What age do dog allergies start

Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

What Are Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?

Dogs can be allergic to various things in the environment, such as pollen from trees and grass. If a dog displays allergy symptoms only during certain seasons, such as spring and fall, a seasonal allergy rather than a year-round allergy is suspected. This means that the dog is allergic to allergens that are in the environment only during certain times of the year.

Dogs with seasonal allergies can be itchy in specific areas, such as their paws, or be itchy all over. They can also have recurring ear infections and skin infections when they are exposed to various environmental allergens at certain times during the year.

Seasonal allergies are different from year-round environmental allergies and food allergies because symptoms are observed only during specific times of the year, depending on what the dog is allergic to and when the specific allergens are prevalent in the environment. In contrast, dogs with year-round allergies will have skin issues all year long.

Most dogs with seasonal allergies have symptoms during the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), but this can vary based on weather and location.

Types of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

The following allergens commonly cause seasonal allergies in dogs:

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Symptoms will vary depending upon the dog, but may include:

• Excessive licking, usually of the paws, but the licking can be anywhere on the body

• Saliva staining of the fur where the dog is licking the skin excessively

• Chewing/gnawing

• Scratching

• Hair loss

• Redness of the skin

• Crusts

• Moist skin

• Darkening of the skin (black pigmented skin)

• Thickening of the skin (elephant skin)

• Odor to the skin or ears

• Head shaking

• Pawing at the ears, eyes, or face

• Recurring scooting or licking of the anus due to anal sacs becoming problematic secondary to allergies

• Watery eyes

• Reverse sneezing

The most common areas of a dogs body that are affected by seasonal allergies are the paws (especially between the digits), limbs, mouth, ears, abdomen, groin, armpits, tail, and around the eyes.

Causes of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

A dog that suffers from seasonal allergies has an immune system that is hypersensitive to specific allergens in the environment. When the levels of the allergens become high, the dogs immune system becomes triggered, leading to an allergic response and the development of symptoms.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Seasonal allergies are diagnosed based on physical exam findings, symptoms, and a history of having recurring symptoms and infections during the same seasons annually.

Other skin conditions that can cause similar symptoms must also be ruled out, such as skin mites, fleas, or a food allergy, to reach a diagnosis of seasonal allergies. If fleas are found on a dog with symptoms of severe itchiness, redness, and hair loss, then a flea allergy is diagnosed and the dog is started on effective flea and tick prevention and anti-itch medication to see if symptoms resolve.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Seasonal allergies are a chronic condition, which means there is no cure. However, there are ways to treat and manage symptoms to keep your dog comfortable, including:

• Year-round flea and tick prevention such as NexGard, Simparica, Bravecto, Seresto collar,and K9 Advantix II

• Anti-itch medications such as Apoquel, Cytopoint, and prednisone are prescribed to alleviate any current itchiness and to manage the itch during flare-ups. If the itch can be controlled, the dog will remain comfortable and be at less risk for secondary skin infections.

• Once the allergy seasons are determined for a dog based on prior history, the anti-itch medication is started one month prior to the start of the allergy season and continued one month past when the allergy season ends.

• An omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) supplement, such as Welactin, Vetoquinol, or Dermaquin, will protect the skin barrier and minimize allergy symptoms.

  • An omega-3 fatty acid supplement can also help with anal gland issues for dogs that tend to need their anal glands expressed more frequently during allergy season. It takes four to sixweeks for an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to become effective, so it is best for a dog with seasonal allergies to be on this supplement year-round.

• Routine ear cleaning can help clear a current ear infection and reduce the frequency of future ear infections. If an ear infection is present, treat the infection and clean the ears based on recommendations from your veterinarian. When there is no infection, clean the dogs ears with a routine ear cleaner, like EpiOtic Advanced, on a routine basis throughout the year (typically every two to threeweeks for maintenance).

• Ear medications, such as Mometamax, Posatex, and Tresaderm, are prescribed to treat bacterial and/or yeast infections in a dogs ears. After treatment, make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian to recheck that the infection has resolved.

• Oral medications are often needed when a dog has a skin infection on multiple areas of the body. Antibiotics, such as clindamycin and cephalexin, are prescribed to treat bacterial skin infections, and anti-fungal medication, such as ketoconazole, is prescribed to treat fungal skin infections, such as yeast infections.

• Topical therapy can be used to soothe the skin and help with treatment of skin infections. There are many topical therapy options, including anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ointments, shampoos, conditioners, mousses, sprays, and wipes. Ask your veterinarian which topical therapy would work best based on your dogs allergy symptoms and current skin condition.

Immunotherapy for Dogs With Seasonal Allergies

Immunotherapy consists of either allergy shots or allergy oral drops that are formulated based on allergy test results. To determine what environmental allergens a dog is most allergic to based on where the dog lives, a blood test can be performed by your veterinarian using a specific blood test (Heskas Allercept or Nextmunes Pet Allergy Xplorer) to screen a dog for environmental allergies.

In addition to the allergy blood test, a veterinary dermatologist will also perform intradermal testing, which involves injecting small amounts of various environmental allergens into a dogs skin in specific locations. The injection sites are then monitored over a period of time for signs of a skin reaction. If a reaction is seen, then the dog is likely allergic to the allergen that was injected at that site.

It is important to note that the allergy (blood) testing and the intradermal testing are not performed to provide a diagnosis of seasonal allergies. Rather, they are used to aid in creating immunotherapy treatment for a dog that has been diagnosed with seasonal allergies. The goal with immunotherapy is to desensitize a dog to the environmental allergens that trigger the allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy is usually given long-term at a maintenance dose.

It is difficult to limit a dogs exposure to certain allergens. Pollen from trees, grass, or weeds can be tracked into the house easily. Wiping a pups paws when they come inside can sometimes be helpful.

Recovery and Management of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Seasonal allergies are not only frustrating for dogs but also for pet parents, because they are not curable. Fortunately, though, with seasonal allergies, symptoms can be managed by knowing what seasons trigger a dogs symptoms and initiating treatment prior to the start of each allergy season. Anti-itch medication should manage the itch throughout each season so that the dog is not scratching, licking, or chewing at the skin, which can lead to secondary skin infections.

Cleaning your dogs ears every two to three weeks year-round with a routine ear cleaner is important to minimize the risk of an ear infection to develop. The ears should also be cleaned after your dog has a bath or partakes in a water activity, such as swimming, to remove any water from within the ear canals. Giving an omega-3 fatty acid supplement daily year-round can provide skin support as well. Management of seasonal allergies is usually lifelong unless a dog is able to move to an area where the allergen that is causing the reaction is no longer present.

Monitor your pet for the following symptoms throughout the year:

• Itchiness (scratching, licking, gnawing, chewing)

• Head shaking or pawing at the ears or eyes

• Any skin lesions (such as redness, crusts, thickened or black pigmented skin)

• Odor to the skin or ears

If you see any of these symptoms, schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible. Your dogs skin condition can worsen quickly if allergy symptoms are not controlled. If your dog is licking or chewing, have them wear an e-collar until the appointment to prevent further worsening of the skin. Your veterinarian will prescribe treatment to make your dog more comfortable and treat for any skin or ear infection, if present. Managing a dogs allergy symptoms with therapy and reporting to your veterinarian any skin issues as they arise are the most effective ways to help a dog with seasonal allergies.

WRITTEN BY

Michelle Diener, DVM

Veterinarian

I live in Raleigh, North Carolina. I obtained by BS degree in Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill in 2000 and my DVM degree at NCSU in 2006. I have...

Pet allergies in children and babies

What are pet allergies?

Pet allergies happen when your child's immune system reacts to an animal's dander (tiny skin flakes that are like dandruff), saliva, pee, or poop and goes into overdrive. All your baby needs to do is breathe in dander or get slobbered on by a dog, and their immune system releases histamine and over 40 other chemicals designed to fight off the proteins triggering the allergy. Cue the sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes all signs of pet allergies.

Any animal with fur or feathers including dogs, hamsters, birds and especially cats can cause an allergic reaction in kids who are prone to them. Surprisingly enough, the fur isn't typically a trigger. That's why even hairless or shorthaired dogs and cats can cause allergies. But your pet's fur can trap dander or saliva (causing pet dander allergy skin rashes and other symptoms) or other allergens like dust, mold or pollen,

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Pet allergy symptoms

Common signs of pet allergies include:

• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing or wheezing
• Itchy skin
• Hives (raised, red patches on the skin) or pet dander allergy skin rashes

When do pet allergies show up in babies?

Pet allergies can develop during babyhood, but they typically don't cause symptoms before your baby turns 1 or even 2. The same is true for seasonal allergies to different types of pollens. Babies can have allergies to foods or have eczema (an allergy-related skin condition) in their first year.

What are the chances my baby or child will be allergic to our dog or cat?

Anyone can develop a pet allergy. However, children and babies are more at risk for developing a pet allergy if they:

• Have a strong family history of allergies or asthma. Genetics plays a big role. If one parent has allergies, then their baby has a one in three chance of developing them too. Both parents? A 70% chance.
• Have other allergies or allergy-related diseases such as asthma or eczema.

How can I know for sure my baby or child has pet allergies?

The only way to know for sure is to take your little one to the pediatrician or allergy specialist. But there are some signs that can offer clues that your child has pet allergies, including:

• Their pet allergy symptoms are year-round vs. symptoms that appear only in the spring or fall. Just remember those symptoms can also be caused by other indoor allergens, like dust, cockroaches or mold.
• Their symptoms ease after a vacation or anytime the family leaves home and your pet for a week or so.
• Your child's symptoms get worse when they're playing or snuggling with the family pet.

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Don't be surprised if banishing your dog or cat from the house doesn't give you a clear-cut answer. That's because there's enough dander on the carpets, furniture and bedding to trigger your baby's pet allergy symptoms even when your pup or kitty has been gone for months.

There might even be dander on your baby's clothes (or yours) that can produce an allergic reaction while you're staying at your parents' house or a hotel. So, your baby may still have a reaction because long-term exposure and symptoms once triggered can occur for days after the exposure is removed, according the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI).

Of course, your baby could be allergic to the pollen or mold that your dog brings in from the outdoors. If you suspect they are, take your child to see their healthcare provider. During the visit the provider will:

• Ask about your child's symptoms.
• Examine your child's nose and throat to look for inflammation.
• Refer your child to an allergist for allergy testing.

During the allergy doctor's visit, your child may have the following tests:

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Skin prick testing is typically the first test any allergist will do. The doctor will prick the surface of your child's skin with a small amount of liquid allergens (think dander, dust mites, pollen and pet saliva). After 15 to 20 minutes, the allergist looks for bumps, like small mosquito bites, that indicate your child is having an allergic reaction.

A blood test to measure the body's antibody levels for specific allergens like pet dander or saliva. It's not as accurate as skin prick testing, but it's used in children with certain skin problems or who take allergy meds on a regular basis.

Will my child outgrow pet allergies?

Your child may not outgrow their pet allergies. But kids can develop a tolerance for the family pet and become desensitized to the dog or cat's dander or whatever is causing their allergic reactions. So the sneezes or coughs can disappear, leading you to think your child has outgrown the allergy.

Surprisingly, though, that tolerance can disappear if the family pet isn't part of your child's everyday life. For instance, if your cat dies and you get a new kitten, your child will probably start showing signs of a pet allergy. Another common scenario your baby might have allergic reactions to a friend's felines, and not the family cat.

What are the treatment options for pet allergies?

Doctors tend to recommend that young kids avoid interacting with the pet or that you remove the pet from your home altogether. That's especially true if your child's pet allergy symptoms are really bad or if they have asthma.

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If you decide to give away your pet, you'll need to get rid of the all the dander, fur and saliva left behind. This includes thoroughly cleaning carpets, sofas, curtains and bedding. Even then, it can take months for allergen levels to drop so your child isn't having a reaction anymore.

If you decide to keep your pet, or if your child's pet allergy symptoms continue even after your furry family member has left the house, your doctor may recommend pet allergy medicines. These include:

• Saline nasal rinse. This may be enough if your child has only a mild reaction to your dog or cat.
• Antihistamines and other allergy medicines. The pediatrician or allergist may recommend these if your child has more severe symptoms.
• Allergy shots. These are best for older kids, especially if they've tried other allergy meds. Allergy shots contain a tiny amount of purified allergen and are given over three years to gradually build up your child's immunity. You'll want to take your child to a board-certified allergist who can evaluate their pet allergy and decide whether shots are the best choice.

Are there any at-home treatment options to help with pet allergies?

The only true at-home treatments are to limit where your pet can roam, keep the house as free from dander and pet hair aspossible, and keep your child away from your petmost of the time. And it might just be worth it. There are benefits to kids who have family pets that might just outweigh the problems of pet allergies especially if your child's symptoms are mild.

So if your pet stays put, here are some strategies that can keep your child's allergies at bay:

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• Set-up pet-free zones. It's best to restrict your furry family member to only a few rooms in the house, preferably uncarpeted ones like the kitchen. Above all, keep your pet away from your child's room. Shut the door and make sure your child's bedroom stays clean.
• Consider ripping up the carpets. These can trap allergens for up to six months. Replace them with smooth flooring such as linoleum or hardwood, at least in your child's bedroom.
• Clean your home thoroughly, especially your child's room. Furniture, carpets, drapes, and even walls can trap pet dander. Consider removing heavy drapes and scaling back on the stuffed animal collection. Wash bedding once a week in water that's at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Use allergy-proof bedding, like a mattress pad and pillows.
• Filter the air. There are filters specifically designed to lower the levels of circulating allergens that you put on heating and air-conditioning vents. If that seems too pricey, think about covering the vents with a dense filtering material like cheesecloth. Or run portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers in your child's bedroom or other areas of the house to reduce allergen levels.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters will trap animal dander as well as other allergens like dust mites. Just remember that it takes nearly two hours for particles stirred up by cleaning to settle back down, so there might still be dander in the air to set off a sneezing attack.
• Keep pets off the furniture. Nothing snares animal dander like sofas and chairs. If this is impossible, try covering the furniture with removable throws and wash them often.
• Change your child's clothes after any pet playdates and put them put them in a separate hamper if you can't wash them straight away. Wash your child's hands and make sure they bathe and wash their hair before going to bed. You don't want your child tracking allergens into their bedroom.
• Limit close contact. Encourage your child to avoid hugging, petting or kissing the pets that trigger allergies.
• Bathe and groom your pet frequently. Weekly baths can help reduce the levels of dander in your pet's fur. Consult a veterinarian or other animal care professional for safe pet bathing instructions and shampoo recommendations. Have someone without pet allergies groom your pet frequently outside of your home.

Can I prevent my child from developing a pet allergy?

Possibly. There's evidence showing that babies who live with dogs or cats in their first year may have a lower risk of developing allergies as children. In fact, the more pets that babies grow up with, the less likely they are to have any type of allergy later on, according to Swedish researchers.

That said, no one's advising you to buy or adopt a pet or two just to prevent your newborn from developing pet allergies. There's no clear cause and effect, at least not yet. This is especially true if you or your partner have allergies, since there's such a strong genetic link. In fact, the AAP recommends that you don't get furry or feathered pets if there's a strong family history of allergies in your family.

Also remember that if you do have a pet, your baby may not show allergic signs right away. It can take months to years of exposure before a child develops pet allergy.

Are certain pets more allergenic than others?

Not really. And even though some cat and dog breeds are advertised as hypoallergenic meaning they don't trigger pet allergies that's a myth. All furry animals shed dander and the ones that go outside, like dogs, carry in other allergens like pollen and mold.

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Here is a specific breakdown by pet:

Dogs. While doodle mixes, poodles and other short- or curly-haired breeds have a reputation for being better for allergy-prone families, that's not the case. These dogs still shed dander and give slobbery kisses. But some kids with pet allergies may be more sensitive to longhaired dogs since all that hair accumulates other allergens (think pollen and dust).

Cats. All cats can set off a pet allergy, no matter what their breed. Cat dander is smaller and "stickier" than dog dander, which means it can travel through the air for great distances and stick to a surface longer. And because cats are always licking their fur, your child has a higher chance of coming into contact with cat saliva, another pet allergen.

Hamsters, gerbils, and other rodents. These are also not recommended as pets for kids with pet allergies. Since they live in cages, these animals can't really avoid stepping in their own pee or poop and that's bound to cause pet allergy symptoms when your child plays or cuddles with them.

Lizards, turtles or frogs. They don't have dander, so won't cause pet allergies. But they do carry Salmonella, a bacteria that can make babies and young kids sick. So they make better pets for kids over age 5, who are more likely to follow safety rules. If you do opt for these pets, teach your child these rules:

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• Wash your hands after touching the animal.
• Never kiss the pet.
• Keep the animal in a cage or tank, away from the kitchen or dining room.
• Only grown-ups are allowed to clean the cage (and then you try to clean it everyday).

Birds. If your child has pet allergies, birds are a good choice. But some kids can be allergic to bird feathers.

Fish. Tropical fish are a great pick for children with furry-pet allergies. Just be careful with large aquariums, which can raise humidity levels in your house and trigger mold.