The number one environmental allergy for dogs is flea saliva, which causes flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Other top environmental culprits include grass, tree, and weed pollens, followed by dust mites and mold. These cause symptoms like intense itching, chewing paws, skin infections, and hair loss.

What are the most common environmental allergies in dogs?

Dust mites, mold, pollen, and dander (skin cells) are some of the most common environmental allergies in dogs. These allergens travel through the air. When a dog is exposed to a substance it's allergic to, its skin becomes itchy and inflamed.

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.

What to give my dog for environmental allergies?

Try an allergy pill

You can safely give your pet an over-the-counter anti-histamine to relieve their symptoms. The dosage depends on your pet's unique needs and their weight. So, before stuffing any allergy medication into their mouth, check with your veterinarian.

Is Benadryl or Zyrtec better for dogs?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is often preferred over Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for dogs because it causes less drowsiness and has fewer anticholinergic side effects, though Benadryl might work faster for immediate relief; Zyrtec (0.5mg/lb once daily) is generally safer and newer, while Benadryl (1mg/lb 2-3x daily) requires caution with conditions like glaucoma but can help with anxiety/motion sickness due to its sedative effect, but always consult your vet first, ensuring plain formulas without xylitol.

Atopy (Environmental Allergy) in Dogs: 3 Holistic Options

How to control dog allergies naturally?

Seasonal Allergies

Minimize your dog's exposure to allergens by keeping your home clean, using air purifiers, and wiping your dog's paws and coat after outdoor activities. Regular baths with hypoallergenic shampoos can also help remove allergens from their skin and coat.

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 find out what is causing my dog's allergies?

Once you bring your pup into the clinic, the veterinarian will ask you some questions about your dog's diet and medical history. Then the vet may recommend intradermal skin testing and/or serologic (blood) testing to try to identify what, exactly, is triggering your dog's allergies.

What could my dog be allergic to in my 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 is the #1 most common allergy?

Pollen. Pollen allergies are one of the most common allergies in the world. Tens of millions of Americans suffer from Pollen allergies. Pollen is a fine yellow powder that is transported from plant to plant by the wind, birds, insects, and other animals to help fertilize plants.

What is the fastest way to cure pet allergies?

Most patients who try allergy shots feel about 80 percent better around their pet. Over-the-counter remedies may not be as effective as allergy shots, but they can still be beneficial. Some suggestions to help reduce allergy symptoms: Use nasal saline (saltwater) can wash dander out of the nose.

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.

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.
 

How to prevent environmental allergies for dogs?

Dogs with mild environmental allergies can sometimes be treated with natural remedies such as:

1. Weekly bathing during allergy season.
2. Washing paws after going for a walk outside.
3. Avoiding triggers for your dog. ...
4. Weekly ear cleaning with a mild ear cleanser.
5. Washing your dog's bedding frequently.

How to get rid of environmental allergies fast?

Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers

1. Stay indoors on dry, windy days. ...
2. Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
3. Remove clothes you've worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
4. Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.

What is the #1 allergen?

Milk. Cow's milk allergy is the most common food allergy among children.

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)

What do vets give dogs for environmental allergies?

Symptomatic medications include topical products such as shampoos, conditioners, and sprays, as well as sytemic medications such as antihistamines, fatty acids, steroids, cyclosporine (Atopica®), oclacitinib (Apoquel®), or interleukin 31 antibody injections (CYTOPOINT®).

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 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.

What can I give my dog for itching and licking paws?

Anti-inflammatory medications: Apoquel, Atopica, fatty acid supplements, prednisone, or other medications such as antihistamines can be very effective in reducing itching.

---