What Are Environmental Allergies?
Environmental allergies in dogs, also known as atopic dermatitis, are hypersensitive reactions to common substances in their surroundings. These allergens, including pollen, dust mites, and mould, can cause itching, redness, and inflammation. Symptoms often manifest between one and three years of age and can include ear infections, hair loss, excessive paw licking and more, depending on the severity of allergies.
Common Environmental Allergens on Dogs
Here are some common environmental allergens on dogs you need to be aware of as a dog owner. By understanding and managing these common environmental allergens, dog owners can help alleviate their pets’ discomfort and improve their quality of life.
Pollen
Pollen, often from trees, weeds, and grasses, can cause allergic reactions in dogs, leading to symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. During blooming seasons, keeping dogs away from high-pollen areas and maintaining a clean indoor environment is essential.
Mold Spores
Mold spores thrive in damp, humid areas and can trigger allergies in dogs. Regular cleaning, using dehumidifiers, and ensuring good ventilation can help reduce exposure to mould spores in homes.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic pests found in household dust. They can cause allergic reactions in dogs, manifesting as skin irritation and itching. Frequent vacuuming and washing bedding in hot water can help control dust mite populations.
Certain Grasses
Some dogs may be allergic to specific types of grasses. These allergies cause skin redness and intense itching. Identifying and avoiding the particular grasses that affect your dog is crucial for managing symptoms.
Environmental Pollutants
Smoke, smog, and other pollutants can affect dogs, especially those with respiratory issues. Limiting outdoor activities on days with high pollution levels and using air purifiers indoors can help minimise the impact of environmental pollutants on dogs.
Signs Your Dog May Have Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies in dogs can be just as uncomfortable as they are in humans, and recognising the signs is the first step to providing relief for your furry friend. Here’s what to look out for:
Itching
Itching is the hallmark of an allergic reaction. If your dog is constantly scratching, biting, at their sin, or rubbing against furniture, they may be trying to alleviate the itchiness caused by environmental allergens.
Redness and inflammation
Allergies can cause the skin to become red and inflamed, particularly in areas like the paws, ears, and belly. This inflammation can be painful and lead to more serious skin infections if not treated.
Sneezing and coughing
Dogs can sneeze and cough when their respiratory system is irritated by allergens. While occasional sneezing is normal, a persistent cough or sneeze warrants a closer look. Seek professional help in case of persistent cough.
Watery eyes
Allergens can cause the eyes to water excessively, leading to tear stains on the fur and potential discomfort for your dog. It is better to contact a vet if you see this issue. It can also result from some other discomfort or an underlying issue.
Chronic licking of paws
Dogs often lick their paws as part of their grooming routine, but if you notice your dog licking their paws more than usual. It could be a sign that they’re trying to soothe irritation caused by allergens.
Behavioural changes
An otherwise happy or energetic dog may become irritable or lethargic if they’re not feeling well due to allergies. Keep an eye out for changes in behaviour that persist over a few days.
Effective Ways to Reduce Environmental Allergens in Dogs
A simple start to reducing environmental allergens is to wash your dog. If you use natural shampoos then you can wash them more often as these will not remove the natural oils in your dogs skin that help keep the coat healthy. Washing will help to remove any excess pollen and irritants from their skin that may be causing the irritation. If they have a flare-up with itching then wash them then to help relieve and soothe their skin.
Skin rinses are great and can be applied between shampoos or after to help with itchy skin and allergies. Test out the suggestions below and see which one’s give the best result or the ones your dog likes more:
Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to 2 Cups of water and massage this rinse into your dog and leave it on, just towel dry.
Bee Balm and Calendula Tea Rinse
Make a tea, cover a handful of each dried tea leaves mixed with hot water and allow it to infuse until it cools. Don’t strain; just pour over from neck down, massage in and towel dry.
Povidone Iodine Rinse (Betadine)
Add 1 cup of betadine (or 1% iodine solution from local pharmacies) to 3 ½ litres of rinse water. Pour over from the neck down, towel dry, don’t rinse off. It is an iced tea colour and may turn white dogs an off-white colour but this is nothing to worry about from a health perspective.
Skin Sprays – we have a range of flea and itchy skin sprays that you can purchase.
If your dog has dirty but healthy ears, use the following swabs to clean their ears:
- Organic apple cider vinegar with purified water (mix equal parts)
- Use undiluted Witch Hazel Hydrosol or add undiluted Tea Tree Hydrosol
Make sure you are familiar with the correct procedures for ear cleaning before attempting for the first time.
After your dog has been outside, implement a paw-cleaning routine. Make a batch of this foot solution and put it in a tray. It can be used for up to 3 days. Use enough water to cover your dog’s pads and then mix in some betadine till the water is like the colour of iced tea. Soak the paws for two minutes then pull out and just pat them dry, Don’t rinse them off.
Wipe your dog down when it comes inside – this will remove any excess clingy pollen or anything else that is attached to them while they are outside. Buy some hypo-allergenic pet wipes, the simplest option or use a damp towel.
If your dog is really out of control and licking their paws incessantly, try a calming foot soak Add 3-4 drops of lavender Essential oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil e.g.: jojoba. Add this oil mix to ¼ cup Epsom salts. Add this to 16 cups of water in a container/tub that they can stand in for 5-10 minutes. In addition to a calming foot soak, if your dog is uncomfortable, a homeopathic blend can help to calm and settle them.
A clean environment is also essential. Clean and vacuum the house to reduce allergens in the air and floors. Clean bedding regularly and use nontoxic natural cleaners. Even purchase an air purifier. Change the water and food bowl to a ceramic one and wash it daily.
Keep the lawn short; don’t let it get too long. Confirm your dog has no fleas – use natural flea remedies (we have sprays and shampoos you can purchase) or an apple cider vinegar spray or lemon spray.
A simple and easy addition to help with allergens internally is to use apple cider vinegar. Add it to a water bowl daily. Use 1 teaspoon per pint of water. Use Bragg organic (with the mother).
Vitamin C – dogs produce their Vitamin C, however, in times of stress, such as an allergy flare-up, the level of watering is severely compromised. You can help boost their immunity and help fight free radicals by adding Vitamin C. Dogs should have the salt form of Vitamin C known as calcium ascorbate and sodium ascorbate. The human variety is Ascorbic Acid and is very difficult for them to digest. Vitamin C increases the immune system, helps with stress and boosts collagen to help with joints.
Can You Use Betadine on Dogs?
Betadine (povidone-iodine) is an antiseptic used on dogs to clean wounds and prevent infection. However, it should be diluted to a tea colour before application to avoid skin irritation. Before applying betadine, clean the wound with water and remove any debris. Ensure it is properly diluted before using it on your dog. Always consult with a veterinarian before using betadine or any new treatment on your pet.
Boost Your Dog’s Health: Contact Experts for Nutrition Advice!
Nutrition and supplements can often be the key to eliminating allergies and building a strong immune system. If you would like more information on the most effective diet and nutrients to support your pet’s health call Tanya today on 08 6454 9318 for a dietary and environmental consult.
