Springtime, with its blossoming flowers and fresh breezes, can be a beautiful season, but for many people and their pets, it comes with the discomfort of seasonal allergies. Pets, much like humans, can suffer from airborne allergies, known as Atopy or Canine Atopic Dermatitis, affecting about 10% to 15% of cats and dogs. While humans typically experience itchy eyes, sinus congestion, and a runny nose, pets often exhibit skin-related symptoms. Here’s an overview of seasonal allergies in pets and some strategies to help your furry friend find relief.

Overview of Seasonal Allergies in Pets

Seasonal allergies in pets are often triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and grass. These allergens penetrate the skin and activate an immune response, leading to inflammation and itching. Certain breeds are more prone to developing these allergies due to genetic predisposition.

Dog breeds predisposed to developing allergies include:

• Boston Terriers
• Boxers
• Chinese Shar-Peis
• Dalmatians
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Lhasa Apsos
• Scottish Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• West Highland White Terriers
• Wirehaired Fox Terriers

Cat breeds predisposed to developing allergies include:

• Abyssinians
• Devon Rex
• Domestic Shorthaired

Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Pets

Common signs of seasonal allergies in pets include:

• Itching: Pets with allergies often scratch, bite, and rub their skin excessively.
• Skin Lesions: Continuous scratching can lead to skin injuries and secondary infections.
• Hair Loss: Itching can cause significant hair loss in affected areas.
• Paw Licking: Pets may lick their paws excessively, as this area is often affected.
• Scooting or Licking the Anal Region: Pets might scoot or lick under their tails due to irritation.
• Ear Infections: Allergic pets are more prone to ear infections.
• Respiratory Issues: Some pets, especially cats, might experience respiratory symptoms such as coughing or wheezing.

Diagnosing Seasonal Allergies in Pets

There’s no definitive test for diagnosing seasonal allergies in pets, but certain indicators can point to this condition:

• Early Onset: Dogs usually develop symptoms between 1 and 3 years of age.
• Affected Areas: Seasonal allergies can cause itching anywhere, but the paws, ear flaps, around the eyes and mouth, armpits, abdomen, and anal region are most commonly affected.
• Seasonality: Symptoms that appear only during certain seasons suggest seasonal allergies.
• Response to Steroids: Pets with seasonal allergies typically respond well to steroid treatment.

Managing Seasonal Allergies in Pets

Managing seasonal allergies in pets often requires a combination of treatments tailored to each pet’s needs:

Flea Control: Pets with seasonal allergies are at a higher risk for flea bite dermatitis, so year-round flea control is crucial.

• Allergen Avoidance: Minimize your pet’s exposure to allergens by dusting and vacuuming frequently, using air filters, and keeping pets indoors during high pollen times.
• Bathing: Regular baths with a calming shampoo can help remove allergens from your pet’s skin and coat. Avoid over-bathing, as it can dry out the skin; instead, wipe your pet’s coat with a damp cloth between baths.
• Medications:
  • Steroids can control acute flare-ups but should be used cautiously due to side effects.
  • Antihistamines and anti-itch medications can provide relief, though their effectiveness varies.
  • Antimicrobials may be necessary to treat secondary skin infections.
• Omega-3 Supplements: Omega fatty acids found in many fish oil supplements are another way to relieve itchy skin or prevent skin infection. Plus, they’ll help strengthen and soften your pet’s coat. They act to reduce inflammation but they take several weeks to become effective.
• Hyposensitization Therapy: Allergy shots, based on specific allergen tests, can desensitize pets over time, though they require 6 to 12 months to show results.

Please have us examine your pet before giving them medications. Some common human medications can be lethal to your pets including anything that contains pseudoephedrine (like Claritin-D). Even small amounts of pseudoephedrine can be lethal in dogs.

Conclusion

If your pet shows signs of seasonal allergies, please consult us to identify the allergens and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Early intervention and a tailored approach can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life, helping them enjoy the beauty of spring without the discomfort of allergies.

References:

1. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/allergies-in-dogs