Environmental Allergies in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide

If your dog is constantly licking his paws, scratching, or experiencing recurring skin and ear infections, he or she may be suffering from environmental allergies. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the details of environmental allergies in dogs and offer expert advice to help you effectively manage these allergies and keep your dog comfortable all year round.

What Are Environmental Allergies in Dogs?

Environmental allergies(also known as atopic dermatitis) in dogs are immune-mediated reactions to everyday substances that wouldn’t normally cause a response in most dogs. These allergens can be seasonal (like pollen) or present year-round (like dust mites). Environmental allergies in dogs are due to a genetic predisposition. Dogs with a genetic predisposition to allergies have an overactive immune system that identifies these harmless substances as threats, triggering an allergic reaction.

Difference Between Food Allergies and Environmental Allergies

While food allergies involve a reaction to proteins in the diet, environmental allergies are caused by external triggers. Food allergies often result in digestive issues alongside skin problems, whereas environmental allergies primarily cause skin and respiratory symptoms.

Common Allergens in Dogs’ Environment

Outdoor Allergens(pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, mold spores, dust from soil)

• Pollen: A major seasonal trigger, with tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in summer, and weed pollen in fall.

• Mold spores: Thrive in damp environments, such as piles of leaves or areas with standing water.

• Dust from soil: Dogs who love to dig or roll in the dirt may stir up dust that triggers allergies.

Indoor Allergens(dust mites, cleaning products, smoke, household fabrics)

• Dust mites: Microscopic bugs that thrive in carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture.

• Cleaning products: Strong chemicals in sprays, floor cleaners, and detergents can irritate sensitive skin.

• Smoke and chemical fumes: Cigarette smoke, wood stoves, and scented candles can be allergy triggers.

• Fabrics and materials: Some dogs react to synthetic fibers or household materials like carpet and drapes.

Breeds More Susceptible to Environmental Allergies

Some dog breeds have a higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis, including:

• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Boxers
• Bulldogs
• Terriers (West Highland White Terriers, Boston Terriers)
• Dalmatians

Symptoms of Environmental Allergies

Environmental allergies in dogs can manifest in several ways, depending on the severity of the reaction and the specific allergens involved.

Skin-Related Symptoms:

• Itchy skin (pruritus), especially on the paws, belly, face, and ears
• Redness and inflammation
  
• Recurrent hot spots (moist, inflamed sores)
• Hair loss, excessive licking, and chewing

Respiratory Symptoms:

• Sneezing, hay fever
  
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Coughing (less common)

Ear Infections:

• Recurrent ear infections
• Head shaking and ear scratching
  
• Odor or discharge from the ears

Environmental allergies often present seasonally(also known as seasonal allergies in dogs) or year-round, depending on the allergens involved.

How to Diagnose Environmental Allergies in Dogs

Noticing the above symptoms does not necessarily mean that a dog has environmental allergies, since many other health issues share these symptoms. A professional diagnosis is recommended to establish a reliable diagnosis and develop a customised treatment plan.

Veterinary Exam and Skin Evaluation:

Your veterinarian will start with a thorough exam and history. They’ll ask about:

• When symptoms occur (seasonal or year-round)
• Severity and progression
• Any recent changes in diet, environment, outdoors/indoor activities, or home cleaning products

Ruling Out Other Causes:

Before diagnosing environmental allergies, your vet will rule out:

• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
• Food allergies
• Skin infections (bacterial or fungal)
• Parasites like mites or lice

Intradermal Skin Testing (IDST):

The gold standard for diagnosing environmental allergies. Small amounts of allergens are injected under the skin to identify reactions.

Serum Allergy Testing (Blood Tests):

Blood tests (such as IgE testing) can identify environmental allergens. While less precise than IDST, they are often used for convenience.

At-Home Allergy Tests:

Some companies offer at-home kits, but these are not considered 100% reliable and should not replace veterinary testing.

Managing Environmental Allergies in Dogs

Environmental allergies are usually lifelong, but symptoms can be managed with a combination of avoidance, medication, and supportive care. Some dogs respond well to immunotherapy, which can reduce the severity of allergies over time. With proper management, most dogs with environmental allergies can still enjoy happy, healthy lives. Here comes the details of management:

Avoidance Strategies:

• Regularly clean your dog’s bedding and vacuum carpets to reduce dust mites.
• Use air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens.
• Wipe your dog’s paws and coat after outdoor activities.
• Bathe your dog with a hypoallergenic shampoo to remove pollen and irritants.

Medications and Treatments:

• Antihistamines: Like Benadryl or cetirizine (consult your vet for proper dosage).
• Corticosteroids: Such as prednisone, which reduce inflammation but have side effects with long-term use.
• Cytopoint® and Apoquel®: Modern, targeted medications that help manage itchiness and inflammation with fewer side effects.
• Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): Allergy-specific immunotherapy can desensitize your dog’s immune system to allergens over time.

Topical Therapies:

• Medicated shampoos containing oatmeal, aloe, or ceramides soothe and restore the skin barrier.
  
  The plant-added Hypoallergenic Shampoo helps dogs' and cats' skin health and helps improve fur problems. It is Suitable for dandruff, itching, skin problems, etc. Designed to address allergies and itching in dogs, this Puainta® Banov Shampoo is ideal for dogs with environmental allergies!
  
  
  
• Wipes and sprays with anti-itch or antimicrobial properties can reduce inflammation in the skin or ears. Or apply natural eye drops to relieve watery eyes.
  
  Puainta® Quantum Silver Anti-itch Skin Spray provides immediate relief from itching caused by environmental allergies without stinging. It also deodorises and helps to relieve fungal and bacterial skin infections caused by secondary infections resulting from environmental allergies.
  
  
  

Diet and Supplements:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or supplements) help reduce inflammation.
• Probiotics can improve skin health by supporting the gut microbiome.

Regular Grooming:

• Frequent brushing removes allergens trapped in the coat.
• Keep your dog’s coat clean and healthy to reduce allergic reactions.
  

Preventing Environmental Allergies and Flare-Ups

Since most environmental allergens are airborne, it is difficult to prevent environmental allergies in dogs entirely. However, there are some daily care tips that can help to reduce allergens in your dog's environment.

• Track seasonal pollen levels and limit outdoor activities during peak allergy seasons.
• Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water.
• Clean floors, furniture, and air vents regularly. Keep it clean to avoid allergens. Use an air purifier and vacuum cleaner. Do this regularly.
• Choose hypoallergenic cleaning products and avoid strong fragrances.
• Keep your yard well-maintained to reduce weed pollen and mold growth.

FAQ

How do you treat environmental allergies in dogs?

It is not recommended to treat environmental allergies in dogs at home without the guidance of a vet. Here are some common measures your vet may employ to manage environmental allergies: avoid allergens through cleaning and lifestyle adjustments; use vet-recommended medications like antihistamines, steroids, or newer drugs like Cytopoint® and Apoquel®; immunotherapy can desensitize your dog’s immune system; topical treatments and dietary supplements support skin health.

How do I know if my dog is allergic to the environment?

You can look for seasonal or persistent itching, redness, paw licking, ear infections, and watery eyes in dogs at home. However, it is still recommended that you take your dog to the vet. A vet can help confirm the diagnosis through examinations and allergy testing.

What is my dog allergic to in my house?

Common indoor allergens: dust mites, mold, cleaning chemicals, synthetic fabrics, and smoke. Considering these possible allergens and reducing exposure to help manage symptoms.

How long do environmental allergies last in dogs?

They’re usually lifelong, but symptoms can be controlled with proper treatment and environmental management.

What months are the worst for dog allergies?

It's hard to say which months are the worst for dog allergies since some environmental allergens can be seasonal while some others can be year-round. Here are common allergens in different periods: Spring→tree pollen; Summer→grass pollen; Fall→weed pollen; Year-round→indoor allergens like dust mites.