The fluffy coats, affectionate personalities, and above all, the reputation of being low-shedding have made Mini Bernedoodles the most worthy companions for dog lovers. Over the last few years, the demand for parenting this breed has been most talked about, as it is hard not to fall in love with the Mini Bernedoodle puppies. However, behind the curtain of all that cuteness and lovable personality lies a challenge that owners hardly anticipate, and that is tackling allergies. Based on the data provided by previous owners, it often starts negligibly, like maybe with a little itching, occasional paw licking, and so on. Some of them may also deal with ear infections. Very soon, these symptoms that appear minor escalate into chronic discomfort.
Here, it becomes crucial to understand whether the pet Mini Bernedoodle is suffering due to food allergies or environmental allergies. Incidentally, the two are often confused, and as you can understand, they require different approaches to combat the situation.
Reasons that make Mini Bernedoodles vulnerable to allergies
Dog enthusiasts already know, Mini Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Miniature Poodle. Both parent breeds can carry genetic properties towards allergic reactions. Their coats, especially the wavy and curly ones, tend to trap moisture and allergens close to the skin. When combined with the genetic predisposition, the breed can be more sensitive to allergies than the dog owners expect. Of course, allergies in dogs are not uncommon, but in Doodle-type breeds, they can flare up frequently and consistently. There isn’t much to be desperate about, as these allergies are well and truly manageable. Read on as we elaborate on the topic.
What exactly is an allergy?
To make things clear, an allergy sets in when the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance. In this case, the immune system of the Mini Bernedoodles fails to ignore pollen, dust, or some specific protein found in food, and treats it like a threat. The response comes in the form of inflammation, itching, and other symptoms. This lovable breed usually tends to suffer from food and environmental allergies. As mentioned earlier, understanding the difference between the two is necessary. So, let us start one at a time.
Food Allergies in Mini Bernedoodles
Food allergies are common when the dog’s immune system reacts to a specific protein in their diet. Here, it is necessary to shatter a common myth, as many dog owners believe grains are the culprits leading to such allergies. In fact, most food allergies can be linked to proteins. The common food allergens in dogs can be chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat. As dog parents, one must realize that food allergies develop over time. For example, a dog that eats chicken for years without any problems can all of a sudden become reactive to it.
Signs of food allergies
Here are some symptoms to watch out for in Mini Bernedoodles that might be due to allergies.
- If the dog feels itchy in its ears, it soon turns into a chronic ear infection.
- When the dog is continuously licking its paw for no reason.
- Sometimes, it will rub its face and continue to do so at frequent intervals.
- Stomach upset becomes regular.
- Signs of irritation in the anal gland region.
Watch out, if the Mini Bernedoodle tends to remain itchy throughout the year, and not during season changes. In such cases, it is confirmed that food is the root cause of the allergy.
Diagnosing food allergies
Unfortunately, there aren’t any reliable tests for determining food allergies in dogs. A vet might supervise an elimination diet trial that involves feeding a protein that the dog has never tried before. The vet can also recommend avoiding all treats and flavored medications, persisting with the diet for at least 8 weeks, and monitoring the symptoms and whether they are improving. If symptoms do improve and then return when the old diet is reintroduced, a food allergy is confirmed.
Once the trigger protein is identified, dog owners need to manage it appropriately by following these tips:
- Feed them a limited-ingredient diet.
- Always avoid flavored treats that may contain unknown proteins.
- Checking of the food labels is mandatory. The best idea would be to use vet-recommended foods for the dogs.
- One must stay consistent with their diet routine.
The good news is that many Mini Bernedoodles can recover from food allergies with proper diet adjustments.
Environmental allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Environmental allergies are more common than food allergies; these occur when dogs react to airborne or contact allergens such as pollen, grass, dust mites, mold spores, and dander. As opposed to food allergies, environmental allergies are seasonal, but in some climates, they can remain throughout the year.
Signs of environmental allergies can be evident when the dog starts with seasonal itching, chewing its paws after outdoor activity, rashes in its belly, red and inflamed skin, irritations on the armpit, and so on. The breed that sports thick coats often traps pollen and moisture against the skin, which, over time, makes the irritation worse.
Their coat texture plays a pivotal role in trapping allergens. Curly and wavy coats tend to hold debris, retain moisture, and reduce airflow to the skin. It results in an environment where the allergens can stay longer than they would usually do on the breeds that have shorter coats. Therefore, regular grooming becomes very important.
Diagnosing environmental allergies
Unlike food allergies, environmental allergies can be evaluated by the dog’s clinical history, pattern history, skin testing, and response to medications. Generally, vets rule out parasites and infections first before they can confirm atopic dermatitis.
Treatment options
Treatment usually involves a combination approach. Antihistamines can help with mild cases, although they might not prove effective for all dogs. Prescription medications can help a lot in reducing the itching and inflammation.
- Regular bathing with hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos can also prove to be a big help. Especially for Mini Bernedoodles, it can make a huge difference.
- Intake of Omega-3 supplements can support the skin barrier health and reduce inflammation considerably.
- In case the allergy reaches a severe state, allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, become necessary.
Other infections that can set in
Here, you need to realize that allergies will never exist alone. They will call in additional issues as the dogs tend to scratch and chew excessively, and in turn, it damages the skin barrier. Thus, it leads to bacterial infections, yeast infections, and chronic ear inflammation. Thus, these infections must be treated separately from the allergy itself.
Prevention and long-term care
While we can do little to prevent allergies, we can do the needful by managing them effectively. Here are the steps:
- Keeping the coats maintained: Regular brushing, professional grooming at frequent intervals can help. Furthermore, keeping the ears clean and dry can also keep allergies in check.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Well, do not be surprised thinking, what does weight have to do with allergies? For the unversed, obesity can increase inflammation caused by allergies throughout the body.
- Strengthening the skin barrier: Go for high-quality nutrition support, as it can help build skin resilience.
- Monitor signs of allergies: It is your lookout to spot the signs of allergies at the earliest. The quicker you spot them, the easier it becomes to control.
Wrapping it up
When you observe the Mini Bernedoodle suffering from chronic allergies, it can be disheartening. Thus, without thinking too much about it, you should not delay in visiting the vet, making the necessary dietary changes, and introducing the appropriate medicines. You can be assured that allergies are completely manageable. As soon as the allergies are checked, the Mini Bernedoodle will spring back to energy and live happily. Potential owners, who are searching for Mini Bernedoodles for sale can thus also remain assured.
So, do not wait for seasonal changes, and keep a close eye on your Mini Bernedoodle, and you will soon know if it is suffering from any allergies. With the right approach and treatment, as discussed above, the allergic conditions can be conveniently managed, and the dog will get relief from their chronic condition.