American Staffordshire Terriers are bold muscular dogs that play and work hard. Despite this, they can be mellow, soft dogs with their family members. Their short coats quickly show signs of breakage and damage when the dog suffers from allergies.
American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to allergies. These can be both environmental and dietary. Symptoms include damage to the skin and coat with itching and scratching. Food allergies lead to gastrointestinal disturbances and may result in skin lesions and ear infections if not corrected.
It seems unbelievable that a strong, robust dog like an American Staffordshire Terrier can be compromised and undermined by something as simple as allergies. Unfortunately, allergies can become severe and significantly affect the dog’s quality of life.
Is Staffies More Prone To Allergies?
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody protein essential for the correct functioning of the immune system. Low IgA levels are associated with susceptibility to allergies. Scientific studies have identified American Staffordshire Terriers as dogs prone to low IgA levels making them more likely to have allergies.
Veterinarians report that a large percentage of their American Staffordshire Terrier patients exhibit allergies, particularly atopic dermatitis.
The dogs are usually brought in for skin consultations between one and three years of age. Veterinarians and owners note that the allergies seem to worsen each year, requiring more and more intervention.
The areas most affected are the belly, feet, ears, armpits, and skin folds. American Staffordshire Terriers show typical allergy signs such as licking their paws, rubbing their faces, and frequent, painful ear infections.
What Are American Staffordshire Terriers Allergic To?
Grass is one of the commonest allergens seen in American Staffordshire Terriers. Their short coats offer little barrier or protection against contact with the grass. When they lie on the grass, particles from the grass irritate the skin.
There is often a seasonal variation with worsening symptoms when the grass produces pollen. Occasionally a dog will show some improvement with grass allergy as they age, but this cannot be relied on. In many dogs, the allergy may worsen.
Pollen from various plants is another common allergy in American Staffordshire Terriers. Pollen from any plant has the potential to be an allergen. Utilizing low pollen-producing plants and grass in the garden may help the American Staffordshire Terrier. Unfortunately, it cannot completely eliminate the problem as pollen is blown in from neighbouring areas.
Mould spores can trigger atopic dermatitis in American Staffordshire Terriers. Ensuring that leaks are fixed, and damp areas are dried can reduce the number of mould spores in the dog’s environment.
American Staffordshire Terriers can be tested for environmental allergens through the skin or blood tests. Many veterinarians prefer skin tests, but they are not a foolproof means of determining allergies. In some practices, the veterinarian may choose to do a blood test.
Allergy jabs (allergen-specific immunotherapy – ASIT) may be useful with atopic dermatitis. Skin or blood testing is essential for this kind of therapy.
Food allergies are also often seen in American Staffordshire Terriers. There are a variety of dietary allergens.
- Beef
- Chicken
- Wheat
- Soy
- Corn
- Rice
- Dairy
- Eggs
Best Food For A Staffy With Skin Problems
Almost any food can potentially be allergenic. It is critical to identify the ingredients that cause the allergy symptoms so that they can be avoided in the diet. This is best done by eliminating diets supervised by a veterinarian.
American Staffordshire Terriers may be allergic to groups of foods such as grains or all ingredients containing gluten. Whatever ingredients the dog is allergic to should be excluded from all food and treats.
Veterinarians often prescribe diets with hydrolyzed proteins. The protein molecules are broken down into pieces. The hope is that the dog’s body will not recognize and identify the protein as the allergen. In some dogs, this approach does not alleviate symptoms.
Diets that contain novel protein sources are an alternative to hydrolyzed protein diets. Novel proteins are meat sources that the American Staffordshire Terrier has not yet been exposed to.
Novel proteins include meat such as rabbit, lamb, ostrich, duck, fish, and venison. As the dog has not been previously exposed to these proteins, they should not provoke an allergic reaction.
Some dogs may have allergies to some of these novel meats, and food trials are necessary to ascertain which meat the dog can eat. Fish is one of the most effective proteins for dogs with allergies due to the high omega oil content. Omega oils improve the skin and the functioning of the immune system.
Wheat, soy, maize, and other grains are usually excluded from hypoallergenic diets. Some dogs can eat rice, but those with grain allergies may need to avoid rice. The most hypoallergenic carbohydrates that are commonly included in diets for allergic dogs are:
- Potato
- Sweet potato
- Butternut or pumpkin
- Yams
Some foods may include vegetable proteins such as peas and beans. Some dogs can tolerate these vegetables, but they can cause flatulence (gas) in others. Too much gas production in an American Staffordshire Terrier is potentially dangerous due to the risk of bloat and gastric torsion.
Hypoallergenic diets may be commercially produced or home-cooked. It is best to consult closely with the veterinarian or an animal nutritionist when making home-cooked diets. It is essential to ensure the dog obtains all the necessary nutrients in a balanced diet. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is usually recommended in home-cooked diets.
Why Do Staffies Get Hives?
Hives are also known as urticaria. They have flat raised welts or bumps on the skin that are apparent under the American Staffordshire Terrier’s short coat. They can occur as only a few bumps in an area or may cover most of the dog.
Hives are uncomfortable, and the dog may even have a slightly raised temperature due to the inflammation. Hives are a skin symptom resulting from an allergy.
Environmental allergies that cause hives include plants with hairy leaves or a form of chemical defence that irritates the skin. The dog brushes against the plant and contact with the allergen cause hives to form.
Bee and wasp stings or spider and other insect bites may also cause hives. The American Staffordshire Terrier is often stung on the face as the dog investigates with its nose. The swelling begins in the head area, followed by hives covering the rest of the body.
Insect bites may cause life-threatening anaphylaxis in some dogs, and treatment is essential. Not only are hives from bites painful, but they are also intensely itchy, and the dog will cause skin trauma from scratching himself.
Hives are a relatively extreme allergic reaction and may be accompanied by respiratory difficulties. The heart rate may increase or decrease and become erratic in some cases.
Conclusion
American Staffordshire Terriers are vulnerable to the development of allergies. The allergens may be environmental, dietary, or both. It is vital to obtain veterinary help in managing allergies to ensure the dog has a good quality of life.
References
http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:846337/FULLTEXT01.pdf