It is the change of the season again, everything is in bloom, and your pet, obsessively scratching in the corner, again. Seasonal allergies are immune reactions to pollens, molds, or other triggers that are present for only one season or part of the year. Seasonal allergies are evident in a variety of symptoms, such as sneezing and watery eyes. For animals, they tend to suffer skin disorders, and typically, they become extremely itchy.
Atopy or Allergic Inhaled Dermatitis is the second most common allergic skin condition in dogs, next to flea allergy, that is caused by the change in season. It is often an inherited trait that first exhibits between the ages of 1 and 3 years. It is an itchy skin disease of animals that is caused by allergic substances or allergens contacted through the air, either by absorption through the respiratory tract or through skin contact. Allergens that cause this reaction are ragweed, pollen, feathers, grasses, trees, shrubs, mold, animal dander, house dust and house dust mites. Since these allergens are very abundant everywhere, obviously, exposure can't be avoided.
Common signs of that your pet is suffering from atopy are:
feet licking or chewing at the paws
frequent scratching of the face (muzzle) or rubbing it on the ground or with the paws
scratching of the ears
shaking of the head
development of skin or ear infections due to excessive scratching or rubbing
Atopy symptoms usually are seasonal at first, with most dogs manifesting clinical signs in the summer months when airborne allergens, such as plant pollens, are highly concentrated in the atmosphere. As atopic dogs grow older, they tend to become allergic to more substances and symptoms become less seasonal. Eventually, the itchiness can go on a year-round.
Your veterinarian may recommend some medications to lessen the symptoms of this disease. These include antihistamines, fatty acid supplements, soothing shampoos and antibiotics for treatment of secondary bacterial infection of the skin or pyoderma. Other treatments such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids (cortisone-like drugs such as prednisone) can also be administered. Although corticosteroids are proven to very effective at reducing the symptoms of atopy, these drugs pose many potential side effects that limit their prolonged use. It should be used cautiously and with guidance from your vet in the treatment of your atopic pet
Unfortunately, unlike flea allergy that is easily treated, atopy cannot be cured. Dogs who are suffering from atopy require some form of therapy throughout their lives. The following are some tips to minimize the trigger of atopy in your pet dog:
Medications prescribed by your vet should be administered diligently and avoid triggering allergens as much as possible.
Allergy testing, or more commonly known as skin testing, should be done to single out specific substances to which your pet is allergic.
Strict flea control in your pet’s environment should be done since other itchy skin diseases such as flea allergy dermatitis may have an additive effect on your dog's skin condition.
Observe your dog for rashes and worsening of any skin lesions. Pyoderma is common in dogs with atopy and can add to their discomfort.
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