Understanding Environmental Allergies in Dogs
The ins and outs of what’s behind your itchy dog
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from a variety of allergies. Environmental allergies, in particular, are common and can significantly impact a dog's quality of life. These allergies can be triggered by various factors, including fleas, mites, grasses, pollens, and even cleaning products. In this blog, we will explore the symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs, how they differ from food intolerances, and the best ways to manage and ease these allergic reactions.
Symptoms of Environmental Allergies in Dogs
Environmental allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, typically manifest with the following symptoms:
Itching and Scratching: Excessive itching, particularly around the face, paws, underarms, and belly, is a hallmark of environmental allergies.
Red and Inflamed Skin: Allergic reactions often cause the skin to become red, inflamed, and irritated.
Hot Spots: These are localised areas of inflamed and infected skin that dogs will often lick or bite at.
Hair Loss: Continuous scratching and biting can lead to hair loss in affected areas.
Ear Infections: Recurrent ear infections can be a sign of an underlying allergy.
Sneezing and Runny Nose: Although less common, some dogs may experience respiratory symptoms similar to human hay fever.
Watery Eyes: Allergies can cause the eyes to water, become red, or even develop a discharge.
Environmental Allergies vs. Food Intolerances
Understanding the difference between environmental allergies and food intolerances is crucial for effective treatment:
Onset of Symptoms: Environmental allergies are usually seasonal and occur when specific allergens are present in the environment, such as pollen during spring or mites during humid periods. Food intolerances, on the other hand, can cause symptoms year-round.
Affected Areas: Environmental allergies often affect the skin, causing itching, redness, and inflammation. Food intolerances may also cause skin issues but are more likely to present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and gas.
Diagnosis: Identifying environmental allergies typically involves observing the timing and nature of symptoms and may include skin or blood tests for specific allergens. Food intolerances are diagnosed through an elimination diet, where suspected ingredients are removed from the dog's diet to see if symptoms improve.
Common Environmental Allergens
Fleas
Fleas are a common cause of allergic reactions in dogs. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) occurs when a dog is allergic to flea saliva, leading to intense itching and discomfort even from a single flea bite. Typically, you will notice your dog biting the base of their tail where there could be excessive hair loss. Treating for fleas and helping to prevent bites can really help when battling this.
Mites
Dust mites and storage mites can trigger allergic reactions. These tiny creatures are found in household dust and can cause significant itching and skin irritation. Really tricky to eliminate and can live mainly along the edges of rooms or in carpets. frequent vacuuming and washing floors can help reduce their numbers as can regularly washing your dog’s bed on a hot cycle
Grasses and Pollens
Many dogs are allergic to various types of grass and pollen. These allergens are often seasonal and can cause symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. Your dog may also be allergic to leaves and bark so can have worse symptoms in the autumn months when leaves are falling. Remember, if your dog is allergic to certain plants it’s important to do your research to see if they are also present in food or supplements that you give. Checking if the plants that may be in what you’re feeding are within the same family as those posing a problem is also wise.
Cleaning Products
Household cleaning products, especially those with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals, can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Symptoms can include skin irritation, redness, and respiratory issues. Even though you don’t use them near your dog or on their bed they are walking around on the floors then moving the allergens with them on their paws to where they sleep. Using products such as probiotic cleaners can really help minimise the impact that harsh chemicals have on the skin
Best Ways to Ease Environmental Allergies
1. Flea Control
Regular Flea Treatments: Use veterinarian-recommended flea control products consistently to prevent flea infestations as well as preventative natural sprays if you desire.
Home Cleaning: Regularly vacuum and wash your dog’s bedding to reduce flea presence.
2. Reducing Exposure to Mites
Frequent Cleaning: Dust and vacuum regularly to minimize dust mites.
Hypoallergenic Bedding: Use hypoallergenic covers for your dog’s bedding and wash them in hot water regularly.
3. Managing Grass and Pollen Allergies
Regular Baths: Bathe your dog with a hypoallergenic shampoo to remove pollen and other allergens from their coat.
Limit Outdoor Time: During high pollen seasons, limit your dog’s outdoor activities to reduce exposure.
4. Safe Cleaning Practices
Pet-Safe Cleaners: Use cleaning products that are safe for pets and avoid those with harsh chemicals.
Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when using cleaning products to minimize your dog’s exposure to potentially irritating fumes.
5. Medical Treatments
Antihistamines and Medications: Consult your veterinarian about the use of antihistamines or other medications to manage allergic reactions. Do not dose these yourself as some antihistamines can have adverse effects on dogs.
Allergy Shots: In some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to gradually desensitize your dog to specific allergens. They shouldn’t be the first point of call but are sometimes essential inbreaking a cycle of extreme itching where secondary infections are present.
6. Diet and Supplements
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. Choose a diet with optimal levels or if feeding raw or homecooked check to add in a good high quality omega supplement.
Balanced Diet: Ensure your dog is on a balanced diet that supports overall health and immune function.
7. Regular Bathing
Wiping your dog down after every walk can really help eliminate allergens they will carry around on their fur. Wipe paws, ears and faces down with a warm flannel or alternatively a good antibacterial wipe.
Conclusion
Environmental allergies in dogs can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and management strategies, you can significantly improve your furry friend's comfort and quality of life. By recognising the symptoms, differentiating between environmental allergies and food intolerances, and implementing effective treatment and prevention measures, you can help your dog lead a happier, itch-free life. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and treatment options.