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Allergic or anaphylactic shock occurs when allergic reactions
take a serious turn and affect gastrointestinal and respiratory
systems. The reaction is instant and can range from minor to
severe.An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system
responds to a foreign substance usually known as an allergen.
These allergens can come from any source – food, water, air,
earth etc. The immune system comprises of cells which attack and
kill the allergens. But this also leads to a cascade of reactions
that ultimately manifest to a physical form like rashes or
boils.Allergic shocks can become life threatening if left
untreated. Owners must therefore be cautious in the case of a
sudden allergic shock. It is very important to understand the
causes, effects, symptoms and treatment methods available for
allergic shocks.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are usually associated with allergic
shocks and should be taken seriously. Sometimes, more than one of
the symptoms will occur simultaneously.Itching or redness at
affected areaNoisy and rapid breathingVomitingDiarrheaExcess
droolingLow pulseSeizuresComa
Causes
Almost any substance can be termed allergen if it compromises the
immune system. From peanuts to oils to flowers, different dogs
exhibit allergic shock to different substances. But the most
common one comes from food. Which is why veterinary doctors often
advise owners to stick to regular dog food instead of home cooked
food.
Diagnosis
Currently, no method exists that can accurately determine which
dog will be vulnerable to which allergen. It comes from
experience and sometimes takes a lifetime to figure out which
substances cause allergic shock. In most cases, nothing will
happen. In any case, a dog must be immediately rushed to a
hospital during an allergic attack.
Treatment
No one treatment method works for every dog with allergic shock.
In most cases, a vaccine works but only after the allergen has
been discovered. Epinephrine and antihistamines are also given to
treat the allergy. Sometimes, vets may prescribe the use of an
Epipen which is a single shot of adrenaline and can be
administered during another similar attack. Close monitoring of
the dog after administration of the drug is required to
understand more about the cause and effect.In case of any type of
allergic attack, owners must be prepared to take their dog to the
vet. Often, a matter of seconds is the determining factor between
a minor attack and a major attack.
Allergic shock can occur due to a variety of reasons but usually
happens due to allergens. A dog owner must look for symptoms
associated with allergic shocks and take necessary steps. A trip
to the vets clinic is absolutely necessary before things go out
of hand.
Just like humans, dogs are prone to allergic reactions too. In
some cases, certain allergic reactions can be very serious and
life-threatening. It’s important that you learn to identify an
allergic reaction and what caused it.
What is an allergic
shock?
An allergic shock can be described as an uncommon, exaggerated,
and serious reaction to a foreign substance or allergen. These
cases range from mild to severe, with a wide range of reactions.
A severe reaction can cause your pet’s major organs to fail. If
your dog is experiencing an allergic shock, you will notice
symptoms affecting his respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.
This severe reaction is known as an anaphylactic or allergic
shock.Your dog’s allergic reaction is triggered by a foreign
substance or allergen. When this substance enters your pet’s
body, his immune system goes into hyperdrive trying to eliminate
it. The immune system produces histamines to combat the
“intruder,” a fight that can cause extreme distress to your
pet.Allergic shock requires immediate medical attention. If left
untreated, it can be life-threatening. As long as your pet is
treated in time, he will definitely recover.
What are the symptoms of
allergic shock?
In case of an allergic shock, your pet’s liver is the first organ
to be affected. This results in a gastrointestinal reaction. Here
are other symptoms a dog can experience during an episode of
allergic shock.
- Redness
- Itching
- Sudden vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures
- Low pulse
- Increased drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Noisy breathing
- Coma
There are different categories to allergic reactions with
allergic shock being the most serious type. This type of allergic
reaction can affect your pet’s major organs immediately or can
take a few hours. It is imperative that you take your pet to the
veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
What causes allergic shock in
dogs?
Like us, dogs can be allergic to a variety of things. The most
common substances include food, insect bites, vaccinations, and
medications. As with any allergic reaction, you will know if your
pet is allergic to something only after he has either been
exposed to it or ingested it.This exposure triggers his immune
system, leading to the release of histamines. As these histamines
travel through his body, the symptoms will start to occur.
How is allergic shock
treated?
If you believe your pet is in allergic shock, take him to the vet
immediately. The most common treatments for allergic shock is
adrenaline via injections. Hydrocortisone and antihistamines can
also administered. Based on the animal’s condition, the doctor
may also suggest additional oxygen and intravenous fluids.If
treated on time, your pet will recover from the allergic shock
without long-term effects on his health. Speak to your vet and
learn how you can protect your pet and prevent future allergic
shock episodes.
