Border collies are charming companions. They live life in top gear, pausing only briefly for a quick forty winks. They are one the most intelligent dog breeds and can learn a vast array of tricks. People considering border collies may wish to know more about skin, paw, and ear allergy symptoms and the relationship with food intolerances.
Border collies do not commonly have allergies. Individual dogs may have allergies that result in scratching, paw licking, and ear infections. The allergies may be from inhaled, ingested, or contact with allergens. The diet should be chosen to avoid ingredients to which the dog is allergic.
It is always concerning to have a dog with allergies. If a pet owner has owned a previous dog with allergies, they will want to avoid another one. It is critical to know as much about border collies as possible before choosing one.
Do Border Collies Have Skin Problems?
Border collies do not have a high incidence of skin problems. Three major conditions can cause skin conditions in border collies:
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid, located in the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Border collies are more prone to this disease than some other breeds.
The symptoms are dry and itchy skin. This is accompanied by weight gain, lack of energy, and a thinning coat. The border collie is treated with thyroid supplementation to correct the hormonal imbalance.
- Allergies can cause skin problems. The allergic reaction can be a result of
- inhaled allergens such as pollen
- contact dermatitis from an allergen such as grass
- a food allergy or intolerance
- flea allergy
- Discoid Lupus is an autoimmune condition common to collie breeds. It results in what is often colloquially called “collie nose.” The tissue on the nose is compromised by the disease, which causes a breakdown of the connective tissue.
It is usually limited to the nose, and there are protocols to manage it successfully. In some dogs, discoid Lupus may progress to systemic Lupus. In this condition, the whole body becomes affected.
A primary site for symptoms of systemic Lupus is the face – the symptoms are seen in the same patterning as a wolf mask. The disease is named Lupus after the Spanish word for wolf. It may also affect the eyes but can be managed with eye drops.
Are Border Collies Prone To Allergies?
Border collies are not one of the dog breeds with a tendency for allergies. A study on the Immunoglobulin A levels in multiple breeds of dogs showed that Border Collies have a limited propensity to low IgA levels.
IgA is an antibody protein essential in the functioning of the immune system. Researchers have found a correlation between low IgA levels and the development of allergies.
A Brazilian study looked at the frequency of atopic dermatitis in different dog breeds. Scientists found that Border collies represented only 0.9% of the total number of dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is dermatitis from environmental allergens.
Another survey looked at multiple disorders in a wide variety of breeds. The diseases assessed included ear infections, dermatitis, and skin complaints.
Border collies had the highest percentage of dogs unaffected by any diseases. 74.53% of the border collies were healthy with no reported health conditions.
Most Common Border Collie Allergies
Although Border Collies are generally healthy dogs, particular individuals can have allergies. These may be isolated to that individual or result from an inherited trait.
Flea allergies are the number one cause of dermatitis in border collies. The dogs scratch themselves constantly, and there may be red, inflamed skin on the belly, armpits, and groin. Fortunately, this is easy to manage with a good flea control program.
Small black specks on the dog’s skin are evidence of fleas on the dog. The specks are flea faeces. They are usually concentrated in warm areas of the body and around the eyes. Individual large red spots accompanied by red irritated skin are typical of flea dermatitis. The larger spots are inflamed flea bites.
Grass, house dust, dust mites, and pollen are common environmental allergens. These cause contact dermatitis, where the skin becomes itchy and inflamed. They can also be inhaled, causing rhinitis (a runny nose), sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.
Border collies are known for their white feet. White feet mean that the skin on the dog’s feet is often pink. Pink skin is predisposed to sun damage which can compromise the skin, allowing foreign bodies to irritate more easily. The border collie will chew and lick their feet.
What Foods Are Border Collies Allergic To?
Food allergies and intolerances are specific to each individual. The only way to accurately determine what food the Border collie is allergic to is through food elimination diets.
The foods that most frequently cause allergic reactions in border collies are beef, chicken, wheat, soy, eggs, wheat, and pork.
Symptoms of true food allergies can be violent and even fatal as anaphylaxis occurs. This is an acute swelling of the tissues. The respiratory, circulatory, and gastrointestinal systems are compromised, and seizures may occur.
Dogs may have food intolerances which is a milder reaction that causes chronic discomfort. The symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, and stomach cramps. If the dog continues eating the offending food, skin issues will appear. This will include pruritis (itching) and rashes. Ear infections can also occur.
Are Border Collies Lactose Intolerant?
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, but border collies are not more so than any other breed. It is always wise to limit any dog’s milk intake. Even dogs that can tolerate lactose should not drink large quantities of milk as it could cause diarrhoea.
Conclusion
Border collies are healthy dogs with relatively few allergies. It is always possible that certain individuals may have allergies. Veterinarians can assist in determining the source of the allergy.
Hypothyroidism and Lupus are diseases that result in skin symptoms in border collies. These conditions need careful monitoring and veterinary management. They have additional symptoms that will aid in diagnosis.
References
http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:846337/FULLTEXT01.pdf
