopic skin problems. The skin is affected by the allergy and by scratching, which can lead to skin infections.

The Gut as the 'Second Brain'

Recent scientific research has shown that the gut flora of dogs with allergies is very different in composition from the gut flora of dogs without allergies. Studies in humans have demonstrated that the gut microbiome has a tremendous impact on the health and functioning of the entire body. The gut is often referred to as the 'second brain' because it significantly influences the functioning of a mammal.

Role of the Microbiome in Allergies

Over the past decade, it has become clear that various factors play a role in atopic skin diseases in humans. We also know that the disease is very similar in dogs and humans. For atopic skin conditions, the main factors are: skin health, skin microbiome, immune system, and gut microbiome. The gut flora can influence tolerance to irritants in several ways, including direct interactions with T-cells of the immune system, as well as through certain fatty acids and epigenetic effects. Thus, the immune system is directly connected to the health and diversity of the microbiome. When the microbiome is healthy and diverse, with many beneficial bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, the immune system functions much better, and allergic reactions are less frequent or less severe.

Stimulating Diversity

To stimulate the diversity of your dog's microbiome, it is essential to ensure that your pet eats a healthy diet. Variety and healthy ingredients are particularly important. Cheap fillers and a constant diet can affect the diversity of the gut flora. If in doubt, you can consult your veterinarian or a nutritionist to discuss a tailored diet for your dog.

Black Cumin

If your dog suffers from itching and skin problems due to atopy or another allergic reaction, you can support them with a supplement of black cumin and cloves. Black cumin contains the powerful compound thymoquinone. This substance is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and also blocks the release of histamine during allergic reactions. Black cumin thus suppresses allergy symptoms, such as itching. A black cumin supplement often also contains clove oil. The clove plant contains a wide variety of plant cannabinoids, substances that strengthen the immune system and restore balance in the body. Black cumin and cloves together enhance each other's effects and help combat itching and other symptoms of atopy.

Bronnen:

Rostaher, Ana, Yasser Morsy, Claude Favrot, Stefan Unterer, Manuela Schnyder, Michael Scharl, and Nina Maria Fischer. 2022. Comparison of the Gut Microbiome between Atopic and Healthy Dogs—Preliminary Data. Animals 12, no. 18: 2377. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182377

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