Allergies in Papillons

Allergies in Papillons

The Papillons, also known as butterfly dogs, get their distinctive butterfly wing ears with fringed hair. They are delicate, quirky-looking dogs with abundant, silky flowing fur. They have no undercoat and their hair is quite long. Although they are not as sensitive as other toy dogs, Papillons can still suffer from allergies and even inflict them on their owners. Owners should always be alert to any allergy symptoms their pets may exhibit.

Symptoms that your Papillon is having an allergic reaction may include excessive scratching, itching, and licking of the ears, muzzle, paws, or other parts of the body. Other symptoms can also include hair loss, recurring ear infections and changes in bowel movements. A Pap experiencing an allergic reaction may also salivate and lick his body. Orange or red colored hair is a sure sign of allergies in dogs. Difficulty breathing is a symptom that occurs primarily in humans, not dogs.

Allergies do not always start at birth; some Papillons even carry them well into maturity. Allergic reactions can come from food, parasites, insects, mold, pollen, weather changes, weeds and fall season. Knowing what your dog is allergic to doesn't have to be trial and error. Just like with humans, a test is available to determine elements or foods that dogs may be allergic to. Knowledge wins half the battle by helping Papillons avoid such allergens. There are some basic allergens that dogs can be susceptible to.

Flea and bacterial allergies – this is most common, especially in hairy dogs. Dogs can suffer from extreme itching in the bite area, causing redness, hair loss, and sometimes even sores. The flea is actually not as dangerous as its saliva, which passes through your pet and causes the allergic reaction. Flea bites are harmful to both dogs and humans and can be treated with appropriate care, cleaning, and a medicated shampoo if necessary. Garlic added to dog food is known to repel fleas and other insects. You can also spray vinegar water on the dogs' outdoor living area to get rid of the insects. Bacteria can also affect dogs, normally they would also cause severe itching and lesions. This could be a staph infection. In this case, immediate medical attention is required for both the dog and the owner.

Inhalants – these are also referred to in the environment as atopy or hypersensitivity allergens. Symptoms include scratching, itching, and drooling, causing orange or reddish fur. This would include those that can be inhaled. This may come as a surprise to new dog owners, but they may also be allergic to pollen. Other inhalants include cigarette smoke, mold, mildew, dust and dust mites. This is usually treated with antibiotics, shampoos and antihistamines. Hypersensitization, or gradually exposing your pet to the allergen to jump-start the Papillon's immune system, is often used as a last resort.

Food Allergies – This type of allergy is often easy to recognize because it can react immediately. Food allergies can be differentiated from intolerances based on the symptom. Intolerances often cause diarrhea or upset stomach, while allergies can show symptoms similar to atopy. dogs can often be allergic to certain foods such as beef, dairy, eggs, chicken, lamb and fish.

When it comes to allergies, prevention is always better than cure and it's important to know what your Pap is allergic to. Although Papillons are generally healthy dogs, they are fragile and severe allergic reactions can be fatal for them.

Inspired by Lea Mullins