What Causes Dog Allergies
Dog allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to proteins found in a dog’s dander, saliva and urine. Some of the major allergy-causing proteins that trigger reactions in people allergic to dogs include:
Can f 1 – This protein is found in a dog’s dander (shed skin flakes). Dander floats in the air and can get trapped in furniture, carpet and fabrics. When inhaled, it can trigger allergy symptoms.
Can f 2 – This protein is found in a dog’s saliva, urine and dander. Exposure occurs when a dog licks someone, or from contamination of dander with saliva and urine. This protein is a common cause of reactions.
Can f 3 – This protein is found in a dog’s dander and saliva. It is shed from the dog’s skin, hair and salivary glands. Cross-reactivity with similar proteins in other pets can occur.
In sensitized individuals, these allergy-causing proteins trigger antibody production and release of histamine, causing sneezing, itching, rashes and other allergy symptoms.
Pollen Counts Increase in Summer
One of the main reasons dog allergies seem worse in summer is because pollen levels peak during the summer months of June through August. Pollen comes from trees, grasses, weeds, and other plants. As these plants bloom and release pollen into the air, allergy sufferers are exposed to higher amounts of allergenic pollen.
Studies have shown pollen counts can be up to 10 times higher in summer compared to winter and spring. The pollination season lasts longer too, with trees pollinating in spring, grasses in summer, and ragweed in late summer and fall. This extended exposure time to high pollen levels makes summer a prime allergy season.
With more pollen in the air outside, it also gets tracked inside on clothing and pets. Some of the most common summer allergy triggers are oak, birch, poplar, pine tree, timothy grass, and ragweed pollens. As pollen sticks to a dog’s fur when outdoors, it can trigger allergic reactions when petting or playing with dogs indoors.
Controlling dog allergies in summer starts with monitoring the pollen counts and limiting time outdoors when counts are high. Keeping windows closed, using air filters, washing bedding regularly, and bathing dogs more often can all help reduce pollen exposure inside.
Higher Humidity in Summer
Higher humidity levels during the summer months can worsen dog allergies. When the humidity is high, allergen particles like pet dander are able to stay airborne for longer periods of time. This means that they circulate more throughout indoor and outdoor environments. With high humidity, allergen particles float around for longer before settling on surfaces. This increases the chances of you inhaling them and triggering allergy symptoms.
Studies show that humidity above 50% allows allergens to remain suspended in the air. Humid summer weather often exceeds this threshold, providing prime conditions for allergens to linger. The higher moisture content makes particles lighter so they don’t settle as quickly. It also makes surfaces damp, preventing allergens from adhering well. So even though your dog produces pet dander year-round, it is likely being circulated more during the humid summer months.
If you have indoor dogs, using air conditioners and dehumidifiers can help control humidity in your home. When humidity is lower, allergens settle out faster so you have less exposure. You may also want to limit time spent outdoors on high humidity days. Monitoring daily humidity levels can help you manage your symptoms better.
More Time Outdoors in Summer
The summer season often means more time spent outdoors for both people and their pets. With schools closed and vacations planned, families tend to take advantage of the warmer weather by spending time outside walking, hiking, or playing in the yard.
Dogs also get more outdoor time in the summertime, as owners are more likely to take them on walks, to the park, or camping. The increased outdoor exposure for both people and pets leads to more contact with environmental allergens like pollen and mold. Being outside stirs up allergens that have settled on the ground and exposes dogs’ skin and fur to them.
For dog owners with allergies, the extra time spent outdoors can aggravate symptoms as they breathe in more allergens their dog brings inside. Limiting outdoor time for the dog when pollen counts are high, and bathing them more frequently after being outside, can help reduce allergen transfer indoors.
Overheated Dogs Shed More
When dogs get too hot in the summer months, it can cause heat stress which leads to increased shedding. As a dog’s body temperature rises, its system will try to cool down by pushing out dead hair. This is so the coat is thinner and less insulation is trapping body heat. The technical term for this is “blowing coat”. During summer, dogs will blow their undercoats which can exponentially increase the amount of dander and allergens released into your home. Heat stressed dogs tend to pant, drool, shed, and seem anxious or restless. If your pup seems to be shedding buckets during hot spells, it’s likely due to their body’s reaction to get cooler. Make sure your dog has access to shade, cool water, and air conditioning to avoid heat stress shedding.
Less Frequent Bathing
Many dog owners bathe their dogs less frequently in the summer months. With higher temperatures, dogs often spend more time playing outside and swimming, getting dirty and wet on a regular basis. While it may seem counterintuitive, less frequent bathing can actually worsen dog allergies in the summer.
Frequent bathing helps remove allergens like pollen that stick to a dog’s coat when they are outside. When dogs aren’t bathed as often in the summer, those allergens remain on their fur longer. This increases the allergen levels in the home as the dog moves around indoors.
Bathing your dog at least once a week can help reduce allergens on their coat during summer months. Use a mild shampoo made for dogs and make sure to thoroughly rinse their coat afterwards. Regular brushing between baths also helps remove pollen, dirt and dander.
Open Windows
In the warmer months, people often leave their windows open more often. This increased ventilation allows more outdoor allergens to circulate indoors. Pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander can easily be drawn inside through open windows and doors.
Studies show that pollen levels indoors closely correlate with levels outdoors. When windows are closed, indoor pollen counts can be 2 to 4 times lower than outdoor counts. But when windows are open, pollen rapidly enters and accumulates inside. Even partially open windows and doors provide an entry point for allergens.
Window screens help block some larger allergens like pollen. But smaller allergens like pet dander and dust easily pass through standard screens. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on open windows can better trap allergens. But the most effective way to reduce indoor allergens is to keep windows closed and use air conditioning during peak allergy seasons.
Increased Allergen Levels
Higher levels of allergens like dander and pollen during the summer months can worsen dog allergies. The heat and humidity of summer causes dogs to shed more dander. At the same time, grass and weed pollen levels reach their peak. With more dander and pollen circulating in the air, allergen exposure increases. Keeping windows open for fresh air unfortunately also allows more allergens to enter homes. The combination of increased shedding by dogs and higher outdoor allergen levels leads to a rise in allergen concentrations indoors. This increased allergen exposure can make dog allergies worse in the summer.
Allergy Medication Tips
If you take allergy medication, it’s important to take it consistently and as directed by your doctor. Many allergy medications work better with continued use. Don’t wait until symptoms get bad to start taking your medication. Instead, begin taking it before allergy season starts and continue through the season. This will help reduce the severity of your allergic reactions.
Consider talking to your doctor about prescription allergy medication if over-the-counter options aren’t giving you enough relief. Prescription nasal sprays and oral medications can be very effective at controlling allergy symptoms.
Using high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home can help reduce allergen levels and control allergy symptoms. HEPA filters are designed to capture tiny airborne particles like pet dander and pollen. Place HEPA filters in rooms where you spend the most time, like the bedroom and living room.
Making sure to keep windows closed during high pollen times can also help prevent allergens from entering your home. Consider running your air conditioner with the fresh air intake closed as well.
See an Allergist
If your dog allergies seem to get worse in the summer or you’re struggling to manage symptoms, it’s a good idea to get tested and seek advice from a medical professional who specializes in allergies and asthma.
An allergist can use a simple skin prick test to identify exactly what you’re allergic to when it comes to dogs – this could be dander, saliva, or urine. Once the specific allergen is identified, the allergist can provide guidance on the best treatment options and medications to reduce your sensitivity.
They may prescribe allergy shots, which help build immunity through gradual exposure, or medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and asthma inhalers. The allergist can also advise on minimizing exposure and provide tips for allergy-proofing your home.
Visiting an allergist can help you better understand and manage dog allergies so you can find relief, even in symptom-triggering seasons like summer.