Environmental Allergies In Dogs Symptoms

An overreaction of the immune system causes environmental allergies to certain environmental substances. These substances can be found in pollen, dust, dander, food, or even air. 

The symptoms are similar to the allergic symptoms of humans. The dog will be sneezing, licking, and scratching its face, ears, and eyes and have itchy, watery eyes. The dog would have a runny nose and may have respiratory problems.

Some environmental allergies can treat with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other medications. It is suggested to keep the pet away from the allergen-causing environment in some circumstances. 

If that is not possible, some products can control the symptoms and helps to eliminate allergies in dogs.

If you want to read more about Environmental Allergies In Dogs Symptoms, you can find more information about Allergies.

What are the different kinds of environmental allergies?

Household Allergies

The most common type of environmental allergy is called a household allergy. These are caused by the dander of the dog, cat, or other pet. The dog or cat is not usually the source of the problem, but the dander can become airborne.

When the dander is airborne, it is called an airborne allergen. The allergen can be carried on the air currents to the home and then settle on the carpet, bedding, and furniture. 

When the dog or cat is in the house, it is also possible for the dander to be in the air and cause the symptoms.

Airborne allergens can treat with antihistamines and corticosteroids.

Animal Allergies

Animal allergies are the most common form of environmental allergies in dogs. These allergies are caused by the animal dander found on the animal’s skin and hair. 

The allergy is caused by the dog’s immune system mistakenly reacting to the animal dander. Animal dander is a protein that contains protein molecules.

Some animal dander proteins are the same as human proteins. When the dog’s immune system reacts to the animal dander, it causes the dog to develop an allergy. 

The dog will sneeze, lick and scratch its face, ears, and eyes, and will have itchy watery eyes.

Allergic Rhinitis

An allergic rhinitis is a common form of rhinitis. It is a hay fever-type caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen is a plant-based allergen that is found in the air.

The most common types of pollen are grass pollen, tree pollen, weed pollen, and mold spores.

Dust Allergies

Dust allergies are the third most common type of environmental allergy in dogs. These allergies are caused by the dust that is found in the environment. Then, when the dog’s immune system reacts to the dust, it causes the dog to develop an allergy.

Cockroach Allergies

Cockroach allergies are the fourth most common form of environmental allergies in dogs. These allergies are caused by the cockroach allergen found on the animal’s skin and hair. 

The allergy is caused by the dog’s immune system mistakenly reacting to the cockroach allergen. The most common symptoms of a cockroach allergy are:

• Dry, scaly skin
• Itchy skin
• Itchy nose and ears
• Sneezing
• Hives
• Lips that stick together
• Frequent vomiting

Which is the most frequent allergy in dogs to the environment?

The most common environmental allergy in dogs is Dermatophagoides farinae, also known as the dust mite. Dust mites are found in homes, and they feed on human skin flakes.

Dogs have an especially high sensitivity to dust mites because they are often kept in a warm, moist environment where dust mites thrive. Dust mites are usually the most common environmental allergy in dogs because of the large number of homes where they are found.

What causes Dermatophagoides farinae allergy?

The dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae causes the most common environmental allergy in dogs. It is also known as the house dust mite or dust mite allergen. 

Allergies cause signs that are usually localized to the affected area of the body. These signs can vary from a skin rash to itchy ears, nose, or eyes. Dogs may also experience coughing, sneezing, or itchy eyes.

What are the Risk factors associated with environmental allergies?

Dogs with environmental allergies are at a higher risk of developing other allergies, including food allergies. Environmental allergies can cause the immune system to become sensitized to other substances, such as pollen and foods.

In some dogs, environmental allergies are inherited. Environmental allergies are passed down through the dog’s genes in these cases. This can make it harder to identify the cause of the allergy.

How could I tell if my dog has food or environmental allergies?

Environmental allergies and food allergies can both cause similar signs. In both cases, your dog will develop a skin rash. However, your dog may develop other signs, such as coughing, sneezing, or itchy eyes. These signs are more common with environmental allergies.

Naturally, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to determine if your dog has environmental allergies. Your veterinarian will also test your dog’s blood to determine if your dog has food allergies.

What are the symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs?

Symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs are similar to environmental allergies in people. They can include:

• Itchy skin
• Sneezing
• Hives
• Risk factors

How to prevent environmental allergies in dogs?

The following are some methods to prevent environmental or seasonal allergies in dogs:

1. Reduce exposure to dust and pollen:  The best way to prevent an allergic reaction in dogs is to keep your dog out of the pollen and dust of the season. This is the best way to avoid seasonal allergies in dogs. Keep the dog indoors or if you have to take the dog out, make sure you are always inside when the pollen and dust season starts.

2. Avoid contact with other dogs:  Avoid exposing your dog to other dogs as much as possible. If you can’t avoid this, keep your dog on a leash when around other dogs. If you are unsure about the dog’s health, you can always take him to the vet to get checked out.

3. Keep the dog indoors: Keep your dog indoors or if you have to take him out, make sure you are always inside when the pollen and dust season starts.

4. Keep the dog on a diet: Make sure your dog has a healthy diet and gets enough exercise. You can do this by taking your dog to the vet for a check-up, or If you have any concerns about your canine health, you may always take him to the veterinarian for an examination.

5. Clean the dog’s environment: Clean the dog’s environment to remove the allergens and keep the dog safe from dust and pollen. This can do by cleaning the house, the dog’s bed, and toys and bedding.

6. Keep the dog’s coat clean:  Keep your dog’s coat clean. If the dog’s coat gets dirty, it can trap dust and pollen in the coat. This can cause your dog to be more prone to allergies.

7. Use a muzzle: If you have to take your dog out, make sure you use a muzzle to prevent him from getting in contact with other dogs. This is the best way to avoid allergies in dogs.

How to cure environmental allergies in dogs?

The following are some ways to prevent environmental allergens in dogs:

1. Reducing the stress

Stress is the major cause of allergies. Stress can be in any form, such as the fear of unknown places, over-stimulation, and over-training. All these can cause allergies.

It is crucial to give your dog enough exercise, but not too much. Make sure your dog gets enough to sleep, too.

2. Limit your dog’s exposure to pet allergens

Exposure to pet allergens such as house dust mites, cats, dogs, and feathers can cause allergies.

To reduce the exposure to these allergens, keep your dog in a house with air-conditioning and do not let your dog sleep on a dog bed.

3. Feed your dog a healthy diet

A healthy diet is vital to keep your dog healthy. Your dog’s diet should be based on the guidelines of the American Association to prevent dog food allergies.

4. Vaccination

Vaccination is another way to prevent dog allergies. The most common way to vaccinate your dog is routine vaccination.

5. Feeding your dog a hypoallergenic diet

The best way to cure environmental allergies in dogs is to feed your dog a hypoallergenic diet. A hypoallergenic diet is a diet that is low in proteins and has a low-fat content. 

The protein content in a dog’s diet should be less than 10%, and the fat content should be less than 5%. Moreover, the diet should have no more than 0.3% or 3% of carbohydrates. A hypoallergenic diet is best for dogs who are suffering from environmental allergies.

6. Keep your dog away from dog dander

To keep your dog away from dog dander, you need to ensure that your dog has a clean home. It is suggested that you wash your dog’s bed and toys frequently. 

Moreover, removing your dog’s fur from the carpet, furniture, and blankets is important. To keep your dog away from dog dander, you need to remove the fur from your dog’s bed and toys.

7. Get rid of fleas

Flea allergy dermatitis is another source of environmental allergens. Fleas may be found on your dog’s skin, bed, and your dog’s toys. 

It would be best to use flea shampoos and flea dips to get rid of fleas. You can also get rid of fleas by using a flea comb and removing the fleas from your dog’s skin. Moreover, it is also essential to wash your dog’s bed and toys frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Most dogs suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies in one form or another. Even if your dog isn’t having problems with breathing, itching, or runny eyes, he could still suffer from environmental allergies.

While environmental allergies are often confused with food allergies, they are completely different. Environmental allergies are triggered by various allergens, while food allergies usually affect only certain types of foods. 

When you notice any indications or symptoms of an environmental allergy, make an appointment with your veterinarian. He’ll be able to provide you with some advice on making your dog feel better.