Great Dane Allergies - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The handsome, lithe Great Dane, has a predisposition to allergies. They are considered the 'affected breed,' so you must be cautious before you buy a Great Dane puppy. Avoid purchasing the puppy whose parents are known to have allergies.

The immune system of your pet becomes over stimulated by a particular substance known as an allergen, leading to the symptoms of an allergy. Avoid contact with allergen to prevent symptoms.

The most common allergies in Great Danes are:

• Inhalation/environmental allergy
  When the seasons change the concentration of pollens from weeds, trees and grasses floating in the air, increases. When inhaled by your pet, they may cause allergic reactions. If you observe that your pet is allergic only during certain seasons, then it is most probably a seasonal allergy that is caused by inhaling the pollens. If your pet shows allergy symptoms year round, then the allergy could be due to the dust. Many pets are allergic to smoke from cigarettes.
• Flea Allergy
  A flea allergy is the most common form of allergy amongst canines. When the flea bites the pet, it injects saliva into their body. The immune system becomes over stimulated and causes scratching. Great Danes love to run in the outdoors where fleas have the opportunity to jump on to their body and suck blood. Remove the flea by checking your pet every time he comes from the outdoors. Use flea powder and clean all furnishings to prevent flea infestation.
• Food Allergy
  Food like chicken, lamb, beef, soy, corn, and dairy products, may be allergens for your pet. The Great Dane may develop sensitivity to any food item in their diet. The allergy may surface at any stage in your pet's life. If you suspect that your pet suffers from a food allergy, change his diet to a hypoallergenic diet, and try to determine the food he is allergic too. Once identified, remove that food from the diet and find a substitute.

As an observant pet owner, you can identify the substance that causes the allergy. The typical symptoms of an allergy are:

• Scratching/itchiness
• Vomit/diarrhea/flatulence
• Itchy eyes which may tear
• Ear infection
• Aversion to food or loss of appetite
• Irritable behavior with excessive barking, whining or howling

Allergy Relief

Avoid or reduce contact with allergens. Whether it is a food allergy, inhalant allergy or contact allergy. If you're pet is allergic to household detergents, carpets or fabrics, you can change these or keep them away from them. Avoid taking him outdoors and exposing him to the pollen laden atmosphere when the seasons change.

Remove the fleas from his body not only when you groom him but also every time he comes back from his outdoor activities. Use a flea shampoo and powder in case there is a flea infestation. It is necessary to vacuum the house furnishing, furniture and his bedding to remove the fleas. Apply topical creams and sprays to give relief from the itchy skin.