subject: Seasonal allergies in dogs, testing and treatment options [print this page] Inhaled allergies, or atopy, is common in dogs in Arizona. The average age of onset is 1-2 years in dogs. Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental stimuli such as dust, pollen, and dander. Allergies may have worsened here in Arizona when large numbers of people moved here from out of state and brought their non native plants, flowers, and trees with them. In Arizona's arid environment, the pollen from these transplanted flowers and trees is super aerosolized, exposing pets and people to greater numbers and a larger variety of allergens.
Allergies cause inflammation primarily of the skin of dogs. The most common symptom of allergies in dogs is itching. Dogs lick, scratch, and chew on themselves. Their feet, armpits, groin, face and ears are the areas most affected.
Secondary skin infections, ear infections, and conjunctivitis occur because of the body's inflammatory response to allergens as well as a result of self-trauma from scratching. The normal bacterial flora of the skin overgrows when the skin is inflamed from allergies. In order for allergy treatment to be effective, these secondary infections should also be addressed. Antibiotics, eye drops and ear ointments are commonly prescribed by a veterinarian for the allergic dog.
Skin testing is recommended to rule out other causes of itching and also to diagnose concomitant skin issues that complicate the allergic dog's condition. Skin tests look for bacteria, yeast, external parasites, and fungus like ringworm.
Allergy testing measures the specific allergens that are causing a dog's atopic condition. This test can be performed with a blood sample or directly in the skin with an intradermal (scratch) test. Once allergies are confirmed, some allergens can be avoided. For allergens that are unavoidable, a hyposensitizing serum can be formulated and given by injection. This is similar to allergy shots in people. Hyposensitization or immunotherapy is about 70% effective in dogs.
For mild allergy symptoms, a combination of antihistamines, omega 3 fatty acids and shampoo therapy can be very effective. Benedryl (1 tablet/25# twice daily) and chlorpheniramine (1 tablet/20# twice daily) are readily available over the counter antihistamines. Omega 3 fatty acids include fish oil, flax seed oil, and salmon oil. Omega 3 fatty acids are antiinflammatory for the skin and other organs. Hypoallergenic oatmeal based shampoos and conditioners can be used once or twice a week. Shampooing essentially rinses the offending allergens off the skin of the atopic dog. There are also prescription hypoallergenic oatmeal based shampoos and conditioners that contain antihistamines and cortisone-like ingredients for moderate to severe itching. A veterinarian may also prescribe an antibacterial or antifungal shampoo for the secondary skin infections commonly seen in allergic dogs.
Severe allergies in dogs may require the big guns like steroids. Corticosteroids are antiinflammatory and suppress the allergic dog's overactive immune system. Steroids, like prednisone, can be very effective for allergic symptoms in dogs, but have some inherent risks. Possible side effects include drinking a lot, urinating frequently, panting, increased appetite, and weight gain. More severe, although rare, side effects are usually associated with long term chronic use of steroids. These include diabetes, liver disease, and Cushings disease. For these reasons, steroids are used at the lowest and most infrequent dose possible to control symptoms and periodic blood testing is done to monitor for adverse effects.
Cyclosporin or Atopica is a nonsteroidal prescription medication for allergies in dogs. Like steroids, it suppresses the dog's overactive immune response to allergens, but has fewer side effects.
Allergies in dogs commonly manifest as itching. Allergies are definitively diagnosed with skin testing and allergy testing. Allergies can only be controlled, not cured. Dogs with allergies may require some form of therapy for life. Treatment for allergies usually includes a combination of medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids or cyclosporin, omega 3 fatty acids, immunotherapy and shampoo therapy.
Seasonal allergies in dogs, testing and treatment options
