Like people, dogs can experience allergic reactions to mold and other substances in their environment. Here, our Elk Grove veterinarians list symptoms of mold allergies in dogs and explain how they are diagnosed. We also explore treatment options like immunotherapy using vaccinations.
What are mold allergies and how can they affect dogs?
Mold produces spores that can trigger allergic reactions in dogs, other animals, and people. This substance can be found in both indoor (like basements) and outdoor areas. Damp, humid environments provide the ideal conditions for mold to rapidly multiply and grow.
Mold grows seasonally in piles of wet leaves and in decayed plant material. For homeowners, keeping mold from spreading inside their homes, like on tile walls and window ledges, is a year-round task.
The first sign of irritation dogs that inhale mold spores typically experience is itchy skin. Though dogs of any age can develop allergies, inhalant allergies usually manifest in dogs under the age of three. Many breeds are thought to be sensitive to non-food allergens like grasses and pollen. If your dog is displaying signs and symptoms of an allergy, contact your vet to book an exam. Your veterinarian can determine what's causing your dog's problems and provide treatment to relieve symptoms.
While mold is the most common inhalant allergen in dogs, other airborne allergens like dust mites and pollen may also cause problems.
What are the symptoms of a mold allergy?
If your dog has a mold allergy, you may see them display these signs and symptoms, which differ from humans who are allergic to mold. Signs your dog may be allergic to mold include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Watery eyes
- Frequently licking, scratching, and/or biting themselves
- Frequent ear infections
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Labored breathing (your dog's chest may seem to heave with each breath)
If you notice any changes in your dog's behavior, appetite, or energy levels, contact your vet to schedule an appointment for an exam.
How are mold allergies diagnosed in dogs?
Your vet will review your dog's medical history, including recent illnesses, previous incidents of skin irritation, current diet and medications, and travel history to diagnose your pup's mold allergy. They will also conduct a physical exam, during which they'll closely examine your dog's skin and ears.
Your veterinarian may run a blood test, then use equipment in our on-site veterinary diagnostic lab to check for antibodies to the mold allergen. A urinalysis, skin scrapings, or other diagnostic tests may also be conducted to rule out other potential causes of a skin problem.
Dogs with inhalant allergies may be sensitive to numerous particles, including pollen, mites, and dust. If required, your vet may refer you to a veterinary dermatologist near Elk Grove for advanced diagnostic testing.
How are canine mold allergies treated?
Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat your dog's symptoms and to make breathing. Your dog may also require ear drops if he has an ear infection, as well as antibiotics if he has infected skin sores.
Your veterinarian may advise you to have the mold removed from your home as soon as possible to help treat your dog's symptoms and any infections. Depending on the severity of your dog's symptoms, and your dog's size, age, and health, your veterinarian may also advise you not to take him home until the mold has been removed. The symptoms may not improve and may even worsen if you take your dog home with mold still in the house.
Immunotherapy for Mold Allergies in Dogs
With immunotherapy, your dog will be given pet vaccinations from their vet or a vet specialist in Elk Grove. These shots are given multiple times a week to help build up your dog's immunity to the allergen. We go into more detail about this below.
How Immunotherapy Can Help With Mold Allergies in Dogs
Allergen Immunotherapy is the process of desensitizing your pet to the source of their allergy so that they can better cope with exposure. This is done by gradually introducing them to trace amounts of their allergen over time so they can build up a tolerance and immunity to it. Some common allergies treated with allergen immunotherapy include tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen, house dust mites, molds, feathers and human dander.
Allergy desensitization is a safe and effective treatment for allergic cats and dogs. It is the only treatment proven to help prevent the progression of allergies as pets get older. Allergy immunotherapy also helps decrease the need for long-term medications, and decreases skin and ear infection development, leading to improved long-term patient quality of life.
If you are curious about the benefits of cat and dog vaccinations for allergen desensitization, contact your vet in Elk Grove. They can make an accurate diagnosis of what ails your dog or cat and make a treatment plan to help improve their quality of life. For more complex cases, this may include a referral to a veterinary dermatologist or allergist.
How do dogs recover from mold allergies?
Mold allergy treatment and recovery go hand in hand. Adherence to veterinarian-prescribed therapies will benefit a dog with allergies. Some work on your behalf can include using a dehumidifier to prevent mold, cleaning mold-producing rooms, using cleaning products that remove mold and spores, and having air conditioning ducts checked regularly.
Dogs should also wear washable booties and a sweater when going outside, and their fur and feet should be wiped down when entering the house. If you have any questions, the veterinarian can help. They will likely want to re-check your pet's skin as well to make sure recovery is progressing smoothly.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.