Let's Talk About Dog Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

The arrival of Autumn causes changes in the scenery for most of our country. Wind, rain, and a drop in temperature bring about the fall of leaves, emblematic for this season.

Fall season allergies in dogs can wreak havoc on their systems. These allergies often occur seasonally after the summer months when various plants begin to release allergens into the air.

Dogs that suffer from allergies in the fall usually have reactions to plants such as sagebrush, pigweed, goldenrod, curly dock, and other offending plants and pollen that they release.

Ragweed and mold are also popular triggers of fall season allergies in dogs. Environmental allergies and food allergies are more so year round, but allergies that are exclusive only to the fall season are usually due to the same factors, which are mostly pollen, mold, and perhaps even dust mites. These inhalant allergies are not only breathed in by the dog, but also settle within the fur and skin of the dog, causing skin reactions. However, if you reside in an area that does not freeze in the winter, the allergies build up and can cause year-long suffering.

Fall season allergies in dogs occur when dogs react to specific allergens, usually environmental, that are exclusive to the fall season. Fall season allergies only occur for a few months out of the year.

Our mission for today is to teach you all about protecting your dog from Autumn allergies. After reading today’s blog post, you will be adequately armed to recognize canine allergy signs and to administer natural, antibiotic-free remedies as needed.

Mold Allergy

Allergies are the immune system’s response to proteins that the body perceives as a threat. Specific cells (i.e., mast cells) release chemicals called histamines to ward off the invading protein. These histamines are responsible for the irritation and inflammation that usually accompany allergic reactions.

In this case, molds and fungi act as allergens (replacing pollen, the typical summer allergy culprit). They tend to be more aggressive than pollen, so your dog will need more robust inflammation prevention to pass through autumn allergy-free. But first, we need to take a closer look at the different mold varieties.

Different Mold Varieties

Your dog could potentially encounter any of the following molds:

Alternaria

Alternaria is common in spring and fall; prefers dead plant material, cereal grains, grasses, and soil as growth surfaces.

Phoma

Phoma is common after autumn rains; prefers soil, organic matter, plants, and aquatic environments as growth surfaces.

Hormodendrum

Hormodendrum is common in autumn, after temperature drops and upticks in humidity; prefers dead vegetation and textiles as growth surfaces.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is common in autumn; prefers rotting vegetation and basements as growth surfaces.

Mold Allergy Symptoms

Mold allergy can manifest itself both on the dog’s skin and within its respiratory system. At the skin level, the following symptoms are the most recurrent:

• Excessive itching and scratching (i.e., pruritus)
• Sebum collection in the eye corners
• Skin redness
• Watery eyes
• Ear infections
• Paw chewing
• Thickened, odorous skin
• Skin infection

Other symptoms, which tend to manifest themselves in the respiratory system, include:

• Unpleasant accumulated secretions in the respiratory system
• Lung issues: couching, wheezing, hacking, etc.

11 Canine Breeds are Predisposed to Allergies

It is commonly thought that genetics play a substantial role in proneness to allergies. Although no dog is 100% safe from experiencing an allergic reaction, some dog breeds are simply more susceptible to develop allergic reactions than others to begin with. The primary breeds which should expect to struggle with frequent allergies are:

• Boston Terriers
• Boxers
• Chinese Shar-Peis
• Dalmatians
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Pugs
• Scottish Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• West Highland White Terriers, and
• Wirehaired Fox Terriers

Now that we have a firmer grasp of how mold allergies arise, reach our pets during autumn, and manifest themselves within canines, let’s look at the Volhard top picks for mold allergy prevention!

With allergy sufferers, an overreactive immune system is the culprit to specific allergens. Specific causes of fall season allergies in dogs are:

• Hypersensitive immune system to a particular agent
• The immune system attacking an agent that is otherwise harmless
• The overactive immune system causing an allergic reaction, such as atopic dermatitis

First Things First: Clean Your Garden

The first step will be to clean the enemy out of your own backyard. Frequently, leaf piles are left to rot in our gardens, creating the perfect medium for molds and fungi. As such, it would be best if you created a regular leaf-raking schedule or implemented methods to improve the yard’s water drainage if you notice leaf buildup during the autumn season. Furthermore, power-washing your house’s siding, patio, and driveway will remove any already-settled spores. Applying these recommendations will allow your dog to play at will in your backyard with fewer allergy concerns.

Your dog may be unable to resist the temptation of running through leaf piles, thereby increasing the chances of their stumbling upon molds and fungi during their adventures. Because of that, we recommend that you rinse their feet, legs, and underside after any woodland explorations, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction.

Natural, Antibiotic-Free Allergy Remedies

Changes in your dog’s diet can improve its reaction to allergy-related symptoms, especially to inflammation. Volhard’s Rescue diet is the only diet formulated to reduce inflammation and is a hypoallergenic solution to your dog’s overactive immune system. Relying on this balanced diet will allow your dog’s immune system to be supported through a specific choice of ingredients and herbs used to modulate its immune response. The diet provides support to the dog’s body and then the dog's body knows how to fix itself in the right conditions. Therefore, consider switching to this energetically balanced, carefully formulated diet option well in advance of allergy season to minimize your dog’s allergic response and symptoms (e.g., less itching, less sneezing, decreased incidences of hot spots, and minimized skin rashes) while optimizing their physical and mental well-being!

You can enhance the Volhard Rescue diet by employing the right holistic and herbal supplements if you are particularly concerned or have a dog breed with a severe allergic predisposition. Let’s take a closer look at the selection we have put together for you:

#1: Fido’s Flora

This biologically species-appropriate probiotic contains humic and fulvic acids, two essential minerals for cell health and longevity, as well as the removal of toxic minerals from the body. A probiotic like Adored Beast’s Fido’s Flora ameliorates allergy-related inflammation while simultaneously:

• Improving vitamin and mineral absorption
• Speeding up enzyme activity
• Reducing blood glucose levels, and
• Cleaning the body of harmful free radicals

#2: Para-Yeast

At times, both the dog’s living environment and abnormal circumstances (e.g., recentsurgery, vaccines, or new medication regimens) can encourage yeasts, molds, and parasites to multiply in the dog’s body. If your dog is in need of an effective wormer, our recommendation is Para-Yeast, a natural product containing a mixture of cleansing herbs. It would be best if you used Para-Yeast when the following symptoms occur:

• Recurring ear infections
• Eye irritations, swelling of eyelids, or dry eye
• Sore throat
• Respiratory difficulties
• Swollen joints
• Ongoing skin rashes
• Hair loss or brittle nails
• Thyroid disease

#3: Quercetin

This antioxidant acts as a natural antihistamine, i.e., an inhibiting agent that stabilizes immune cells and reduces the release of histamine. Quercetin is abundant in apples (along with vitamins A and C and fiber), which your dog will gladly enjoy as a healthy snack. Simply remember to remove the apple seeds and core beforehand to avoid potential cyanide ingestion, choking hazards, or bowel obstructions.

#4: Bromelain -

Bromelain is a proteolytic (i.e., protein-breaking) enzyme found in the pineapple plant. This enzyme helps break down proteins and inhibits potential inflammation. Bromelain and quercetin are frequently used together as a solution to acute or chronic inflammation in both people and dogs. Share your next pineapple snack with your canine companion -- we assure you, they will love it!

#5: Probiotics -

A strong, healthy immune system will keep allergies away with more ease. To help your dog’s immune system, we recommend that you consider adding more probiotics (i.e., friendly bacteria) to its diet. Fortunately, numerous foods found in your fridge are already rich with probiotics, foods that your dog will be thrilled to help you dispose of. Enhance your dog’s gut microbiome with the natural help of:

• Homemade yogurt
• Kefir
• Goat milk
• Cheese
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Garlic
• Seaweed
• Asparagus
• Bananas, and
• Apples

A Final Word

Help your dog enjoy the beautiful autumn weather and scenery in a healthy, allergy-free way. By taking preventative measures and enhancing its diet, you will help your dog’s immune system and microbiome be strong enough to resist allergic reactions and their most common symptoms, such as inflammation.

Our Volhard team is ready to answer all of your questions surrounding allergies, so feel free to contact us or check out our blog! 

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert nutritionists are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why, what, and how to feed their dogs the healthiest of foods! Speaking to a Volhard nutritionist will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. If you're interested in contacting one of our Volhard nutritionists, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!