Seasonal Allergies & Dogs
By Caring Hands Animal Hospital Staff
Did you know that dogs are also susceptible to the same seasonal allergies as humans? These seasonal allergies are caused by inhaled allergens, among them dust, dust mites, mold, mildew, house dust mites, and tree, grass and weed pollens.
Seasonal allergy and “atopy” are terms used to describe the same type of allergic skin disease. The majority of atopic dogs experience itching during certain seasons, when flowers or trees are blooming and producing pollens.
What are the symptoms of allergies in dogs?
The main inhaled allergens are tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed, goldenrods, etc.), molds, mildew, and house dust mites. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens. However, others such as molds, mildew, and house dust mites are year-round. Humans inhale these allergens and the allergy manifests mainly with respiratory signs - runny eyes, runny nose, and sneezing (”hay fever”). But in dogs the result is itchy skin (pruritis). Due to these clinical signs, the condition is also called “Inhalant Allergic Dermatitis”. The dog may rub its face, lick its feet and scratch the underarms.
How are allergies in dogs treated?
Treatment depends largely on the length of the dog’s allergy season. It involves three approaches:
Anti-inflammatory. Treatment with anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, or antihistamines, will quickly block the allergic reaction in most cases. Fatty acid supplementation of the diet can improve the response to steroids and antihistamines in some cases.
Shampoo therapy. Frequent bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo can be soothing and helpful. The bathing may also rinse out allergens in the coat that could be absorbed through the skin. Some therapeutic shampoos contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that may further benefit your pet.
Hyposensitization therapy. The third major form of allergy treatment is hyposensitization with specific antigen injections or “allergy shots”. Once the specific sources of allergy are identified by allergy testing, very small amounts of the antigen are injected weekly. This repeated dosing has the objective of reprogramming or desensitizing the immune system. Results are sometimes good but success is variable. Approximately fifty-percent of treated dogs will see significant improvement in their clinical signs while approximately twenty-five percent more will see a decrease in the amount or frequency of corticosteroid usage.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital offers an open and friendly environment helping to ensure that everyone is comfortable with every aspect of each visit. Each of their locations are fully accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, which is well known for its high standards in veterinary clinics and quality pet care. Services include wellness care, vaccinations, comprehensive dental care, puppy and kitten care and a welcoming and knowledgeable staff. For more information, visit www.caringhandsvet.com.
