The fall season can cause many dogs to break out with pretty bad allergies. I treat my dog Lilly for this every year, and I know how bad these symptoms can be. Letís take a quick look at the cause and treatment of this nagging problem. The fall season is a bit different in that it does not have all the blooms and new growths that bother many people and pets such as pollen and grass. But it does have dying plants and wind, dry air and cooler temperatures; and all these factors stir up the allergens and make for an itchy time for many dogs. While in our dry climate we donít have a great deal of problems with mold, it does grow in some areas and can affect your dogs as well.While there are no specific ìfallî allergies, these irritants tend to show up in greater quantity with seasonal changes.†Allergic symptoms that are seen at the same time each year are referred to as inhalant allergies; or, to use the unusual medical term, it is known as ìatopy.î†Your dog can be allergic to pollen, dust, leaves, grass or other†such things, which may be more common in the fall.Also, these allergies are not breed specific. Allergies may be present in any dog breed, but we tend to see inhalant allergies more often in the flat face breeds like Pekinese and bulldogs.Even if your dog has never had exposure to one of these allergens before, they can develop allergies to different things as they age. Interestingly, it can vary from year to year also.General diagnosis is not much of a challenge. But getting specific, as to what the actual allergen is, can be more difficult. The only way to effectively diagnose allergies is to have your veterinarian do a test called intradermal skin testing.†Most general veterinarians will send you to a board certified veterinary dermatologist for this detailed test. Based on the results, this specialist may then prescribe allergy injections based on what they find. This is known as desensitization, and is about 70 percent effective. The main signs of inhalant allergies:
- Scratching, which can be persistent and severe
- Red skin or rash, usually on the stomach or paws
- Licking of the paws
- Hair loss in these areas
- Ear infections
If not treated, all types of allergies (inhaled, flea bite, food, etc.) can lead to more severe, sometimes chronic and painful conditions.†If, after an initial course of general treatment your dog is not noticeably better in about 30 days, then your veterinarian may send you to a veterinary dermatologist. Luckily, we have one here in Colorado Springs, and often this is the only solution to such nagging problems.If you donít treat these symptoms, the disease can often lead to secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections that can be very difficult to treat. Some of these dogs scratch so much they can tear their skin and cause even more problems in this way.Many pet owners want to put their dogs on human antihistamines; and, while a veterinarian can prescribe them in the correct amount, experience has shown that some antihistamines are not effective in dogs, and others may only contribute to the overall treatment program that includes several drugs. But by themselves, antihistamines are not much help. So, as you can see, it is best not to buy something over the counter and give it to your dog. Youíll probably be wasting your money.One thing you can do at home that has proven to be of help with allergies is regular baths with a prescription shampoo and leave-in conditioners.Veterinarians often prescribe a course of steroids in severe cases to calm the skin, while other treatments are starting to work. Also, if secondary bacterial or fungal infections are present, antibiotics may be needed. This is especially true if your dog develops secondary ear infections.Finally, good old-fashioned house cleaning helps reduce these allergens in your home. Vacuuming, washing the dog beds, even having your carpets professionally cleaned can make a real difference in the success of overall treatments.Dogs with allergies, from mild to severe, can be miserable; and the constant itching and scratching adds to stress and makes them susceptible to other diseases. So, when you suspect your dog has seasonal allergies, please see your veterinarian for help navigating through the difficult diagnosis and treatment. We can get these dogs some good relief.
Dr. Jim Humphries is a veterinarian in Colorado Springs and also serves as a visiting professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. He provides hospice and end-of-life care for pets. He lives in Falcon with his wife, horses and Great Danes. www.MobilePetDocs.com
