Environmental allergy in dogs: The ultimate guide!

Just like humans, dogs can also develop allergies due to environmental factors. We call this an environmental allergy in dogs. These allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, are caused by substances in the dog’s environment – both indoors and outdoors. These substances can trigger allergic reactions, such as itching in dogs, through inhalation, direct contact with the skin, or via the mucous membranes.

What is an allergy in dogs?

An allergy in dogs often manifests as itching and skin complaints. This can range from mild itching to incessant scratching, biting and licking and, in the worst cases, to the point of bleeding. In the case of an allergy, the immune system reacts to external substances, also known as allergens. The body then produces substances that cause inflammation, which often results in the dog experiencing itching. Other physical symptoms, such as skin problems and digestive issues, can also be the result of allergies in dogs.

What is atopy or environmental allergy in dogs?

Atopy/environmental allergy is a common chronic, hereditary condition in which the dog is hypersensitive or allergic to harmless substances in the environment. Some examples of these substances are pollen, house dust mites or grasses. Depending on the season, the reactions may be more or less severe. An environmental allergy in dogs often develops between the ages of 1 and 3 years and is caused when the dog is exposed to certain environmental substances for a prolonged period. The immune system begins to regard these substances as harmful and reacts by producing antibodies, which in turn cause itching and inflammation. Without an appropriate treatment plan, these allergic symptoms are often lifelong.

What are the most common symptoms in dogs with an environmental allergy?

An environmental allergy can cause various physical symptoms in your dog. This mainly manifests as skin problems, such as itching and redness in areas like the ears, paws, belly and armpits due to skin inflammation. A flaky coat can also be one of the symptoms. Furthermore, atopy can also lead to recurrent ear infections, as well as behavioural changes such as excessive scratching, licking or biting of the paws, groin or abdominal area.

In only rare cases, dogs may suffer from respiratory symptoms due to environmental allergies, such as sneezing, coughing and a chronic runny nose.

What are the most common environmental allergies in dogs?

There are a number of environmental allergies that are common in dogs. We have listed them below.

1. Pollen allergy in dogs
   These can come from trees, grass or weeds. They are most common during spring, summer and autumn.
2. House dust mite allergies in dogs
   These are microscopic organisms that live in house dust. They are most commonly found on carpets, furniture and bedding.
3. Allergic reaction to mould spores and mould
   Only certain types of mould, such as Aspergillus or Cladosporium, can trigger allergic reactions. These occur in damp or poorly ventilated areas, but mould can also be found outdoors in humid climates.
4. Dander from other animals
   Do you have other pets at home, such as cats or birds? These could be the cause of your dog’s itching. A dog can also develop an allergy to dander from another animal.
5. Chemicals
   Cleaning products, air fresheners or pesticides. They can all be the cause of an allergy in your dog.

6. Plant or grass allergies in dogs
   In some cases, your dog may experience irritation from contact with a particular type of plant or grass.
7. Flea allergy in dogs
   One of the most common environmental allergies in dogs is a flea allergy. The presence of fleas in your dog’s coat is often noticeable because you can see small black dots on the skin.

Is there such a thing as seasonal allergies in dogs?

Environmental allergies in dogs can come and go with the seasons. This is in contrast to food allergies, which persist as long as you do not change your dog’s diet.
It is therefore certainly possible that your dog may suffer from recurring symptoms such as itching, flaky skin, excessive scratching and licking, or biting at its paws during certain seasons such as spring, summer and autumn. In this case, you can cautiously conclude that your dog is suffering from seasonal environmental allergies.

How can you recognise an environmental allergy in dogs yourself?

Itching! Itching in dogs is one of the main symptoms indicating that your dog may have an environmental allergy. Your dog will start to scratch, bite and lick excessively at the muzzle, ears, armpits, groin and between the toes/paws. As a result, the skin will become red, may start to flake and bald patches may develop. Environmental allergies can lead to infections that make the symptoms worse. This will result in scabs, spots/bumps and even more itching. If left untreated, your dog will continue to suffer. It is therefore advisable to visit the veterinarian.

How is an environmental allergy in dogs diagnosed?

To diagnose environmental allergies in dogs, it is important to visit the veterinarian. They will first rule out fleas as the cause of the symptoms. Once they are certain the dog does not have fleas, the veterinarian can carry out an allergy test, and allergens can be identified using a skin test (intradermal allergy test) or a blood test.

1. Skin test (intradermal allergy test)
   This test is particularly suitable for detecting environmental allergies. The veterinarian will shave the flank or chest and then inject small amounts of various common allergens using a fine needle. After 15–30 minutes, the veterinarian can assess the reaction to the various allergens. A positive reaction (redness, a bump or swelling) to an allergen indicates an allergy to a specific substance. The only drawback to this test is that the dog must be put under anaesthesia, which can be distressing for some people.
2. Blood
   test This involves looking for specific allergy-related antibodies (IgE) in the blood. To do this, the veterinarian will take a blood sample which is sent to a laboratory. Various tests can be carried out, such as tests for allergies to pollen, house dust mites, mould and food allergens.

How can I protect my dog from environmental allergies?

The best way to protect your dog from environmental allergies is to avoid contact with the substances in question. In reality, this is often not possible, so there are also a few other treatment options to keep your dog’s itching and allergic reactions under control. In principle, these treatments need to be administered for life.

Treatment options for dogs with environmental allergies

Once an environmental allergy has been diagnosed, the dog can be treated specifically. Unfortunately, a complete cure for an environmental allergy is not possible. However, there are a number of ways to reduce the environmental allergy, meaning the dog will experience fewer symptoms.

Firstly, you can treat the dog through desensitisation (hyposensitisation), the aim of which is to make the dog less sensitive or more tolerant to the allergens to which it is allergic. In allergic dogs, the immune system triggers a defensive reaction as soon as the allergens enter the body. This manifests itself as itching in dogs. Desensitisation involves ‘re-educating’ the immune system to reduce its reaction to the allergens. The veterinarian does this by administering gradually increasing doses of the allergens to which the dog is allergic, in the hope that the body will eventually recognise the allergen as a ‘self’ substance that is not harmful to the body.

In addition to desensitisation, you can also administer anti-itching and anti-inflammatory supplements or medication. These medicines will help reduce symptoms such as itching and skin inflammation. Some examples of these medicines include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, antihistamines, etc. In some cases, these medicines are also administered in combination with the desensitisation treatment.

Furthermore, good skin care is also important for dogs with allergies. You can wash the dog using mild moisturising/anti-itching shampoos. Or you can support the skin by giving supplements for the skin and coat.

What nutrition helps with environmental allergies in dogs?

Dogs suffering from food allergies may benefit from special dietary nutrition. This includes nutrition that supports the overall health of the skin and coat, whilst also optimising the immune response.
Hypoallergenic nutrition is particularly helpful for food allergies. It contains new protein sources, such as insect proteins, which the body will not recognise as allergens. Hypoallergenic dog food does not usually help with environmental allergies, but it can help boost your dog’s immunity and thereby suppress allergic symptoms caused by environmental factors. It is also important to avoid nutrition containing artificial additives and to look for nutrition rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation and support skin health. This will ensure your dog experiences fewer itching symptoms. It is best to look for nutrition containing ingredients such as linseed, fish oil or salmon oil.

Finally, it is important to promote a healthy gut flora, as this can indirectly lead to better skin health. Through proper nutrition that includes added prebiotics and probiotics, you can help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.

What can I give my dog for itching?

In addition to medical treatments prescribed by the veterinarian, there are a few other options you can consider to relieve your dog’s itching.
You can start giving your dog supplements; it is best to look for supplements containing probiotics, omega-3, biotin, zinc, vitamin E, colostrum and quercetin. You could also use topical treatments such as special shampoos to treat bacterial and/or yeast infections, or creams and sprays that can help reduce your dog’s itching.

Do prebiotics help with itching in dogs?

Prebiotics (non-digestible fibre) serve as food for the good bacteria found in the gut (probiotics). As a large part of the immune system is located in the gut, prebiotics can thus support the immune system. When the gut flora is out of balance, inflammation occurs, causing itching in the dog. Itching caused by allergic reactions will be reduced if you ensure the dog has healthy gut flora.

Do probiotics help with itching in dogs?

The live, beneficial bacteria present in the gut are called probiotics; they help maintain the balance of the gut flora. Probiotics help regulate the immune system, and as itching in many dogs is the result of an overreaction of the immune system, probiotics help to keep the immune system in balance and thus reduce allergic reactions such as itching in dogs.

Does colostrum help with itching in dogs?

Yes, colostrum can help dogs suffering from itching caused by allergies.
Colostrum is the first milk produced by a mammal after giving birth. This milk contains far more antibodies than ordinary milk and thus helps to protect and support the immune system. It is the immunoglobulins contained in colostrum that help the immune system to recognise and attack allergens. This is important for dogs suffering from allergies, as the immune system will react less strongly to the allergens. Finally, colostrum also contains growth factors and cytokines that reduce inflammation and repair damaged tissue.

Does quercetin help with itching in dogs?

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in various foods such as capers, apples, berries and kale.
It is known for its extremely powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some benefits of quercetin for your dog:

1. Its antihistamine effect inhibits the release of histamine (the substance responsible for itching in dogs, redness and swelling in allergic reactions).
2. Its anti-inflammatory effect helps reduce inflammation in the skin, airways and other tissues.
3. The antioxidants protect the cells
4. It supports skin health, soothes the skin and reduces oxidative stress, which is hugely beneficial for dogs with allergies.

Which breeds are most commonly affected by environmental allergies?

Studies have shown that some breeds are more prone to environmental allergies than others. The condition can be passed down from one generation to the next. Breeds that are more susceptible to developing atopy include Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Shar-Peis and Shih Tzus.

Can a dog with environmental allergies live to a ripe old age?

Dogs suffering from environmental allergies can certainly live to a ripe old age. However, it is important that the symptoms are identified and that the dog receives the correct treatment.
It is recommended that dogs be treated for life, as they will regularly experience the symptoms.