Signs your dog may have seasonal allergies

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Allergy Season for Dogs

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Healthylife Pharmacy29 January 2018|4 min read

Spring, summer and autumn are the most common allergy seasons for humans and dogs. That's right – when you've got itchy eyes and a runny nose, your canine companions could be suffering too. A recent study showed that up to 80% of dogs are likely to have allergy sensitivity to seasonal pollens and grasses, and are likely to show symptoms after 6 months of age. 

So how do you know if your dog is suffering from an allergy and how might you both survive another allergy season? Let's explore below!

Signs your dog may have seasonal allergies

As far as the animal kingdom goes, domesticated dogs are quite good at communicating with  humans. These behaviours may show that your pooch is suffering from seasonal allergies:

Itching and scratching – may present after being outside and up to an hour after exposure. This can include scratching with their back legs, chewing or biting, rubbing their face to itch the eyes and snout, or rubbing their body against walls or furniture.

Obsessive licking- especially of paws and belly.

Shaking of the head- may indicate allergies are affecting the ears.

Red irritated skin- on the belly, feet (especially between the toes), mouth or chin

Hair loss- in any area

Redness- on the inside of ears with a pungent smell, or red puffy eyes.

Other, less common signs of allergies include runny noses, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing. Dogs may also be susceptible to secondary infections in the skin and ears, especially if they have caused abrasions from scratching or biting themselves.

NOTE: It's important to consult a Vet to investigate these symptoms as they may indicate other conditions.  

Seasonal or environmental?

There are two primary types of allergies – seasonal and environmental. This goes for humans as well as dogs. 

If your pet is itching during the key allergy seasons (spring, summer and autumn) then chances are they are suffering from a seasonal allergy; if the symptoms continue year-round, it's possible they are reacting to something they regularly come in contact with in their environment, e.g. pet bedding or something in their diet.

Identifying the allergy as season-specific can be tricky in warmer climates where pollen and grasses may continue to proliferate throughout winter.

Food allergies may also present with skin irritation, but are usually differentiated from seasonal allergies by the presence of larger lesions, and sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea and vomiting.

To make it more complicated, allergies can overlap – up to 30% of dogs with a seasonal allergy may also suffer from a food or environmental allergy]. To help identify the origin of your pet’s allergy, consult a healthcare professional specialising in animal care. 

Some of the most common seasonal allergies in dogs include:

  • Tree pollen
  • Grasses & grass pollen
  • Weeds & weed pollen
  • Moulds 

Deeper understanding of holistic allergies

Here's a quick refresher on what allergies are and how they manifest:

The immune system normally does a great job of protecting dogs (and humans) against disease, but sometimes it may overreact. These are known as “hypersensitivity reactions” and are classified into 4 different categories. The first category, Type I or “IgE-Mediated”, is associated with seasonal allergies. Being IgE-mediated means that when the immune system comes across molecules of allergens (e.g. from particular tree pollens), it responds by producing IgE receptors. These IgE receptors then stimulate the release of histamine from other immune cells in an effort to “destroy” the allergen. In the cross-fire, the excessive release of histamine causes the symptoms of a dog's seasonal allergy.

Other factors that may further promote histamine include:

  • Food intolerances
  • Dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria) 
  • Other allergies (e.g. flea allergy)
  • Compromised immune system

Natural remedies for dogs with allergies

There are a range of ways to help free your furry friend from the symptoms of allergy season. These may include; 

Frequent Baths

Washing away allergens may give your pup immediate and long-term relief. When pollens, grasses and moulds get stuck in a dog's fur, they may continue to cause irritation long after the pooch is inside. Using a soothing shampoo formulated for pets may further help to soothe your dog's symptoms. Look for products with oat, aloe vera or chickweed included in the ingredients for nurturing herbal support. 

Washing your dog's paws every time they enter the house may prevent allergens entering into the home. Leave your own shoes at the door to do your part, too!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids may help to strengthen the barrier of the skin and reduce reactivity to seasonal allergens. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in reducing inflammation and may relieve itching, redness and heat from the skin. They can also help strengthen the gut to support general immune function. 

NOTE: Omega-3 supplements may not be appropriate for dogs with compromised immune systems, open wounds, weight problems or medications. Speak to a vet about the best omega-3 source and dosage guidelines for your dog.

Quercetin

Just like in humans, histamine may play a role in allergy symptoms.

Quercetin is an antioxidant that helps to relieve signs of seasonal allergies in dogs by stabilising immune cells and reducing their release of histamine. Quercetin is naturally found in apples which can be sliced and added to food or eaten straight. Avoid the core as it contains toxic compounds. Speak to a vet about quercetin supplements that are safe for your dog.

Probiotics

Probiotics may help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, reduce immune hypersensitivity, soothe inflammation and improve food tolerance. In a recent study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strains were shown to reduce IgE reactivity in dogs. Speak to your vet for the best formulation for your dog's breed, age and condition.

Check the Diet

Food intolerances and allergies may contribute to  seasonal allergies. The most common causes of food allergies in dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken and wheat. Speak to your vet about low-allergy pet food that meets your dog's needs.

References

  1. Mueller, R. S., et al. (2016) Allergens in veterinary medicine. Allergy., 71:1, 27 – 35. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4716287/#all12726-bib-0026
  2. Hensel, P., et al. (2015) Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification. BMC Vet Res., 11, 196. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4531508/
  3. Jensen-Jarolim, E., et al. (2015) Pollen Allergies in Humans and their Dogs, Cats and Horses: Differences and Similarities. Clin Transl Allergy., 5, 15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387677/
  4. Mueller, R. S., et al. (2016) Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res., 12, 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4710035/
  5. Kang, M., et al. (2014) Sensitization rates of causative allergens for dogs with atopic dermatitis: detection of canine allergen-specific IgE. J Vet Sci., 15:4, 545 – 550. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4269597/
  6. Micek, J., et al. (2016) Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response. Molecules., 21:5. http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/21/5/623
  7. Galli, S. J. & Tsai, M. (2012) IgE and mast cells in allergic disease. Nat Med., 18:5, 693 – 704. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3597223/
  8. Toh, Z. G., et al. (2012) Probiotic Therapy as a Novel Approach for Allergic Disease. Front Pharmcol., 3, 171. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448073/#B30
  9. Lenox, C. E. & Bauer, J. E. (2013) Potential Adverse Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dogs and Cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine., 27, 217 – 226. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.12033/full
  10. Mueller, R. A., et al. (2016) Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res., 12, 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4710035/