Similar to people, dogs can experience allergic reactions to substances in their environment. In this post, our Laguna Beach vets share facts about symptoms of mold allergies in dogs, how they are diagnosed, and treatment options, including immunotherapy using pet vaccinations.
What are mold allergies and how can they affect dogs?
Mold produces spores that can cause allergic reactions in dogs, other animals, and humans. This substance can be found both indoors and outdoors, and damp, humid environments like basements provide the perfect conditions for mold to rapidly multiply. Mold grows seasonally in piles of wet leaves and decayed plant material. Homeowners must work to keep mold from spreading inside their homes in places like window ledges and the tile wall in the shower.
Itchy skin is typically the first sign of irritation in dogs that inhale mold spores. While 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 pollen and grasses. If your dog is displaying signs and symptoms of an allergy, contact your vet to book an exam. Your vet can determine the cause of your dog's problems and provide treatment to relieve the symptoms.
While mold is the most common inhalant allergen in dogs, other airborne allergens like dust mites and pollen can also cause problems.
What are the symptoms of a mold allergy?
If your dog has a mold allergy, you may notice them display these signs and symptoms, which are different than humans. Signs your dog may be allergic to mold include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Frequent licking, scratching, and/or biting themselves
- Loss of appetite
- Watery eyes
- Frequent ear infections
- Lethargy
- Labored breathing (your dog's chest may seem to heave with each breath)
If you notice any changes in your dog's appetite, behavior, or energy level, contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment for an exam.
How are mold allergies diagnosed in dogs?
To diagnose your dog's mold allergy, a vet will review your dog's medical history, including previous incidents of skin irritation, recent illnesses and travel history, current diet, and medications. They will also conduct a physical exam, closely examining your dog's ears and skin.
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 Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach. 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 Laguna Beach. 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.
