A Guide for Dog Parents to Combat Seasonal Dog Allergies

June 3, 2024June 6, 2024 by K9 University Chicago

Allergies don’t just happen to humans. They also happen to dogs. Dogs can experience typical allergy symptoms like itching, breakouts, and respiratory issues. No one likes to see their dog suffer. So, is there anything you can do to relieve their discomfort? Seasonal allergies in dogs are not curable, but they are manageable. Read on to learn what you can do to keep your dog’s symptoms under control this allergy season.

What Are Common Dog Allergies?

Dogs may develop allergies due to the following irritants:

Air-based allergens such as pollen, mold spores, and dust mites
Food
Insect bites
Medication

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Chronic ear infections
Itching and biting their coat or skin
Red, inflamed skin
Excessive shedding
Constant paw licking
Boot scoots or anal gland licking
Vomiting and diarrhea related to food allergies

How Are Dog Allergies Treated?

There are various treatments for seasonal allergies in dogs. They vary depending on the nature of the allergy. Here are some common ways to treat allergies in your dogs.

Flea or Insect Bite Allergy

Flea and insect bites may irritate any dog, but some dogs are allergic to the insects’ saliva. You can tell your dog is allergic if he itches himself excessively or develops an infection after a bite.

Dog parents with allergic dogs should promote a flea-free environment with home treatments and preventatives. They may also consult a vet about prescriptions for corticosteroids and antihistamines to relieve symptoms.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a term for allergies that develop due to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold. Affected dogs typically develop symptoms when they are about three. They will rub, lick, and scratch their skin and fur to show their discomfort.

The condition can be treated in various ways as follows:

Anti-inflammatory therapy with drugs like corticosteroids and antihistamines
Hypoallergenic shampoo treatments
Hyposensitization or desensitization therapy (vaccines)
Nutritional Therapy- certain nutrients can improve skin and inflammatory response

Food Allergies

Dogs may develop food allergies to any food protein or carbohydrate. They will experience symptoms like itching, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.

Food allergies do not respond to anti-inflammatory treatments. Owners can only eliminate the food from their diet to prevent symptoms.

It will take some trial and error to determine which food is causing the allergy. Owners must focus on one food for a trial period to figure out the culprit. Allergies could also be due to a medication the dog is taking.

Are Certain Dog Breeds More Prone to Allergies?

Any dog breed can develop allergies. However, they are most likely to occur in the following breeds:

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

It is uncertain why these breeds are most affected by allergies, but certain types of allergies are thought to be inherited. Additionally, there is no evidence that a specific allergy is more likely to occur in a certain dog breed.

Are Dogs More Likely to Develop Allergies at Certain Time of the Year?

Skin allergies are more likely to occur in the spring and summer. Pollen counts are higher during these seasons. Your dog will also go outside more increasing the risk of encountering allergens, fleas, and ticks. Follow these spring grooming tips to keep your pup healthy.

How Grooming Can Prevent Allergies

Grooming can be a preventative measure for common dog allergies. Bathing and brushing will remove allergens from the skin. It will also help you detect skin irritations and infections before they get worse.

Dog grooming can be performed at home, but the experts at K9U understand how to identify allergy-related irritations. We will trim, clean, and brush your dog’s coat to remove allergens. We also provide services like ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail buffing.

Summer is here, and many dogs will be experiencing allergies. Knowing the symptoms and treatments of dog allergies will keep your dog comfortable. K9U can help by providing comprehensive grooming services.