Allergies in Dogs: Remedies & Strategies to Stop the Itching

Dogs secrete proteins that end up in their dander (dead skin), saliva, and urine. An allergic reaction occurs when a sensitive person’s immune system reacts abnormally to the usually harmless proteins. Different breeds produce different dander, so it’s possible to be more allergic to some dogs than others.The allergen eventually finds its way into the animal’s fur. From there, it collects in carpets, on clothing, on walls, and between couch cushions. The pet hair itself is not an allergen, but the hair can hold dust and dander.Pet dander can remain airborne for long periods of time as well. It can eventually find its way into your eyes or lungs.

When your dog has allergies, it is not only uncomfortable for them, but it can also be distracting to you, as their owner. You see your pet licking, scratching, and biting their feet, limbs, and tail and you feel helpless in your efforts to stop the itch. Often called “Canine AD”, Canine Atopic Dermatitis shows itself in the form of scaly, dry skin, scabbing of the inflamed area, and hair loss. Your dog may have ear infections and be rubbing their face and eyes. Secondary infection can set in if your pooch digs and scratches too hard, and this can lead to more pain and a long recovery period.

Your dog may be allergic to something in their environment such as pollens and grass, or cedar chips in their bedding. Contact allergens can cause skin reactions, too, and can be products like the carpet deodorizer you use or medications like pyrethrins in flea collars. An allergy to an ingredient in your dog’s food can cause symptoms like diarrhea along with skin issues. Flea allergy dermatitis is another instigator of inflamed itchy skin.

Symptoms of dog allergies

The symptoms of a dog allergy may range from mild to severe. Symptoms may not appear for several days after exposure in people with low sensitivity.

Some clues you may be allergic to dogs include:

• swelling and itching in the membranes of the nose or around the eyes
• redness of the skin after being licked by a dog
• coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure to allergens
• rash on the face, neck, or chest
• a severe asthma attack (in someone with asthma)

Children with dog allergies will often develop eczema in addition to the above symptoms. Eczema is a painful inflammation of the skin.

Testing for Dog Allergies

Your doctor can do either a skin test or a blood test that will detect allergen-specific IgE (Immunoglobulin E) to find out if you have dog allergies. Even if you’re pretty certain that you’re allergic, testing is always a good idea. Some people who assume that they have dog allergies turn out not to have them. Instead, they’re allergic to the pollen or mold that the dog is carrying in on its coat from outside.

While allergy tests are helpful, they’re not always conclusive. So if you own a dog, your doctor might want you to try living without it for a while to see how you do. To get a good sense of your symptoms, it might take some extended time apart. It often takes months before the level of dander in the house drops down to a level resembling that of a house without a dog.

 What are the types of skin allergies in dogs?

Contact Allergies

These are caused when your dog’s skin comes into direct contact with an allergen, such as certain chemicals, plants, fabrics, or metals. The allergic reaction may be immediate or delayed. Common signs include localized redness, swelling, hair loss, and itchiness. If your dog has a contact allergy, you’ll likely notice the symptoms appearing in the area where the allergen came into contact with the skin.

Food Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to certain ingredients in their food. The most common food allergens for dogs are proteins, such as beef or chicken, soy, wheat gluten and other grains. Signs of a food allergy can include itchiness (often around the face), gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea), and ear infections. If you think your dog may have a food allergy, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a hypoallergenic diet.

Environmental Allergies

Environmental allergies are caused by airborne irritants like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They are also known as atopic dermatitis or atopy. Signs of environmental allergies include excessive itching (often without any visible rash), chewing and licking of the feet, “hot spots” (areas of moistened and broken skin), and ear infections.

Treatment for skin allergies will vary depending on the cause, but severe cases may include antihistamines, steroids, or immunotherapy.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Another common skin condition is the Flea allergy dermatitis, also known as flea bite hypersensitivity, which is a condition that causes dogs to develop an allergic reaction to the saliva of fleas. When a dog is bitten by a flea, he or she reacts to the proteins in the flea’s saliva, which causes intense irritation and inflammation of the skin. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common type of flea allergy in dogs and can be very uncomfortable for affected animals. While any dog can develop flea allergy dermatitis, certain breeds are more susceptible to the condition. These include dogs with short coats, such as Boxers and Bulldogs, as well as those with sensitive skin. Flea allergy dermatitis can occur at any time of year, but is most common in the spring and summer months when fleas are most active.

Symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis can vary from mild to severe and may include itching, redness, hair loss, and scabbing. In severe cases, dogs may also develop secondary infections of the skin due to scratching and biting at their irritated skin. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from flea allergy dermatitis, it is important to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for flea allergy dermatitis typically involves two parts: eliminating existing fleas from your dog’s environment and preventing future infestations.

Allergies caused by Ticks

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to the skin of their host. Although they are commonly associated with dogs, they can also infect other animals, including humans. Ticks are known to transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. They can also cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. Symptoms of a tick allergy in dogs include itching, biting or chewing at the site of the bite, hair loss, and red, inflamed skin. If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet for treatment. In severe cases, a tick allergy can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

 How to treat dog allergies

The only surefire way to get rid of a pet allergy is to remove the pet from your home. There are, however, ways to minimize your exposure to allergens and lessen your symptoms if you don’t want to part with Fluffy.

Medications

Here are some medications and treatments that can help you manage allergies and asthma:

• Antihistamines are over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, and Clarinex OTC that can help relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
• Nasal corticosteroids such as Flonase (now available over the counter) or Nasonex may reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
• Cromolyn sodium is an OTC nasal spray that may help reduce symptoms, especially if it’s used before they develop.
• Decongestants make it easier to breathe by shrinking swollen tissues in the nasal passage. These are available in oral form or as a nasal spray.
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) expose you to the animal protein (allergen) that’s causing the reaction and help your body become less sensitive, reducing symptoms. Shots are given by an allergist and are often used in more severe cases for long-term treatment.
• Leukotriene modifiers are prescription medications that may be recommended if you can’t tolerate nasal antihistamines or corticosteroids. Due to the risk of severe behavioral and mood changesTrusted Source, montelukast (Singulair) will only be used if there aren’t any suitable alternatives.

Natural remedies

Some people with dog allergies may find that a saline (salt water) rinse daily to clear nasal passages of allergens can help. A “nasal lavage” can control symptoms such as congestion and postnasal drip.

OTC saline sprays and nasal lavage kits are readily available. You can also make your own by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of table salt with distilled water.

Lifestyle changes

There are several things dog owners can do around the home to reduce allergens. They include:

• setting up dog-free zones (certain rooms, such as a bedroom, where the dog is not allowed)
• bathing the dog weekly using a pet-friendly shampoo (done by a non-allergic person)
• removing carpeting, upholstered furniture, horizontal blinds, curtains, and any other items that may attract dander
• using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers to reduce airborne allergens in the home
• keeping the dog outside (only in certain climates in a well-contained area and under humane conditions)
• looking into hypoallergenic dog breeds
• using a trial period when introducing a new pet to the family to assess family members’ reactions to the new dog

Allergies can be managed but not cured. Your veterinarian can help to determine the cause of the allergies and prescribe ways to deal with them, but sometimes you may need a little extra help with calming the itch. There are many natural remedies to help your dog find relief from the symptoms. These home-based treatments are designed to work alongside the protocol that the veterinarian has put in place for your furry companion. Continue to follow your vet’s instructions and discuss the use of these suggested remedies as an aid in itch relief.

Apple Cider Vinegar

No doubt, you have probably heard all the hype about the millions of uses for apple cider vinegar. It is not expensive and naturally soothes skin, while warding off fleas. You can either put a diluted solution in a spray bottle and spray it on your dog’s skin or put a couple of cups into a warm bath for your pet. This type of vinegar does have a bitter smell to it, so if you take the bath route, you might want to rinse their fur after they have had a good soak. When using the spray bottle, part the hair on the affected area, trying to avoid spraying the fur.

Vitamin E and Fish Oils Combo

Vitamin E is known to be a beneficial oil when applied to the human skin. The same properties are found when used on itchy canine skin. Break a capsule open and apply directly to the inflamed area. You can also add a capsule to your dog’s food at mealtime as a supplemental way to add nutrients to their diet and boost their immune system. Many pet parents will include fish oil blends, too made from cold water, wild-caught, oily fish. A capsule with a blend of sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring is supposed to be one of the top mixes for calming the skin and reducing the effects of allergies. Salmon, pollock, cod liver, and krill oil are other fish oil supplements to try.

Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal is a natural moisturizer that is gentle and safe on your dog’s skin. An oatmeal bath can often give a dog with itchy skin immediate relief. Blend a cup of oatmeal in the blender until it becomes fine like a powder. Add it to your furry companion’s bath; pour the water over them (avoiding the eyes and face) for ten minutes. If your dog wants to lay down in the tub for a good soak, allow them to but supervise them. Rinse out the oatmeal preparation and gently towel them dry.

Yogurt

Every dog loves a treat or a change in flavor at mealtime. Add a tablespoon of this tasty food to your dog’s meal to help build an immune system that can fight off yeast and bacteria. The yogurt you buy for this purpose must be plain, free of xylitol or other sweeteners, and be probiotic. Dogs can handle yogurt well, unless they have an intolerance to lactose. Start slow, adding a small amount per day. If your dog has diarrhea after trying the yogurt, look for another way to benefit the skin.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is sometimes used by veterinarians in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. It is administered orally to relax muscles and prevent spasms. As well, chamomile tea has healing properties when applied to the skin as a spray. Boil the tea and let it cool in the refrigerator. Gently spray inflamed areas of your dog’s itchy skin for immediate and cooling relief. For irritated paws, let your dog rest their feet in a bowl of cold tea.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salt is not really salt. This healing compound is a mineral combination of sulfate and magnesium. Used for healing wounds, they also relieve the itch of allergic dermatitis. A canine who loves baths can soak for five minutes twice a day in a tub of water mixed with 1/2 cup of Epsom salts. If your pooch is not a fan of the tub, soak a washcloth with the mix and hold it on the inflamed area for soothing and healing.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is full of good fats that can benefit a pup in many ways. Not only is the oil used as an oral supplement for metabolic function and bone health, but it also can be used as a topical aid to itchiness. Massage the oil into your pet’s skin for relief from hot spots that can develop due to constant licking and biting at the skin. Using the oil as a lotion can also soothe inflammation and soothe sore footpads.

Food Additives

There are several beneficial additives that you can safely put in your pet’s food. Occasionally a vet will recommend that a dog who typically eats kibble be given moist dog food as a way to add water to the diet. Adding lecithin granules, spirulina, kelp powder, nutritional yeast or alfalfa to the wet food can aid in the reduction of itchiness and at the same time, provide nutritional additions to your dog’s dish. Speak to your vet or a trained canine nutritionist about how you can use these products to help your companion.

Dealing with your dog’s atopic dermatitis can be frustrating to both you and your best furry friend. There are other tips you can try as you work toward a comfortable and happy life for your dog. Keep their skin clean and free of debris. Have them wear doggy booties and a sweater if environmental allergies are evident. If the weather is too warm for a coat, wipe them down with a damp cloth when they come in.

Your Environment and Dog Allergies

Most allergists agree that although medication may help, the best way to control dog allergies is to avoid contact with dogs. Here are some tips:

• Keep your distance. Don’t touch, pet, or kiss a dog. As best you can, avoid going to homes with dogs. If you have to stay in a house with a dog, ask if it can be kept out of the room in which you’ll sleep for a few months before your arrival.
• Use your medicine. If you know that you’ll be coming into contact with a dog soon, start taking your medicine a few weeks ahead of time. By taking medication preventatively, you might stop an allergic reaction before it starts.
• Be wary of visitors who own dogs. Dog dander can cling to clothing and luggage. So even if your house guests leave their dogs at home, they can bring the dander with them — and that can cause you a lot of trouble.

Of course, some of the above advice won’t help that much if you already have a dog in your home. Even then, there are still things you can do:

• Clean fanatically. Dog dander can get everywhere. So you need to sweep and mop the floors, vacuum rugs, and clean furniture regularly. If possible, get a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Regular vacuum filters can’t catch the allergens and just send them back into the air.
• Make your home easier to clean. Pull up the carpet. Get rid of the rugs and drapes. Ditch the dusty, overstuffed furniture. Reducing the number of items that can catch dust and dander can help with your dog allergy symptoms.
• Filter the air. Central heat and air conditioning can push dog dander into every room in your house — even those that the dog isn’t allowed in. A central air cleaner — as well as filters on the vents themselves — can help.
• Keep the dog out of your bedroom. Since you spend a third of every day in the bedroom, it’s key to keep it as free of dog dander as possible. A closed door won’t completely seal out the allergens, but it will help.
• Don’t give the dog free rein. Protect yourself by making other areas of the house dog-free too. Depending on the climate and surroundings, you can also consider keeping the dog outside as much as possible.

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

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