Can Dogs Get Allergies in the Summer?
Most people look forward to this time of year, with the warmer months on the way. However, this also means more dogs suffering from summer-related skin allergies. We’re going to explore these in more detail including the signs, diagnosis and treatment of dogs with allergic skin issues, a condition otherwise known as atopic dermatitis.
Causes of Summer Dog Allergies
Seasonal allergies are usually caused by environmental factors, such as grass pollens and tree pollens. During the warmer summer months, the levels of these pollens rise, triggering dogs with skin allergies. Environmental allergies are more common than food allergies in our canine companions. With the amount of time they spend outdoors, this can be an even bigger problem for affected pets whose owners are experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, some dogs with atopic dermatitis can be sensitive to a variety of different triggers, meaning that they react to multiple allergens. So, as well as seasonal pollens, some dogs are allergic to house dust mites, storage mites (found in dry food after the packaging is opened) and the dander of other animals. Food allergies, though less common, can contribute to a dog’s clinical signs as well. Dogs with multiple allergies may have a lower level of issues all year round but experience flare-ups during high environmental pollen in the spring and summer.
Flea allergies are worth a special mention, as sensitive dogs can be triggered by proteins in the flea saliva. This can produce intense itchiness and skin inflammation. We tend to see more fleas in the warmer times of the year, so flea allergy flares are more common in the summer.
Symptoms of Summer Dog Skin Allergies
Dogs with skin allergies can display several different symptoms and to varying degrees of severity. An individual dog could have all of the following signs or just a couple –
- Generalised increased itchiness (pruritus).
- Licking at paws excessively, sometimes with pinkish-brown saliva staining noted.
- Rubbing their face and muzzle more than usual.
- Scratching at their ears and secondary ear infections.
- Pink inflamed skin (erythema).
- Scabs, sores or pustules.
- Hair loss or thinning (alopecia).
- Thickening and discolouration of the skin in certain areas – lichenification (common in the groin and armpits/axillia).
- Bumps or hives on the skin.
How are Allergies Diagnosed?
A dog with itchy skin or an ear infection needs to see a vet.
The vet will start by performing a physical examination, to assess the pet’s condition and work out the best course of action. This will include looking for signs of hair loss or secondary skin infections. They will ask check for parasites. Fleas or flea dirt may be seen in the dog’s coat, but samples may be required to screen for microscopic mites. Ruling out parasites is an important first step for any itchy dog.
The vet may need to take other samples too, depending on the dog’s symptoms. This may include swabs of ear wax and impression smears or tape strip analysis from your dog’s skin, to work out what secondary infectious agents (yeast and bacteria) might be present. Fungal cultures for dermatophytosis (e.g ringworm) may be required. On occasion, skin biopsies could be recommended.
If it is becoming clear that a dog is suffering from a skin allergy, then it is possible to try and work out what the pet’s triggers are. This can be done through allergy blood testing (looking for increased immunoglobulin IgE and IgG levels in the blood against common allergens), a skin prick test (whereby small amounts of different allergens are injected into the skin to see which causes a reaction) and strict dietary food trials.
What are the Treatment Options for Skin Allergies in Dogs?
There is a whole array of different treatments available for dogs with skin allergies. Treatment usually involves clearing up any secondary infections first, and then keeping symptoms at bay through ongoing measures. It is important to recognise that dogs with atopic dermatitis are likely to require lifelong treatments and that they could suffer from flare-ups of their condition from time to time.
Treatment may therefore include –
Medications to reduce itchiness – Dogs with skin allergies are often itchy, so medication is prescribed to make them more comfortable. There is an array of different options available including steroids (prednisolone), oclacitinib, cyclosporin, monoclonal antibodies and antihistamines.
Topical Treatment – Prescription shampoo, medicated wipes or topical creams may be required to clear secondary skin infections and reduce skin inflammation. Topical medication such as medicated ear drops could be required for ear infections.
Anti-parasite treatment – Preventative flea or mite treatments are often advised. This can help deal with current issues, but also stop future problems from developing too. This is especially important for dogs with flea-allergic dermatitis (FAD).
Antibiotics – Oral antibiotics may be required for severe skin infections, which can occur secondary to allergies.
Immunotherapy – If allergy testing has been performed then immunotherapy is an option. A liquid medication is manufactured which contains small amounts of the allergens that the dog reacts to. These are then administered to the dog via repeat injections which gradually desensitises them.
Change of Diet – A long-term change of diet is needed in dogs with food allergies. This should be strictly fed, as even an occasional treat or table scrap containing one of your dog’s known triggers could cause an allergy flare.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Supplements – EFAs can help some dogs with allergies. They work by improving the health of the skin barrier and coat condition. These can be given as a supplement with the dog’s food or may be found in some skincare/allergy diets.
It is important to work closely with the vet when managing a dog with skin allergies. Treatment plans need to be followed to achieve the best possible outcomes.
How Can I Help Owners who are Experiencing Homelessness?
Owners that are experiencing homelessness experience a unique set of challenges. Dogs with skin complaints require regular check-ups with a vet and long-term medication or dietary changes. Left untreated, these dogs can suffer from chronic itchiness and painful secondary skin infections, which has an impact on their quality of life. StreetVet is there to support these owners, but we can’t do it without your help.
If you would like to support us, then please head to our donations page for more information. Alternatively, check out our Amazon Wishlist’s for products that our local teams would find helpful. We are always grateful for any donations we receive.
FAQs
Can Dogs have Pollen Allergies?
Pollen and grass allergy in dogs is very common. Affected animals typically flare up in the spring and summer months, depending on which tree, flower or grass it is they are allergic to. It will classically present as a dog with itchy, pink or red skin, but sore paws and ear infections are common too.
What is the Treatment for a Dog’s Ear Infection?
Dog ear infection care will depend on your vet’s diagnosis. As well as the different infectious organisms, other factors need to be taken into consideration, such as your dog’s discomfort levels, whether their eardrum is intact and how extensive the infection is. Most dogs will be treated with medicated ear drops and ear cleaning products however, some may require more extensive care such as an ear flush under anesthetic.
What are the Sign of Ear Infections in Dogs?
Signs of an ear infection include excessive scratching or head shaking, inflamed skin in and around the ear, an increased odour from the ear and increased amount of wax. Ear infection treatment for dogs, such as prescription ear drops will be required from your vet. Never be tempted to try and treat this yourself at home.
What is the Best Dog Shampoo?
For itchy dogs with environmental allergies, just rinsing excessive pollens from their coat and paws after a walk can help to reduce symptoms. You could try a tea tree or oatmeal-based dog shampoo to soothe your pet. Alternatively, your vet may advise a medicated shampoo to improve symptoms.
How do I pick a Dog Food for Allergies?
It can be hard to know what to feed dogs with itchy skin, as there is so much choice out there. A strict dietary trial under vet supervision is the best way to diagnose a food allergy which can help you determine whether they need a special diet. Otherwise, a diet that is aimed at promoting healthy skin and coat with extra omega-3 essential fatty acids is generally a good choice.
