Symptoms of Egg Yolk Allergies in Dogs
The symptoms of an allergy to egg yolk could include:
Food allergies can also cause anaphylactic shock in dogs. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock should be considered an emergency and your pet should be rushed to the nearest veterinary hospital. In addition to common signs of an allergic reaction, your pet may also exhibit:
Types
Often animals that are allergic to egg yolk are allergic to the whites and shells as well. Allergies to eggs are often inclusive of all kinds of bird eggs, including chicken eggs. Egg proteins may be listed several ways on an ingredient list for prepared human or canine foods, such as:
The following products may also have egg in them, and may trigger symptoms to flare up by ingestion or by simple contact.
Causes of Egg Yolk Allergies in Dogs
Allergies are due to an unwarranted defensive response to a protein that your dog’s immune system considers an invasive substance. It is estimated that around 60-70% of the immune system cells reside within the digestive system. The process of digestion breaks down the food we eat into their smallest parts, which are known as amino acids. These amino acids are then absorbed by white blood cells called enterocytes. When these proteins are not properly broken down during digestion, the enterocytes see them as intruders and launch an attack. Over time the response of these cells to the allergen, in this case, egg yolk, becomes more aggressive, and symptoms intensify.
An egg allergy can also cause your dog to suffer from recurrent ear infections. This is because the allergy can cause your dog’s immune system to produce antibodies that attack your dog’s ear tissue. These antibodies will react with other proteins in the environment, such as those found in dust. The result is that your dog’s immune system will attempt to neutralize the allergen using the same mechanism it uses when it attacks bacteria to fight off infection. Woof! This can cause the ear canals of your dog to become blocked and infected, which results in recurrent ear infections.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, and one of the most common triggers is eggs. It’s estimated that around 3% of all dogs suffer from egg allergy! Eggs can trigger a range of different symptoms in dogs, from mild irritation to anaphylactic shock. The reason why eggs may cause allergies in dogs is because of a compound called ovalbumin, which is very similar in structure to the protein in the saliva of dogs and human skin. Ovalbumin (egg white protein) triggers an immune reaction in dogs, causing them to develop antibodies. These antibodies are then free to react with other proteins that appear similar to ovalbumin, such as those found in the skin or fur of your dog. When this happens, the dog may become allergic to eggs, and develop symptoms of allergy. In some cases, dogs with egg allergies can develop continuous skin problems or hair coat changes. Here are top 7 signs of egg allergy in dogs.
If your young dog is suffering from an egg allergy, you may also notice that it has developed a diaper rash. Diaper rash occurs as a result of skin irritation in the area where a dog’s hind legs meet its body. This is due to a combination of moisture, mechanical irritation, friction, and bacterial infection. The area may become red, irritated, and inflamed. This will be accompanied by your dog licking at the area and chewing the fur. The skin in this area may even start to ooze. This may expose the dog to secondary infections.
If your dog suffers from an egg allergy you may notice that it is often troubled by gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea. This could be due to the fact that some dogs are allergic to eggs even when they are consumed in their natural form. Sometimes, the dog’s immune system describes egg white protein as harmful and reacts by producing histamines to neutralize this threat. The result is that your dog’s digestive system becomes inflamed and watery. In severe cases, egg allergy could also trigger anaphylactic shock, which is a whole body response to allergens. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction and dogs can die within minutes of going into shock.
Another gastrointestinal symptom that could indicate a dog has an egg allergy is vomiting. This may be accompanied by diarrhea, abdominal pain, and difficulty moving around. Vomiting can be caused by the effects of histamine on the stomach and intestines. In severe cases, egg allergy can cause vomiting and diarrhea to become chronic. The symptoms will gradually worsen and the dog could ultimately suffer from vomiting and diarrhea for hours, days, and even weeks. Vomiting and diarrhea may even be continuous and occur on a daily basis.
