The answer is Yes!
If you didn't know that answer please know you are not alone.
Novartis Animal Health, conducted research that found over half of pet owners aren't aware their pets can also spend the spring season feeling miserable thanks to pollens and other environmental allergens.
If you have ever experienced seasonal allergies you wouldn't wish it on any one, especially your pet!
Unfortunately changing seasons will often cause allergies to flare up and for some dogs, this also means the start of feeling absolutely miserable.
Seasonal allergies in dogs are referred to as Canine Atopic Dermatitis, or Canine Atopy, and make up one of the most common allergic skin diseases, second only to flea allergy dermatitis. This chronic skin disease is associated with an inflammatory allergic reaction that can be extremely uncomfortable to a dog and also alarming to its owner. It must be so frustrating for them, as a pet, to not be able to tell you.
"What happened to my dog's skin and why won't they stop itching?"
Canine Atopic Dermatitis occurs when allergens are absorbed, inhaled, or ingested through the dog’s skin. Once this happens, the immune system produces an antibody that releases chemicals that cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy.
COMMON ALLERGEN SOURCES
- Animal dander
- Airborne pollens from grasses, weeds, trees, flowers
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
Since your pet is unable to tell you that they feel miserable and ask for some medicine. You will have to notice their behavioral changes and signs that they may be suffering from Atopic Dermatitis.
BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS OF CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Extreme itchiness, rubbing, scratching and licking of sides, belly, groin, elbows. Watery runny eyes, scratching at and rubbing ears and face against furniture, carpet, and ground. Biting at the base of their tail. Licking and chewing feet and pads. Snoring due to a swollen throat and sneezing. These signs can lead to these symptoms
- Skin: Reddened, possibly with crusts or scales, odor
- Haircoat: Bald spots, brown discoloration from licking
- Ears: Waxy discharge, redness, odor
- Face: Reddened with hair loss on muzzle, chin, and areas around eyes
- Feet: Inflammation, redness, odor, brown discoloration from licking
- Secondary skin infections caused as the result of chewing and scratching
- Hair loss due to scratching and rubbing
Do all Dog's suffer from seasonal allergies?
I have seen every type of dog experience some sort of allergy including seasonal allergies, so my answer would be any dog breed can develop allergies at any time during his life. But allergic reactions seem to be especially common in Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, and flat-faced (brachio cephalic) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston terriers.
Common Treatments for Canine Atopic Dermatitis
As the saying goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
I recommend weekly bathing to help relieve itching and remove environmental allergens and pollens from your dog’s skin. Discuss with your vet what prescription shampoos are best, as frequent bathing with the wrong product can dry out skin. I recommend these products :Aloe and Oatmeal shampoo and conditioner, AntiSeptic KC Shampoo, Malaseb shampoo and KetoHex Shampoo. These products may help prevent skin infection, which occurs commonly in dogs with allergies. Sprays containing oatmeal, aloe and other natural products are also available and can be helpful.
Fatty acid supplements might help relieve your dog’s itchy skin. Such as Omega Tri V and Triglyceride Omega.
In the case of airborne allergens, your dog may benefit from Allergy Shots (Depomedrol). These will help your pet develop resistance to the offending agent, instead of just masking the itch.
On the other hand in some cases, no amount of bathing, supplements and allergy shots will cure your pet's atopic dermatitis. In these instances Veterinarian's usually recommend.
- Corticosteroids like Prednisone,
- Anti Histamines, Hydroxyzine, chlorpheniramine and Benadryl, ask your veterinarian first
- Allergy testing and immunotherapy
- I have had great success with Apoquel and Atopica
Why it is important to treat Atopic Dermatitis ASAP?
I know I have suffered through allergy season without really treating my symptoms, especially consistently taking allergy medicine. But here is why you should treat your dog's allergies.
Allergies in your pets can lead to skin infections, hair loss, lick granulomas and Bronchitis.
Hot Spots can develop in dogs (hot spots are rarely seen in cats). A hot spot is inflamed, infected skin that occurs when your dog's natural bacteria overwhelms an area of his skin. Typically the skin will be very red, and often there is bleeding and hair loss.
Chronic exposure to inhaled irritants (including cigarette smoke) may be a cause of bronchitis in your pet. Bronchitis is characterized by a persistent cough due to inflammation of the airway and excessive mucus production. Treatment may include medication to open breathing passages, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents. Treating these can be expensive.
As soon as you realize your pet may be suffering from allergies see your Veterinarian for a check up. The more your pet is exposed to the allergens he's sensitive to, the more intense and long-lasting his allergic response becomes. I have seen seasonal allergies turn into year long allergies. By treating your pet's allergies early (as early as 6 months old) you reduce the risk that your pet 's immune system produces these allergy fighting antibodies for a more prolonged time. Plus your pet will feel so much better and thank you.
To your Pet's good health,
Dr. Barry
Resources:
Henry Schein Health
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/allergies-dogs#1
