Allergies: an Itchy Problem

My Weather Channel app sends me daily alerts for pollen counts.  Daily there are alerts for high grass pollens.  Just as reliable as the weather channel are my dog patients that suffer from allergies (canine atopy), because we have an increase in appointments for the 'itchy dog'.  We're at the height of allergy season here in the Midwest after enduring an extremely high tree pollen and grass pollen season. Needless to say, people with atopy have been suffering along with our pets. Even if you're not allergic, the high pollen counts tend to act as an irritant, bothering both mucous membranes and the respiratory system.  We all know that there are no cures for allergies, but there are some things you can do at home to help your itchy dog before you make your appointment with your veterinarian.

1. If they are itching, give them a bath.  New evidence shows that absorption of the allergen across the skin (percutaneous absorption) may be the primary mode of getting the allergic response started. It certainly explains why in dogs with atopy, the face, feet and perineal areas are most often involved.  By bathing you are washing away pollens that are attached to your pet's fur.  We often recommend bathing with a non-soap, hypoallergenic shampoo that contains anti-itch properties and omega fatty acids.  Following a bath, topical leave-in conditioners such as ResiCort, that contains hydrocortisone can help continue to give relief.
2. Grasses pollinate early morning and late night, which happens to be when we most typically send out pets out for bathroom relief.  So grass pollens are attached to their paws and now they are licking at their feet!  Take the time to wipe down your pet's feet with a damp cloth or antibacterial wipes such as Preva Medicated Wipes  or Wipe Out Dairy Wipes—ImmuCell, used in dairies. 
3. Clothing such as cotton t-shirts and onesies can act as a barrier to percutaneous absorption of allergens.
4. It has been shown that itchy dogs have a decrease in skin oils and topical skin lipid complexes containing ceramides, botanicals and fatty acids such as Allerderm Spot-on (Virbac Animal Health) and Dermoscent Essential 6 (Aventix) can help repair stratum corneum lipids.This can aid in restoring a normal skin barrier. The topicals are typically used once weekly but can be used more or less often depending on the patient's response.
5. There is evidence to show that the proper diet may help relieve clinical signs of atopy. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are both rich in omega-3 fatty acids. For flaxseed oil to have anti-inflammatory effects comparable to fish oil, it must be converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Unfortunately, conversion in dogs is only about 10 percent, so fish oil is a better source of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs.Diets rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) may provide higher amounts of fatty acids than are available via capsules. The best time to start an atopic patient on a diet containing EFAs would be two to three months before its allergic season since it can take two months of EFA supplementation before results are seen. In a study of 50 atopic dogs fed one of four diets over an eight-week period, the dogs fed a fish-based diet had a much lower pruritus score. Dr. Gray often recommends diets with added omega fatty acids and the dietary supplement product EFA-Z plus for her chronic itchers.
   
   
   Treating atopy dogs are frustrating, because we know we cannot cure them, but doing everything we can to help relieve the itch during the allergy season will help give your pet some comfort.  Adding these tips to your pet's health care program can help, however does not negate the necessity of needing to visit your veterinarian.  Bacterial skin infections are common among allergy dogs and this requires a visit with your veterinarian.  Together as a team, you and your veterinarian can help your pet feel better.