What is a fish allergy in dogs?
A fish allergy in dogs is a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system to certain proteins in fish. The immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign and dangerous and produces antibodies that trigger an inflammation. This inflammation can affect various organs and tissues, especially the skin, the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract.
How do I recognize a fish allergy in dogs?
The symptoms of a fish allergy in dogs can vary depending on the severity and the organ affected. The most common signs are:
- Itching, redness, scaling or hair loss on the skin
- Diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence or loss of appetite in the gastrointestinal tract
- Coughing, sneezing, rhinitis or shortness of breath in the respiratory tract
- Swelling of the face, ears or paws
The symptoms can occur immediately after eating fish or only become apparent after hours or days. They can also become chronic if the dog eats fish regularly.
What can I do about a fish allergy in dogs?
If you suspect that your dog has a fish allergy, you should first consult a vet to confirm the diagnosis. The vet can carry out an allergy test to find out which types of fish your dog is allergic to. It may be that your dog is only allergic to certain fish, for example salmon or tuna, but not others.
The most important measure against a fish allergy in dogs is to avoid the allergen. This means that you should no longer give your dog food that contains fish or traces of it. You should also make sure that your dog has no contact with fish, for example when walking on the beach or visiting friends with aquariums.
If your dog does eat or come into contact with fish, you can give him medication to alleviate the allergic reaction. These include antihistamines, which reduce itching, or corticosteroids, which inhibit inflammation. However, these medications should only be administered after consultation with your vet and should not be taken permanently.