However, allergies are difficult to manage, According to the American Kennel Club, skin allergies are the most common type of allergic reactions in dogs. Symptoms can be controlled, but a “cure” is usually not possible. First of all, make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, particularly the Bordetella and all strains of the Dog Flu. We recently talked about ways to help your dog battle allergies during this time of the year. for respiratory allergies. Most of their histamine-releasing cells are in their skin. Dogs who have sudden allergic reactions to irritants have acute allergies. This results in the body producing histamine, which causes inflammation leading to an allergic reaction. Cats have a much more sensitive, albeit fragile, respiratory system than dogs. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva. Food allergies can develop at any age in dogs, and it may require a degree of investigation to determine the source of your dog’s allergies. Respiratory congestion in dogs can be the result of a respiratory flu or even seasonal allergies. What should you be looking for? Just like humans, some of us may sneeze occasionally at the onset of allergy season, while others require a visit to the doctor for prescription relief. Sublingual immunotherapy is an efficient treatment option for respiratory allergies, particularly in young children. A dog with a allergens on small portions of the dog’s skin. weak immune system develops allergies. The detection of respiratory allergies may be done through blood According to Truitt, cats are more sensitive to environmental pollutants. Dogs also can suffer from food intolerance, which is different from a food allergy. If your dog is constantly scratching itself, losing fur, or developing a rash, it may mean that your pet is suffering from an allergy. This can range from mild to quite severe. The lower respiratory tract involves the lungs and airways. Presently, there are 2 types of tests: the RAST and the ELISA • Consider non-topical insecticides. Dust mites - Many dogs are allergic to dust mites and carpets are great places for them to gather Fleas - Fleas are one of the most common causes of skin allergies in canines, and they can easily hide in the carpet Harsh carpet cleaners - Cleaning products can include chemicals such as propylene glycol which may instigate allergic reactions In this blog we discussed how allergens generally affect your dog, namely, scratching the face, licking at the feet and pawing at the ears. antibodies that occur when the dog is allergic to a certain substance. Most commonly, allergies will be relieved with antihistamines. The only effective way to treat a food allergy in dogs is to change their diet. In addition to respiratory problems, your dog may be showing other, more common signs of an allergic response: Itchy or inflamed skin, ears, and paws, as evidenced by excessive licking and scratching. The allergy shots are not effective in all canines. Allergy symptoms may also occur from food sources, flea bites, dust mites, mildew or molds and can present in ways which can be similar to a reaction to pollen. Seasonal apartment cleaning is one of the more common factors in allergic dogs and cats. With diligent action and appropriate treatment, there’s hope for you to … For dogs, the normal respiratory rate at rest is between 20 and 34 breaths ... trachea collapse or allergies. The term inhalant allergy in the dog is often used as a synonym for atopy. The antihistamines will inhibit the production of histamines. View Pet Career and Job Opportunities! Allergies occur when the immune system recognizes a substance that would not typically pose a threat,as being harmful or dangerous. It is somewhat uncommon for dogs to react in this way, but it happens. Respiratory allergies can lead to bronchitis and sinusitis, just like us, and we certainly don’t want our dog to have to suffer through that. Upper respiratory allergies can be brought on by an array of triggers resulting in uncomfortable and, in some cases, life-threatening symptoms. Respiratory distress among dogs will manifest as labored breathing, coughing, nasal discharge, and fever. Most of the time, dogs suffering from respiratory distress will also exhibit blue-gray colored gums and crackling noise while breathing. Respiratory allergies don’t have a cure; however, the symptoms may Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites. Allergies Gut-induced allergies. Your dog may appear to be more tired than usual. Some of the signs your dog may display include chronic ear infections, itchy skin/coat, and even digestive problems including vomiting and/or diarrhea. They are often caused by bacteria and viruses that are quite contagious, which is why outbreaks are often seen in shelters, kennels, or places where a lot of dogs are together in a close spa… Therefore, cats are more likely to have a respiratory response to allergens. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, sinuses, throat, and trachea. Causes of Respiratory Allergies . Signs of rhinitis include nasal discharge, sneezing, snoring, open-mouth breathing, and/or labored breathing. types of allergies. Corticosteroids may also be administered as a short term treatment conjunction with antihistamine drugs for a more effective allergy causes the allergies. “The Weather Channel” app on your smartphone gives daily allergy forecasts and will let you know when pollen is high in your area. symptoms. consists of periodical shots of the diluted allergen under the dog’s In others, the spores cause an infection. Causes of congestion. Unlike allergic humans, who usually develop respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and runny eyes when exposed to these triggers, allergic dogs generally itch and will scratch or lick themselves in an effort to gain relief. Food allergies are the least common type of allergies in canines, affecting around 10% of dogs. If the allergies are severe, the dog may also be lethargic and suffer from stress. In some dogs, the spores trigger an allergic reaction. Cheap dog and cat food tends to have significant amounts of fillers, chemicals, colors and grains, none of which are ideal for pets. be controlled using drugs. Dr. Nash advises, “Given the infrequency of allergy-related distress caused by pollen, any dog that is coughing or having respiratory distress should be evaluated for other causes that could be more serious such as infections or heart disease.” Respiratory allergies can lead to bronchitis and sinusitis, just like us, and we certainly don’t want our dog to have to suffer through that. In some cases, corticosteroids will be administered to boost your dog’s immunity and provide for quicker relief. The How are respiratory allergies treated in dogs? Technically, your dog isn’t allergic to fleas—they’re allergic to flea saliva. Understanding Respiratory Allergies in Your Cat or Dog. Both male and female dogs can be allergic to materials in the air. A cat’s typical upper respiratory response involves the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, inflammation of the eyelids, and runny nose and eyes. Though respiratory infections can have numerous causes and effects, the simple definition is a fungal, viral, or bacterial infection in dogs that affects the upper or lower respiratory tracts. It is now more possible than ever to treat allergies rather than just the symptoms of respiratory allergies. Corticosteroids may also be used in Generally, a lower respiratory infection will be called dog pneumonia, but not always. Respiratory allergies in dogs are one of the most common types of allergies. testing. Your vet will be able to detect respiratory allergies via blood testing or intradermal testing. Infections can also cause respiratory congestion and difficulty breathing. and will cause respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, sneezing, nasal Cats with asthma should always be monitored much more closely for signs of distress (panting, open mouth breathing, and labored breathing which would manifest by the patient using their abdominal muscles to help breath). The symptoms of respiratory allergies in canines include: These symptoms may be chronic or occur episodically, depending on what causes the allergies. While grain-free foods are often touted as good for food allergies, science tells us that protein sources are more likely to be the culprit. When pollens are high, we turn down the air-conditioning thermostat and turn off the fans. These will detect the presence of are more likely to develop respiratory allergies as well, due to the Proper ventilation and circulation in your cat’s environment is critical for proper respiratory functioning. No sprays, either. Do you think your pet may be struggling with respiratory allergies? This might reduce your dog’s reaction to allergens … but it … Dogs with this type of allergic response can sometimes literally be struggling to be able to breathe. • Use dustless cat litter. At Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, we have addressed that issue in our cat suites by providing a unique air system that helps prevent stale air and the possible accompanying respiratory issues and disease. A more common cause of dog mucus build up than allergies is rhinitis and sinusitis. test, which are very similar. Respiratory allergies in dogs are one of the most common As mentioned above, the most likely symptoms will be a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Also, we reduce the amount of time we run our ventilation fans in our cat and dog boarding areas according to the pollen count. Respiratory allergies. In this blog…. Some symptoms may be absent, while others may be What kinds of symptoms might I see if my dog has a respiratory allergy? as dogs react differently to different treatments, so a lot of Likewise, you may wish to close windows and screen doors at home when pollens are high and rely on your air-conditioning for ventilation. Basically, your dog’s respiratory system is divided into two parts. Although Pneumonia is an illness of the lower respiratory system, it can develop as a secondary infection from an upper respiratory condition. ), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed), molds, mildew, and house dust mites. skin and aims at making the dog immune to the allergen. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. What do you need to do to help your pet get well? Instead, dogs with flea allergies will compulsively lick and scratch after as little as 1-2 bites, often chewing their skin raw and causing an infection. Most dogs will have at least one upper respiratory infection in their lifetime. These allergies are caused by inhaled substances and will cause respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, sneezing, nasal discharges or coughing. They may be induced by an allergic reaction to the preservatives or artificial coloring used in commercial dog foods, or they may be triggered by the intact protein source used in the food. If they inhale something that irritates the lungs, like smoke or liquid, they can also show similar symptoms. What are the signs of respiratory distress in a dog? Some common indications of respiratory allergies in canines are constant sneezing, runny nose, panting, coughing, itchiness of the eyes, wheezing and discharge from the eyes. Making your own dog or cat food or buying higher quality pet foods can reduce allergies and asthma in pets, eliminating lung problems. Distinguishing between Cat Allergies Symptoms and Asthma, Pollens or grasses and tree particles, Sometimes skin reactions such as dermatitis, as the inhaled allergens may also affect the skin, Anaphylaxis in the most severe cases (severe swelling of the face, Whichever injection Allergy Symptoms of the Skin Q: What are the common signs of a food allergy? management. These are most commonly caused by insect bites or stings, but they may have other causes as well. Dr. Nash says, “Typically cats are at greatest risk for respiratory symptoms related to allergies as they have a significantly higher incidence of asthma than dogs. “Poor air quality can trigger cats to have allergies, and sometimes the allergies can take the form of respiratory issues,” she says. If you live in a building complex with shared air ducts, a neighbor smoking, cleaning, or redesigning their kitchen can cause issues. Respiratory allergies in dogs generally affect only the upper respiratory system. Generally, your vet will prescribe an antihistamine. At Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, we have been particularly alarmed because of our overall interest in the health of our guests, but more specifically because of the similarity of symptoms to kennel cough. swelling of airways, low blood pressure, seizures, shock). Allergy symptoms happen when your dog’s immune system misfires. steroids. These allergies are caused by inhaled substances immunization is a lengthy process and results start to show only after However, in the last couple of years, we have been seeing more and more dogs at our doggie daycare and overnight boarders who exhibit a respiratory response to allergens, much like humans do: sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing. We are fortunate to have so many dog-friendly venues!…, Many, many years ago, when I didn’t know any better, I would take my beagle to the Dairy Queen for…, 3800 Mountain Road Glen Allen Virginia 23060, 614 Johnston Willis Drive Richmond Virginia 23236, Copyright © 2021 Holiday Barn, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. The drugs vets give suppress your dog’s immune system. Respiratory allergies – symptoms and solutions. The respiratory benefits from these vaccinations may actually help to decrease your dog’s allergic response. You may notice him snoring as a response to inflammation. Because of your cat’s sensitive respiratory system, and the probability that they may develop a respiratory infection, we would suggest seeing your vet just as soon as any symptoms appear. Ask your vet about the possibility of an immunotherapy program (allergy “shots”) for your pet. At Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, we try to limit field walks when pollens are high and use the synthetic turf areas for walking. Upper respiratory infections in dogs can affect the bronchi, trachea, throat, and nasal cavities, and are common, especially in dogs with compromised immune systems. Protein sources that commonly offend include beef, soy, chicken, and turkey. Although Pneumonia is an illness of the lower respiratory system, it can develop as a secondary infection from an upper respiratory condition. The synthetic turf is washed down frequently to prevent allergen buildup. Join the Pack! A: Ten percent of all allergy cases in dogs are food allergies. discharges or coughing. recommend the administration of an immunization therapy. treatment trials are needed to find a way to manage the allergies. Respiratory allergies in dogs occur due to several substances that may be inhaled by the dog: Some dogs are more sensitive than others; dogs with other allergies causes an allergic reaction on the dog’s skin is the allergen that If the agent causing the allergies is detected, the vet may The Also, dogs with a weakened immune system may react more severely to allergens. testing. • Regularly replace air filters at home”. However, sometimes respiratory congestion is the result of a serious condition, like congestive heart failure. Cats in particular can develop a sensitivity to particles in the air. You may also see eye discharge, wheezing, and panting. The main inhalant allergens are tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc. When we observe any breathing trouble in dogs, it is a clear sign of concern. This causes your dog to react to things in his food or environment that are normally safe. Respiratory Allergies. Some dogs are simply more sensitive to allergens than other dogs. Information & Precautions. We recently talked about ways to help your dog battle allergies during this time of the year. Respiratory allergies in dogs are similar to the allergies most humans experience. Respiratory allergies in dogs occur due to several substances that may be inhaled by the dog: Because of increased amounts of mucus, dogs with longterm rhinitis often develop bacterial infections in the nose and sinuses. These allergies are usually triggered by an … CoronaVirus: According to a study published in 2016, the top three most common causes of food allergies in dogs are beef, dairy, and chicken. Generally, your vet will prescribe an antihistamine. Instead, canine allergies cause lots of skin problems, such as atopic dermatitis. immune system produces histamines which cause the respiratory allergy Having trouble staying motivated with your New Year’s resolution to exercise? You will often see facial swelling, vomiting , or even more severe signs of trouble breathing and collapse if they undergo a true anaphylaxis reaction. This is different from normal itchiness in response to a bug bite. Copyright © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Proper respiration is essential for life, so any respiratory problems in dogs not only threaten their well-being, but their very existence. Other less common symptoms might include lethargy, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing. Allergies have become an increasingly frequent issue in dogs. Fortunately, efficient treatments for respiratory allergies are now available. This therapy Gut-induced allergies, or food allergies, are common health concerns. A: Anything from chronic ear inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic diarrhea to chronic gas, licking their feet, or an itchy rear end. fact that allergies are a disease of the immune system. A pollen allergy is considered an inhalant allergy which is referred to as atopy by veterinarians. Pawing at the face and discharge from one nostril often suggests the presence of a foreign object. If you or a loved one has an allergy to dog dander, it doesn’t have to be the end of life with Fido. Privacy Policy. The respiratory allergies may also be detected through intradermal sensitive the dog is. Lung congestion in dogs is often due to minor respiratory flu or seasonal allergies. Most infections are localized in the nose (nasal aspergillosis) but some dogs will develop mild to serious lung infections as well. Environmental allergens, such as mold, dust, pollen a… Or perhaps to train for the upcoming Richmond SPCA Dog…, If you have a dog, Richmond is the place to be! So pollen and environmental allergies usually manifest as skin inflammation predominantly around paws and belly. severe. The following steps can help prevent an asthma flare-up: • Do not allow cigarette smoke in the cat’s environment. The symptoms of respiratory allergies may vary, depending on how All rights reserved. Dr. Parker Nash, Veterinary at Wellesley Animal Hospital in Richmond, explains that it is not “typical” for dogs to exhibit respiratory symptoms and provides us with some insight. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens. Some dogs can exhibit upper respiratory symptoms from pollen such as a runny nose or sneezing but very rarely do they ever exhibit lower respiratory signs or distress.”. We are so blessed to live in a world that provides ways for allergic dog lovers to coexist with furry friends. Dust, pollen, and mold are all environmental allergens (among other triggers) that can cause allergic reactions or … Airborne Allergies (Atopy or Canine Atopic Dermatitis) It is thought that dogs are genetically predisposed to become sensitized to allergens in the environment. If your pets are suffering from respiratory allergies, we recommend you limit the amount of time you spend outside with them when pollens are most active. Intradermal testing is when certain allergens are injected just under your dog’s skin to see if there is an allergic reaction. Environmental allergens are one of the main causes. Immunotherapy program ( allergy “ shots ” ) for your pet may be chronic or episodically. Thermostat and turn off the fans are food allergies tract includes the nose ( aspergillosis. Immunotherapy is an efficient treatment option for respiratory allergies will include symptoms such as wheezing,,... 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