Navigating Allergy Season with Your Canine Companion: Recognizing and Managing Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
By Jackie LaGinestra
As flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, many of us brace ourselves for the onslaught of seasonal allergies. Yet, while we reach for tissues and antihistamines at the first sign of a sniffle, our canine companions silently endure similar struggles without the ability to vocalize their discomfort. Understanding how to recognize and address seasonal allergies in dogs is crucial for their health and happiness.
So, how can we decipher the subtle signs and offer relief to our furry friends?
Let's explore the world of canine allergies together, from identifying symptoms to implementing effective treatments, ensuring our beloved pets can frolic through every season with joy and ease.
Signs your dog has allergies
Dogs experience a lot of their reactions through their skin, showing signs such as scratching their sides, biting and licking their paws, and scooting their hind end. These allergic signs are usually seasonal, but can also be seen all year depending on the allergen your dog is exposed to.
While some dog breeds are predisposed to developing allergies, such as Labrador retrievers, Shih Tzus, and terriers, any breed can be allergic. Since the major signs that can be seen are scratching and licking, these dogs are predisposed to secondary infections such as ear and skin infections.
Allergic signs begin because a substance, known as an allergen, causing your pet’s immune system to overreact. These substances can be seen in both outdoor and indoor environments, and are substances such as grasses, pollens, dust mites, and molds. While such substances such as grasses are harmless to most dogs, some dogs have hypersensitive immune systems which can cause your pet to have allergic symptoms.
How to treat your dog
With new medicine, there are many treatment options, including allergy shots, allergy pills, anti-histamines, and immunotherapy options.
Wiping down your itchy pets’ feet when they come in from the outdoors and bathing them when possible is always good practice to remove allergens from their coat. Certain studies also show the benefit of omega fatty acid supplements on the skin barrier. In more severe cases, some dogs need steroids or immune suppressants. Besides for seasonal allergies, there are other reasons why your pet may be showing signs that mimic allergic signs, such as scratching. Skin infections can cause a dog to be very itchy with inflamed skin.
Dogs can also itch due to ectoparasites, such as fleas, so it is very important to keep your pet up to date on flea and tick preventatives, as a way to rule out your pet being itchy from ectoparasites.
Since there is no perfect blood test to determine what your pet is allergic to, it is important to consult with your veterinarian as diagnosis can be based on age, breed, signs and/or seasonality of signs, exclusion of other conditions, and response to treatment. Your veterinarian may even refer you to a dermatologist with the goal of intradermal skin testing to come up with immunotherapy (specific allergy shots for your pet’s offending allergens).
Understanding and addressing seasonal allergies in our furry friends is vital for their well-being and comfort. By recognizing the signs, seeking veterinary guidance, and implementing appropriate treatments, we can help alleviate their discomfort and improve their quality of life.
Remember, each dog is unique, and treatment plans may vary based on individual needs. So, consult with your veterinarian to tailor a plan that best suits your canine companion, ensuring they can enjoy each season to the fullest, itch-free and happy.
Jacqueline LaGinestra and her father, Victor LaGinestra are members of the East Williston community and are local veterinarians, working at the Animal Hospital of Roslyn at 212 Mineola Avenue in Roslyn Heights.
