Dog with Fall Allergies: Causes and How to Help
The arrival of fall means cute dog sweaters, long walks amid fall foliage and…dog allergies? Unfortunately, yes. While dog allergy symptoms are common in spring and summer, your pet isn’t out of the woods when the weather cools. If you have a dog with fall allergies, allergic itch and sneezing can still put a damper on your autumn bliss.
“Seasonal allergies are just that, seasonal,” says Medical Director Lauryn Benson, DVM, of Veterinary Emergency Group in Carle Place, New York. “They are also correlated to the environment, both indoors and outdoors.”
According to a 2018 study, environmental allergies in dogs have increased 30 percent over the preceding decade. Environmental research also shows that rising temperatures have extended the growing season of allergens like mold spores and ragweed.
This means pet parents are more likely to encounter fall allergies in dogs. So, here’s what you need to know about what could be causing your dog’s fall allergies and how to recognize the signs. Plus, we’ll cover how medications like Zenrelia (ilunocitinib tablets) can help ease allergic itch, as well as other ways you can provide relief.
What Causes Fall Allergies in Dogs?
Can dogs have seasonal allergies? Absolutely.
As the seasons change, dogs encounter different allergens in their environment. According to Dr. Benson, these allergens can be present in the great outdoors, as well as in your home. Your dog may be allergic to molds or the pollens of certain plants that are more abundant in the fall. Or the dust that collects in your home heating system could trigger an allergic reaction in your dog. In some cases, your dog could be allergic to both outdoor and indoor allergens.
While all dogs can suffer from fall allergies, certain dog breeds are more prone to environmental allergens, such as:
- Boxer
- Boston Terrier
- Dalmatian
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Lhasa Apso
- Scottish Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- West Highland White Terrier
- Pit Bull
“Doodle” dogs, including Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are also on the list, according to Dr. Benson.
The most common allergens dogs encounter during the autumn months are:
- Ragweed pollen
- Mold spores
- Mildew
- Dust mites
However, there is no official start or end to fall allergy season. That’s because specific allergens may be more or less prevalent throughout the season.
Dog pollen allergy sufferers will have a different “allergy season” than dog mold allergy sufferers. In many areas, ragweed pollen is prevalent from August to November (with a peak in September). Whereas mold spores are more abundant from summer through the first frost.
Dog with Fall Allergies? 5 Symptoms to Watch Out For
Some fall allergy symptoms in dogs may be all too familiar to human allergy sufferers. Other signs of dog allergies in fall can be surprising and even misleading. To ensure your dog gets a prompt diagnosis and treatment for fall allergies, stay alert for changes in your dog’s health and behavior.
Here are some classic allergy symptoms dogs in fall may experience:
Itchy skin
Excessive scratching is one of the hallmark symptoms of autumn dog allergies. Dogs can scratch their bodies or paw at their eyes to help ease their itchiness.
“The primary way that dogs exhibit allergies is on their skin,” Dr. Benson says. “You may see an increased amount of itching and redness.” Also, look for lesions and crusty wounds from excessive scratching.
Excessive licking
Fall allergies can cause red, inflamed skin that is uncomfortable or even painful. Dogs often lick at their paws or other affected areas to ease the discomfort. Excessive licking can contribute to the development of skin infections in dogs with allergies.
Chronic ear infection
Allergies can cause chronic ear infections in dogs. Dogs with fall allergies might shake their heads or paw at their ears. You may also notice a foul odor coming from their ears. These are all signs of ear infection, which could be due to fall allergies or other causes.
Sneezing, coughing, or trouble breathing
Dog fall allergies can cause rhinitis or inflammation inside the nose. This can lead to allergy symptoms like sneezing, sniffling, and itchy, watery eyes. Dogs with fall allergies may also experience coughing and changes in breathing.
However, Dr. Benson notes these “hay fever” symptoms are less common than symptoms affecting the skin, since allergic rhinitis affects just 15 percent of dogs with allergies.
Upset stomach
Vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal upset can affect dogs with fall allergies, though skin issues are much more common.
Since the symptoms of allergies in dogs could also be signs of other issues, always talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog may have fall allergies.
“It’s very important to see a veterinarian to determine if the symptoms are allergies or something even more concerning,” Dr. Benson says. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam to determine the best course of action to provide your pet relief.
How to Help a Dog with Fall Allergies
Most private practice veterinarians do not perform specific tests for diagnosing environmental allergies, which can make it tricky for vets to diagnose autumn allergies in dogs. However, Dr. Benson notes that veterinarians often use a process of elimination to confirm an allergy diagnosis.
“They may consider some bloodwork or x-rays to rule out things unrelated to allergies causing the same signs,” she says. They may also look at samples of cells or discharge from the skin or ears to rule out infections and parasites.
If your vet does confirm your dog has seasonal allergies, you could try eliminating or avoiding specific allergens. However, depending on what triggers your dog’s allergies, that may not always be possible.
For example, in the great outdoors, it would be pretty difficult to avoid triggers like grass and tree pollens or mold spores completely. Inside the home, diligent cleaning, vacuuming, and an air filter could help you minimize allergens for a dog allergic to dust mites or mildew.
Veterinary dermatologists can perform intradermal allergy testing (IDAT), which involves injecting allergens under the skin to see what the dog reacts to. This is the most reliable way of identifying specific environmental allergens in dogs at this time.
Your veterinarian may recommend several treatment options to alleviate the symptoms of fall dog allergies. These include:
Dog allergy medications
There are various dog allergy medications that can help alleviate fall allergy symptoms in dogs, each with their own pros and cons. Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine are convenient, but not always effective. Corticosteroids like prednisone are generally effective, but not recommended for long-term use due to harmful side effects.
Zenrelia (ilunocitinib tablets) is a new FDA-approved allergy treatment for dogs that could help provide the benefits pet parents are looking for. This prescription oral medication is a JAK inhibitor, which means it works by blocking itch signals to provide fast, effective relief in dogs at least 12 months or older.
All it takes is one dose a day, so it’s more convenient and affordable than its competitors. Plus, studies show that Zenrelia provided greater itch reduction over time than the competition, without the risk of rebound itch.
Read the entire package insert before using Zenrelia, including the Boxed Warning.
Medicated baths
Bathing your dog with a medicated shampoo can be helpful for treating fall allergies. These shampoos have ingredients that can rinse allergens out of your dog’s fur and soothe their itchy and irritated skin.
Topical treatments
Anti-itch sprays, creams, and other over-the-counter products can provide some relief from dog fall allergy symptoms. You can also use anti-inflammatory wipes on your dog’s coat and paws after a walk or spending time outdoors. These can help remove pollen and other environmental allergens.
Immunotherapy
Also known as Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) or “allergy shots,” this treatment helps desensitize dogs to allergens. It involves giving dogs a shot that contains seasonal allergens to help increase their tolerance and decrease their allergic reaction. It can take time for immunotherapy to work for treating seasonal allergies but it can be very effective.
ASIT is an option for dogs who undergo skin allergy testing or IDAT, usually under the supervision of a dermatologist.
With all dog allergy treatments, Dr. Benson notes that response can vary.
“Our goal is always to provide comfort,” she says. “If you aren’t seeing your pet act more comfortable within a few days, follow up with your veterinarian for additional treatment options.”
Unlike food allergies, it’s not always possible to reduce exposure to allergens in the environment. So, your best option is to work with your veterinarian to find the most effective relief for your pup. And even if you can’t alleviate the symptoms of fall allergies completely, seasons change. So your dog’s autumn allergies won’t last all year long!
