Expert comment: Seasonal allergies in dogs - how to recognise allergy symptoms and managing them effectively

Many dogs experience allergic skin disease (atopy), and many are genetically prone to react when exposed to a variety of allergens, including things which can be encountered in indoor or outdoor environments.   

Allergic skin disease tends to manifest as itching, for example: paw-licking, ear-scratching, shaking, belly-rubbing, scooting on the floor or occasionally face-rubbing.   

The allergens, and the body’s response to them, can compromise the natural defence system and the microbiome of the skin, resulting in skin infections. This often affects the ears or those parts of the body that are less hairy, such as the belly (ventral abdomen), the groin (inguinal) or “armpit” (axillar) areas.    

Some dogs may experience these symptoms year-round, and adverse food reactions may be considered and investigated as a possible cause in these cases. In those dogs that display symptoms mainly in spring, summer or autumn, pollen allergies may be the culprit.   

The good news is that seasonal allergies caused by pollen in dogs can be managed, and here are some of the ways in which this can be achieved:  

• Rinse paws and belly areas after walks to reduce the allergens on the coat.  

• Use a hypoallergenic/anti-itch shampoo recommended by your vet once a week. Aim to massage the lather into the coat for about 10 minutes.
• If your dog is prone to secondary yeast or bacterial infections, your vet may recommend a chlorhexidine-based shampoo as an alternative to a hypoallergenic shampoo.  

• Chlorhexidine-based mousses can be massaged into paws, axillae and belly areas when the skin is inflamed and infected.  

• Some patients may require medication to reduce the itching, for example, specific enzyme inhibitors, during those months when symptoms flare up.   

• Monoclonal antibody treatment can also help to reduce the itching, and your vet may prescribe this if indicated.   

• If your dog experiences significant irritation, for example, of the ears or feet, your vet may prescribe other anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the symptoms.    

• Immunotherapy may sometimes be appropriate, and if you and your vet decide to pursue this, the first stage will be to perform allergy blood tests (which is how the allergy antibody can be identified in the bloodstream). This information allows an immunotherapy vaccine to be made, which may make the patient more tolerant to the allergens over time. Immunotherapy is effective in approximately 60% of appropriately selected patients, but it can take some time to see a response (typically 12-18 months). Itching is not usually eliminated by immunotherapy, but a reduction of over 60% in itching is typically seen.