The most common environmental allergies in dogs, known as atopic dermatitis, involve triggers like pollen (trees, grasses, weeds), dust mites, and mold spores, causing itchy skin (paw licking, face rubbing) that can lead to infections, often peaking seasonally but sometimes year-round. Other significant environmental triggers include dander (human/animal), smoke, and household chemicals, though fleas are also a very common allergen.

What is the number one environmental allergy for dogs?

Some common examples of environmental allergies, also known as atopy, include dust, pollen, and mold. Fido can also be allergic to specific plants, or also to substances in your home. In some cases, the trigger could be a household product, such as a cleaning solution.

What environmental things can dogs be allergic to?

Environmental Allergens (Most Common in Spring and Summer)

• Pollen. ...
• Mold Spores. ...
• Dust and Dust Mites. ...
• Pollution or Smog. ...
• Insect Bites. ...
• Grass or Plant Contact. ...
• Proteins. ...
• Grains.

How do I tell if my dog has environmental allergies?

Pet seasonal allergy symptoms to look for

1. Scratching and biting their coat or skin.
2. Red, inflamed, or infected skin.
3. Excessive shedding.
4. Compulsive paw licking in dogs.
5. Boot scoots or licking their anal glands.
6. Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears (common for dogs who are prone to ear problems in the first place)

What are the top 3 things dogs are allergic to?

Common allergens include pollens, mold spores, dust mites, shed skin cells (like pet allergies in humans), insect proteins such as flea saliva, and some medications.

Atopy (Environmental Allergy) in Dogs: 3 Holistic Options

What can my dog be allergic to in the house?

Dust Mites, Mold, and Pollen

Just like people, pets can be sensitive to common environmental and seasonal allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pollen. And while you might hope these triggers affect only outdoor pets, even indoor ones aren't immune. Simply cracking a window can let pollen spores drift in.

What not to feed a dog with allergies?

The most common foods identified as triggers in dogs with food allergies are:

• Beef (34% of dogs with food allergies)
• Dairy (17% of dogs with food allergies)
• Chicken (15% of dogs with food allergies)
• Wheat (13% of dogs with food allergies)
• Lamb (5% of dogs with food allergies)

How to fix environmental allergies in dogs?

Hyposensitization (immunotherapy) is usually a lifelong treatment and helps 70-75% of pets with allergies. It can take 3-12 months to see good response to this therapy so medications are often continued during this time. The immunotherapy can be given at home as subcutaneous injections or as drops in the mouth.

What breeds cause the most allergies?

Breeds predisposed to developing allergies include Chinese Shar-Peis, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, and West Highland White Terriers.

At what age do dogs develop environmental allergies?

Ans: Yes, dogs can develop environmental allergies at any age, though most cases appear between six months and three years old. Senior dogs sometimes experience new allergies due to immune system changes or cumulative exposure to allergens over time.

What is the best food to recommend for a dog with environmental allergies?

2. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities [Dry Dog Food] Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities is specifically formulated for dogs with allergies. It contains hydrolyzed chicken, along with other beneficial ingredients for supporting the skin and digestive system.

What are the 10 most common environmental allergies?

The 10 most common environmental allergies involve airborne triggers like tree, grass, and weed pollens, indoor culprits such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and cockroach droppings, plus sometimes less obvious ones like latex and strong chemicals, all causing reactions from sneezing to asthma. These allergens typically provoke symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, and congestion, with seasonal patterns for outdoor pollens and year-round issues from indoor sources.
 

How do I figure out what food my dog is allergic to?

The best and most accurate method of diagnosing a food allergy is to feed a hypoallergenic diet for 8 to 12 weeks as a food trial, called an elimination trial. To be a true elimination trial, this special diet must not contain any ingredients that your dog has eaten in the past.

What dog breed has the worst allergies?

The worst dog breeds for allergies often include heavy shedders and droolers like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies, and Bulldogs, due to increased dander, saliva, and circulating allergens, with large breeds producing more dander and slobbery breeds spreading allergens via drool. Breeds with short coats, like Dobermans or Basset Hounds, can also be problematic as they shed dander and drool heavily.
 

What dogs do vets not recommend?

Vets often advise against owning certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs due to severe breathing, skin, eye, and birthing issues; high-energy working dogs like Belgian Malinois and Siberian Huskies because they need extreme stimulation; and breeds with genetic predispositions like Dachshunds (back problems) or Chow Chows, citing health and welfare concerns. They see the suffering behind popular aesthetics, leading to recommendations against breeds with exaggerated features or intense needs.
 

Should I bathe my dog if it's itching and licking itself?

Whenever possible, it's best to treat the underlying cause of a dog's itching, but sometimes symptomatic treatment is needed too. Bathing your dog—particularly using a vet-approved calming shampoo and offering omega-3 fatty acid supplements—can reduce itching in dogs.

What is the most powerful natural antihistamine for dogs?

Quercetin is often considered the strongest natural antihistamine for dogs, helping to manage allergic symptoms by reducing histamine release and supporting immune function. It's a go-to option for natural allergy relief and is commonly used for seasonal allergies and itchy skin.

What foods should dogs with allergies avoid?

Often in dogs with food sensitivities, proteins from animal or plant-based ingredients in the diet are the cause. Beef, corn, dairy, and wheat are some of the most problematic ingredients. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can take a long time for symptoms of food allergies to become apparent.

What is vets best seasonal allergy for dogs?

Vet's Best Seasonal Allergy Supplement is a mix of antioxidants, along with other natural ingredients, carefully formulated for dogs with seasonal allergies. Our calming blend helps maintain normal histamine levels and gently supports skin health due to exposure to pollens and flea bites.

Is chicken bad for allergies in dogs?

Chicken is a common allergen for dogs and can cause itching, digestive issues, and more. Learn how to spot the signs and what to feed instead. Is your dog suddenly itching, scratching, and paw-chewing?

What to feed your dog when they are allergic to everything?

Prescription Dog Food

If your dog's food allergy symptoms are severe, your vet may recommend that you feed your dog a prescription dry food. While this option can be expensive, novel protein and hydrolyzed diets available by prescription are typically superior to those that can be purchased through pet supply stores.

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