Spring and Summer Allergies in Dogs
It’s three o’clock on a hot Spring morning. You’re awake. So is your dog; lick lick lick, chew chew chew, scratch scratch.
Sound familiar? Read on to learn about seasonal allergies in your pooch.
What is an Allergy?
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and releases inflammatory chemicals throughout the body and skin, causing redness, swelling and an awfully uncomfortable itch.
Food allergies can also cause skin problems, but these are separate to insect bite allergies or atopy, and much less likely.
If you’re a concerned dog owner and suspect your pooch may have an allergy, the first thing you should do is see your veterinarian. They can diagnose the cause of the problem and get you helpful treatment advice (and hopefully some sleep for both you and your pooch!)
Signs of an Allergy
Pets symptoms of allergies can be slightly different to us humans. Watch for these signs:
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Skin irritation or hot spots
- Ear infections
- Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
- Runny nose or watery eyes
These symptoms may indicate your pet is reacting to environmental allergens, which can be just as bothersome for them as they are for us.
The Food Allergy Myth
When we see our pets struggling with itchy skin or other allergy symptoms, it's natural to suspect their food. However, veterinary research tells a different story:
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Diagnosed food allergies account for only about 1% of all skin diseases in dogs.
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Environmental factors are much more likely to be the culprit behind your pet's discomfort.
Help! That Insect Bit My Dog!
Rising temperatures bring with them an increase in biting midges, mosquitos, ticks, flies and fleas. Insect bite allergies are a common problem for our furry friends, especially those that spend a lot of time outdoors [1].
Fly and midge bite lesions are itchy and often appear as redness and crusts on the tip of your dog’s ear.
Did you know that dogs and cats can be allergic to flea bites? Flea-allergic dogs can be very itchy, especially along their rump/tail base and inner thighs.
How Can I Protect My Dog from Insects?
Thankfully, there are many effective ways to keep your dog comfortable and protected during peak insect seasons.
Your dog is spoiled for choice in today’s market with topical spot-ons and oral chews, sprays and collars available. Some of these products are designed to repel insects and prevent bites, while others work by killing them after they’ve bitten your dog. Remember to only use products registered for use in dogs.
Do not use human products such as Aerogard or Bushman’s, as these can be toxic.
To minimise insect bites, consider keeping your dog indoors during peak insect activity at dawn and dusk, and using fly screens to further protect them from exposure.
Hay Fever in Dogs?
Just like us humans, our dogs can suffer from hayfever too. Although, in the veterinary world, it’s called atopic dermatitis, or atopy [2]. In dogs, it causes itchy skin rather than a sniffly nose.
You might initially notice this seasonally, but it’s possible for the signs to become all-year-round.
Common causes are:
- Pollens (from pollinating trees, grasses and weeds)
- Dust mites
- Moulds
Dogs with allergies to tree and grass pollens have inflamed and itchy skin, typically on the face, ears, feet, armpits and thighs.
Allergens enter your dog’s body through a defective skin barrier. Learn more about how diet can improve your dog’s skin barrier.
Contact Allergies and Irritations
Does your dog have red, itchy skin on their stomach, chest, muzzle or between the toes? If so, it could be a contact allergy to one of these ground cover plants [3]:
- Zebrina
- Moses-in-a-cradle
- Inch plant
- Turtle Vine
With the change in seasons, you may be spring cleaning your home. Substances such as floor polishes, carpet deodorisers or floor mop solutions have been shown to affect some sensitive pets as well.
How are Contact Allergies Treated?
It sounds easier than it is, but avoidance is key to treating contact allergies. Removing certain plants from your backyard can go a long way to helping your pup.
Dressing your fur-baby in clothing to cover as much skin as possible is also an option, but often isn’t enough to do the trick.
As always, you should consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog has a contact allergy.
How Can Diet Support My Dog’s Skin Allergies?
The skin is one of the most important and most overlooked parts of the immune system.
A strong and healthy skin barrier will reduce the inflammation and symptoms of allergies and atopic dermatitis. To fix the outside, you’ve also got to work on what goes inside.
Petzyo’s dry and raw dog food recipes support the immune system, nourish the skin and fight inflammation, thanks to ingredients such as Flaxseed oil and fish oil which are rich in omega-3 anti-inflammatories, as well as omega-6 fatty acids for strong cell walls and cellular functions. Salmon & Oceanfish kibble has optimal ratios of omega 3 and 6 and is a great choice.
Read our article on coat and skin health here.
References
[1] MSD Veterinary Manual, “Insect Bite Dermatitis in Dogs, Cats, Horses and Rabbits” https://www.msdvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/diseases-of-the-pinna/insect-bite-dermatitis-in-dogs-cats-horses-and-rabbits
[2] MarVista Vet, “Airborne allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)” https://www.marvistavet.com/atopic-dermatitis.pml
[3] Dermcare Vet, “Contact Allergies” https://dermcare.com.au/disease-info/allergy/contact/
