Every dog breed has a predisposition to certain diseases. We have collected information on Bernese Mountain dog allergies so you can recognize the symptoms, the risks associated with the condition and how you can prevent and help your canine friend in a timely manner.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is an emotional, friendly and loyal dog. In the past, the breed was used as herders, carrying heavy loads and protecting yards. They are an ideal companion and family dog.
Types, symptoms, signs and treatment
Allergy is a reaction of the immune system caused by an allergen. Allergens can include food, as well as proteins of plants, animals and insects.
The response of the immune system can adversely affect the body of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Over the course of several years or months, intermittent allergens can sensitize and cause an overreaction of the immune system. Most often, the body protects the animal from infections, but the reaction of the immune system will have a devastating effect on it.
Allergic reactions are difficult to carry. Allergen molecules bind to antibodies in the blood and then attach to mast cells. These cells are found throughout the body in dog tissues. The reaction of antibodies and antigens with mast cells causes a substance that has a very strong effect on the body. For example, histamines, they cause inflammation in the form of itching, swelling and redness of the dog’s skin. This inflammation leads to signs of an allergic reaction.
Bernese Mountain dog allergies: Specific symptoms to recognize
The dog’s face, lips, nose, eyelids, ears, or earmolds may swell. Itching in ears, eyes, nose is possible. Sometimes a dog’s sneezing and coughing is a sign of an allergic reaction. Symptoms may also seen through the a disorder of the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea and vomiting.
In addition, hives or red, inflamed skin may develop. There may also be a discharge (liquid) from the nose and eyes.
The most common symptom observed in Bernese Mountain Dog is itching of the skin, in one area (localized) or throughout the body (generalized). Sometimes this is accompanied by wheezing, sneezing, or complete malfunction of the respiratory system.
Allergies are quite common in dogs, regardless of breed and origin. This is due to the fact that there are a very large number of substances that act as an allergen. Most often, the allergy manifests itself in dogs that are six months old or dogs older than one or two years.
Allergens that cause allergies in Bernese Mountain dog
There are a huge number of substances that at first glance are completely harmless, but in fact act as an allergen and cause allergies in the Bernese Mountain Dog. For example, allergies can be caused by small chemical molecules or proteins of animal, plant, or insect origin.
Allergies can be caused by pollen or mold spores. Dust mites are also an allergen. Skin cells can also cause allergies in a similar way than humans. An allergen can also come from insect proteins, most often flea saliva. Sometimes certain medications are allergenic and cause severe allergic reactions in the Bernese Mountain Dog.
A dog sneezing a lot could suffer from pollen or dust mites.
The most common diseases of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed
A predisposition to any disease does not mean that every Bernese Mountain Dog will suffer from it. Keep a close eye on your canine friend’s condition and activity. If you see something wrong with your dog’s behavior, it is best to contact your veterinarian.
Prevention of allergies
Infectious diseases
Treating Bernese Mountain Dogs is always a costly and expensive endeavor, especially if the disease is severe. Therefore, it is worthwhile to carefully monitor the health of your dog and prevent the disease, paying due attention to preventive measures.
Infectious diseases are a real test for both the dog and all family members. These include distemper, enteritis, ringworm and leptospirosis. The treatment of the dog will take quite a long time and it will need constant care. For example, trichophytosis is difficult to treat.
To cure a dog of ringworm requires more than medications. It is necessary to carry out a number of comprehensive measures for the dog’s recovery:
- Regular disinfection of toys, beds, booths and other “personal belongings” of the dog, as well as the premises where he is constantly in order to destroy the fungus
- Completely isolate the dog from all family members and other animals
- Ensure proper nutrition and proper care
Most infectious diseases are transmitted through contact with sick animals. These include not only other dogs, but also cats and wild animals and as a result lichen and distemper, for example, are transmitted.
Preventive measures
It is necessary to minimize contact of your dog with animals outside the house, especially stray dogs. Do not go out with your dog without a leash, so you can control his behavior and communication with other animals. A healthy dog can catch distemper by sniffing and touching the nose of a sick animal.
With respect to infection with trichophytosis, just one touch with a sick dog affected by hair is enough. Of course, it is extremely difficult and unnecessary to completely exclude communication of your dog with the rest of the world because a dog needs to be socialized!
Do not walk your Bernese Mountain Dog in landfills. Garbage and trash attract most rodents, in particular rats who are major carriers of various infections. In particular, gray rats are carriers of leptospirosis, a serious disease, which affects both dogs and humans. Finally, don’t let your dog sniff other animal’s feces as this is an important source of helminths.
Monitor your dog’s health carefully. Pay attention to even the smallest signs and changes. Perhaps your dog becomes lethargic, he is losing appetite and his nose becomes dry. Or you begin to notice that the dog sheds profusely, and this has nothing to do with seasonal molting. Excessive hair loss is the first symptom of a dog’s health problems.
Bernese Mountain dog allergies can hide serious medical conditions
All of the above can be symptoms of a serious medical condition. And only you as the dog owner can prevent them. If you take your dog to the veterinary clinic on a timely basis it will make it easier to prevent and defeat the disease. Do not ignore the symptoms, otherwise it can lead to serious consequences.
Running infections are much more difficult to treat, and sometimes even impossible. The dog can either die or suffer serious complications such as a loss of vision or hearing, paralysis of the limbs, and so on.
Get all the necessary vaccinations for your Bernese Mountain Dog according to your schedule. This is one of the most effective prevention methods. But before vaccination, it is imperative to treat helminthiasis, a condition referred to above.