Do Lhasa Apso Suffer From Allergies

Having a Lhasa Apso around is like a dream to many. However, it is essential to be known about their health concerns and allergies before you make an adoption. In this post, we will all the allergies that Lhasa Apso usually suffers and their possible remedies.

So, are Lhasa Apso susceptible to allergies? A common type of allergies in Lhasa’s is a flea, inhalant, and food allergy.Allergies can be caused by food or environment. Typical allergy symptoms can be itching, vomiting, hair loss, digestion issues, foul odors, ear infections, etc.

Lhasa Apso is a sensitive breed. There is a lot to learn about allergy symptoms and remedies, but more importantly, the precautions concerning their food and other allergy-causing elements. Also, stay tuned to learn ways to prevent the allergies.

What Causes Allergies in Lhasa Apso And Signs Of These Allergies?

There could be various causes of dog allergies such as, they might inhale the grass or tree pollens. The reaction can also be developed by dust granules or simply the flea saliva. Going further, they can also be allergic to a specific ingredient in their food.

There are common signs that Lhasa Apso shows as soon as they get infected:

Skin Problems: Well, this is the most apparent sign as the dog starts to itch the body, more than what it usually does, like, for long durations. Such excessive itching can be harmful as the pustules can explode and skin will become more open to infections.

Redness and swelling in the problematic area can also be seen. If the dog is bitten by a flea, then the problem can become severe.

Hair Loss: In Lhasa Apso, hair shedding is not very common. They retain and maintain their fur pretty well. However, if you start to experience that the dog is shedding a lot of hair, then this is a clear signal of some kind of allergy.
Digestive Problems: Lhasa’s can experience excessive diarrhea and gas caused by some allergy. It may also lead to vomit and other intestinal and stomach problems.
Foul Smell: Due to the allergies, the dog may have visible open sores thatn cause a foul smell. Check thoroughly and carefully. Take the dog to the vet immediately if you see any sign of open wounds.
Ear Infection: Scratching of the head for a more extended period near the ear area is also a clear indication.

As an owner, you should watch the dog’s behavior and note the duration of the episode. This will help in determining the allergies in Lhasa Apso.

The breed is inclined to some diseases that an owner should know about. The dog can be protected if these diseases are detected timely.

They might suffer hereditary skin disease called sebaceous adenitis.
There is an eye syndrome called Progressive Retinal Atrophy which causes blindness. This is also a hereditary disease and requires a timely check up with the canine eye specialists.
Lhasa Apso may also experience ear problem which is caused due to excessive hair fall on the eyes and ear area.
Hypothyroidism is also quite prominent in this breed.
Other than that, the heart disease and urinary stones are also quite commonly detected.

These all can be contributing reasons of allergy cause in Lhasa Apso. But the main question here is, what exactly are these allergies?

What Are The Different Types of Allergies In Lhasa Apso?

There are three types of allergies:

Inhalant Allergy
Flea Allergy
Food Allergy

Inhalant Allergies

The environment in which we breathe contains a lot of allergens. Now, these allergens can cause mast cells in the skin and basophils in the blood. The result of these developments is the release of antibodies that contain serotonin, histamines, and leukotrienes. These are the major causes of the allergy in the dog.

Causes

If Lhasa Apso has inhaled ragweed pollens or grass pollens, he might start to show the signs of allergy. The common symptoms are licking the paws, scratching himself, biting himself, shaking the head and rubbing the face on the ground in the presence of pollens in the air.

The allergies caused by grass pollens are seasonal, mostly in spring and summers. However, ragweed pollens might cause a problem in late summer and early winters.

These allergies can also be caused by the dust in the house or mold spores. Such allergies are not seasonal and could trouble the dog throughout the year.

Prevention

To give relief to the Lhasa Apso, you should give them cool baths using shampoos or washes made of Aloe Vera, oatmeal, or eucalyptus. All these ingredients are quite relaxing and soothing to dog’s skin. The skin will start to heal as soon as the allergens are removed from their body.

Dog’s diet should also be modified and try adding more Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. You should carefully read the label of the food to ensure the inclusiveness of both the minerals. Providing wholesome and healthy meals to the dog will enhance their overall health.

In extreme cases, one should consult a veterinarian and start the antibiotic and drug therapy. This should be done strictly under prescription and ensure deep cleanliness of the place where dogs spend most of their time.

Some owners also treat their dogs with various antihistamines (drugs which treat allergies) however, this shouldn’t be done without consulting the vet.

Flea Allergy

Non-stop scratching is a clear indication of flea bite allergy. This itching can get so intense that the dog might bite himself only to ease the pain.

Causes

These allergies can occur when the dog is bitten by a flea, they can start chewing agitatedly. They can knaw at their tail, stomach, or inside the hind legs.

Preventions

To prevent flea allergies, you should give routine grooming to the dog. Allow them to suffer some irritation to detect the flea droppings or bites.

The owners should consult the vet for flea prevention treatments and use the prescribed shampoos, sprays or pills. The veterinarian will suggest products according to the environment in which the dog lives.

You are also recommended to brush the fur of the dog once a week. This will also help you detect if there are any flea bites or droppings on the skin.

Food Allergy

The food allergies are also quite common among Lhasa Apso. With all the other allergies prevalent, it becomes difficult to determine the food allergies. However, some significant causes can relate to the respective problem.

Causes

Mostly, the dog will show discomfort in digesting the food. There could be intestinal problems or stomach problems that will lead to vomiting or any kind of ear infection. If any such thing is happening, then your dog is probably not getting adapted to the new food that you bought.

Preventions

Many times, people go wrong with the food that should be served to Lhasa Apso. This is primarily a case with the new owners. First of all, if you see any symptoms as mentioned above, then you should immediately consult a vet. Ensure they prepare a proper diet chart for the dog including high protein and carbohydrate food.

They might also recommend home cooked food. If so, you should boil the suggested ingredients and serve the same to the dog. This could be a test diet so make sure you follow all the time restrictions and other guidelines by the vet.

If you experience that allergy is gone with these foods, then ask the vet before changing the meal.

Helpful Remedies For Controlling Allergies In Lhasa Apso

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the allergies; however, you can prevent them to a certain extent by following some helpful tips.

The dog should be fed a balanced diet that contains natural fats that will prevent the skin from drying.
Regular grooming of the dog is highly recommended. You should use safe and prescribed shampoos and washes to avoid any kind of allergies from the environment.
As far as the food is concerned, you should follow a restricted diet, specially curated for Lhasa Apso. These are sensitive dogs and should be cared about. You should not pick just about any food from the shelf and consult the vet about the right diet.
These dogs react to the dust so make sure the indoor environment is as contamination-free as possible. Vacuum the house at least twice a week and clean the bed of the dog regularly.
You can also use air-fresheners and purifier in the house to make the air dust-free and more breathable. This will be helpful to you as well as your dog.

As it is said, “Prevention is Better than Cure,” you should make sure that all the preventive measures are taken to keep the dog as comfortable as possible. Allergies can take a toll on your beloved four-foot friend and make them miserable, just like you and I. Your job is to ensure that if they are affected, you help them get well sooner.