Inhalant Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

“Doctor, my dog has that rash back again.”

“My dog is always scratching, and he has some sores.”

“My dog is always licking her feet.”

“He ALWAYS has ear infections. What can I do?”

These are some signs of inhalant allergies in dogs. They can be allergic to the same things we are as humans – tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, molds, dust mites, and other things. Dogs, however, don’t usually get “hay fever” with sneezing; they tend to develop skin problems. Allergies in our pets are controllable, but not curable. Blood testing is a valuable aid in diagnosis, and desensitization is a great help in minimizing the impact of the allergens and the distressful signs they cause.

Management of the Allergic Dog:

1. Symptomatic Treatment

1. Medicated baths, at least weekly, to cleanse and soothe the skin. Bathing is especially important, since it has been shown that allergens can cross skin barriers, causing a contact dermatitis on top of the inhalant allergies.
2. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements – helps reduce itching and protect the skin.
3. Antihistamines – can be effective in individual dogs, with minimal side effects, just as in humans. However, dog dosages are significantly different from human’s.
4. Corticosteroids – Dexamethasone, Vetalog, Prednisone – very effective for allergies in dogs, but side effects can be significant, and we use these medications with caution.
5. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat secondary bacterial skin infections.

2. Discover the underlying allergies – We do blood testing to determine what allergens are causing problems for your pet. Allergy testing is most important if your pet is itchy for more than 3 months, more than one season, or if your pet is responding poorly to therapy. Results usually take a week for two. Once we know the offending allergens, we have two choices:

1. Prevent or decrease exposure. Pollen counts are highest in the morning, so walk your dog in the evening, or after it rains. Molds and dust mites like high humidity, so use an air conditioner in the summer, or a dehumidifier. Dust mite treatment is available from Aveho Biosciences. Vinyl dust covers are important for mattresses, pet bedding, and pillows. HEPA filters are great for vacuuming. Rinse your pet’s feet when coming in from outdoors.
2. Desensitization, also called Immunotherapy or allergy shots. Success rate is 50-70%. Long-term commitment is important. Repeat testing is recommended about every two years, since sensitivity to various allergens may change and the allergy injections may seed to be modified. Adjunctive therapy is still needed in most cases, and recheck appointments are necessary every two to four months.

3. Atopica – Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive agent, has successfully been used to treat allergies in dogs. It is oral medication, given every day to every other day.

Remember, allergic dermatitis can be controlled, but not cured, since it is your pet’s immune system that overreacts to common proteins in the environment. Most allergic pets need lifetime management. Time and patience is needed to develop an effective program for each individual pet and there will usually be flare-ups and secondary problems to encounter. You are, with our help, ultimately responsible for medicating, bathing, and monitoring your pet at home to keep them as comfortable as possible.