Introduction
Allergies are very common in dogs, with about 15% of dogs displaying signs of allergy and over 50% testing positive for allergens. The most frequent canine allergies are environmental and not typically caused by food. Allergies in dogs are identified by the hypersensitivity reaction of the dog’s immune system to something in the environment that is normally harmless. This overreaction leads to itching, inhalation issues, skin irritation, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Allergies in dogs are often seasonal in nature, caused by pollens, dust mites, molds and other substances in the environment. Dogs can be allergic to indoor allergens as well, with dust mites, mold, and household cleaners being some of the most common culprits. Diagnosis starts with identifying the symptoms and timing, followed by intradermal skin testing or IgE blood tests to pinpoint the actual allergen triggers.
Treatment focuses on avoiding the allergens where possible, medicating with antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acids or steroids to control symptoms, and immunotherapy or “allergy shots” to desensitize the dog’s immune response over time. While allergies cannot be cured, with today’s treatment options dogs can live happy and mostly symptom-free lives.
Common Allergens
Dogs can develop allergies to a variety of substances in their environment. Some of the most common allergens that cause seasonal allergies in dogs include:
Pollen
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a major cause of allergies in dogs during spring, summer, and fall. Dogs with pollen allergies may lick and scratch their skin more during allergy season. They may also rub their face on the carpet or furniture to relieve itchy skin.
Dust Mites
Microscopic dust mites are present year-round in most homes. Dogs can be allergic to the feces and body parts of dust mites. Signs of dust mite allergies may be worse when dogs are indoors. Skin irritation and itching may occur year-round.
Fleas
Flea bites can cause severe skin allergies in dogs. Even a few flea bites can trigger intense itching, redness, and hair loss. Dogs with flea allergies will need aggressive flea control to manage their symptoms.
Food
Some dogs develop allergies to ingredients in their food, like certain proteins, grains, or additives. Food allergies can result in itchy skin, digestive issues, and ear infections. Elimination diets may help identify the problematic ingredients.
Symptoms
Dogs with seasonal allergies can experience a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common include:
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Itchy skin – Dogs may excessively lick, bite, or scratch at their skin, leading to hair loss, redness, and irritation.
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Ear infections – Allergies can cause inflammation and bacterial/yeast infections in the ears.
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Hair loss – Constant scratching, licking, and biting of the skin can cause hair loss and bald spots.
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Hot spots – Moist, red, irritated lesions caused by repeated licking, chewing, and scratching.
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Sneezing/runny eyes – Inflammation of the nasal passages and eyes leads to discharge and sneezing.
The onset of symptoms often coincides with the pollen seasons for grasses, weeds, and trees. Symptoms tend to worsen when dogs are exposed to seasonal allergens either through contact or inhalation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing seasonal allergies in dogs starts with a thorough medical history. Your veterinarian will ask about your dog’s symptoms and when they occur throughout the year. This can help identify patterns that point to environmental allergies.
Your vet may also recommend an elimination diet trial. This involves feeding your dog a novel protein and carbohydrate source for 8-12 weeks to see if symptoms improve. If they do, it indicates a food allergy rather than seasonal environmental allergies.
For definitive diagnosis of seasonal allergies, your vet may recommend intradermal allergy testing. This skin test identifies specific allergens your dog reacts to. Small amounts of suspected allergens are injected under the skin and any reaction is measured.
Blood tests can also detect antibodies to certain allergens. However, skin testing tends to be more accurate for diagnosing seasonal environmental allergies in dogs.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for dogs with seasonal allergies:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine can help block the effects of histamines and reduce allergy symptoms in dogs. They help provide relief from itchy skin, sneezing, and watery eyes. Antihistamines come in oral tablet form and can be given daily during allergy season.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids like prednisone have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and can significantly reduce inflammation, itching, and other allergy symptoms. However, they have potential side effects with long-term use. Veterinary supervision is required for corticosteroid therapy.
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots or immunotherapy involves injecting small amounts of the allergens to help the dog’s immune system get used to them and reduce reactivity over time. It aims to decrease sensitivity to allergens and provide long-term relief. Most dogs receive allergy shots on a regular schedule for 6-12 months.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements derived from fish oils can help reduce inflammation associated with allergies in dogs. They also support skin health. Omega-3s come in capsule, liquid, or chewable treat form and can be given daily.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can be an effective treatment option for dogs with seasonal allergies. Allergy shots work by gradually exposing the dog’s immune system to small amounts of the allergens causing their reaction. Over time, the immune system builds up a tolerance to the allergens so they no longer trigger an allergic response.
Studies show immunotherapy can significantly reduce allergy symptoms in around 60-80% of dogs. The success rate depends on several factors like the allergens being treated and how consistently the shots are administered. Allergy shots are highly specific, so it’s important to accurately identify the triggers through diagnostic testing first.
The administration protocol involves an initial build-up phase where allergy shot doses start small and gradually increase over several months. Shots are usually given about twice weekly during this period. Once an effective maintenance dose is reached, shots can be administered every 2-4 weeks for the rest of the dog’s life. It may take 6-12 months before the full benefits of allergy shots are seen. Booster shots prior to allergy season can further reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
Topical Therapy
Topical treatments applied directly to your dog’s skin can help provide relief from allergy symptoms. Two common topical therapies for dogs with seasonal allergies are medicated shampoos and allergy-relief sprays or wipes.
Medicated shampoos contain ingredients that help soothe and calm allergy-prone skin. For example, colloidal oatmeal shampoos can help moisturize dry, itchy skin while also reducing inflammation. Tea tree oil shampoos have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties to fight secondary skin infections. Your vet may recommend using a medicated shampoo regularly during allergy season.
Sprays and wipes can provide fast-acting, targeted relief when your dog is having an allergic reaction. Allergy-relief sprays often contain oatmeal, aloe, and other natural ingredients aimed at moisturizing, calming, and protecting sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic wipes can help remove allergens like pollen from your dog’s coat and paws after going outside. Using these products as needed can provide relief during allergy flare-ups.
At Home Care
There are several things pet owners can do at home to help manage their dog’s seasonal allergies and reduce allergen exposure:
Bathing
Bathing your dog regularly can remove pollen and other allergens from their coat. Use a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo and lukewarm water. Bathing 1-2 times per week may help reduce itching and irritation.
Dietary Changes
Switching to a hypoallergenic dog food made with novel protein sources like duck, venison or fish can help minimize adverse reactions. These limited ingredient diets avoid common triggers like beef, chicken, dairy and wheat.
Cleaning
Vacuum and dust regularly to remove allergens in your home. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites. Consider using a HEPA air purifier to filter allergens. Wipe your dog’s paws after going outside to prevent tracking in pollen.
Prevention
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent and limit allergy symptoms in their pets. The main goal is reducing exposure to allergens that trigger reactions.
Keep your home as clean as possible by vacuuming frequently, washing bedding weekly, and using HEPA air filters to capture allergens. Limit time spent outdoors when pollen counts are high. Consider using a damp cloth to wipe off your dog after going outside to remove allergens from their coat.
Bathing your dog regularly can also help wash away allergens on their skin. Make sure to use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo recommended by your vet.
Probiotic supplements can support your dog’s immune health and may help reduce environmental allergy symptoms. Check with your vet before starting probiotics.
Work with your vet to identify the specific allergens causing problems so you can take steps to reduce exposure. Keeping a journal tracking your dog’s symptoms and potential allergen exposure can help pinpoint triggers.
When to See a Vet
If your dog’s seasonal allergy symptoms are severe or not improving with over-the-counter medications, it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Signs that warrant an urgent vet visit include:
- Extremely swollen eyes, lips, or face
- Severe skin infections
- Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or depression
Puppies under a year old should also be evaluated by a vet for allergy symptoms, as their immune systems are still developing. It’s crucial to get allergies under control early to prevent long-term health issues.
If your dog’s symptoms have persisted for over 2 weeks without improvement from over-the-counter allergy medications, make an appointment with your vet. They can provide prescription medications and therapies to get your dog’s allergies under control.