Seasonal Variation Can Affect Your Dog, In Turn, Affect Your Skin
Concentration of allergens is highest in indoor environments. Dogs are a considerable source of those indoor allergens. Dogs release allergens through their secretions; saliva, sweat and urine. Dog hair and dander contain more than 28 antigens, according to Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Additionally, the sex of a dog and whether or not they’ve been neutered affect how many allergens they potentially produce. For example, unneutered male dogs create a significant quantity of an allergen known as prostatic kallikrein, which can cause sensitivity and inflammation in human skin.
Indoor dogs are often the source of skin allergies.
Exposure to your dog's many allergens, combined with the transition into spring or summer, can bring about an onset of an inflammatory skin disorder. Common skin disorders associated with indoor dogs are:
contact dermatitis
eczema
psoriasis
In addition, a variety of skin infections, such as staphylococcus (bacterial) , ringworm (fungal) and scabies (parasitic) can transfer from dog to human. These infections, having correlation to your dog, are more common than you may think.
Allergens are airborne, and found in high concentrations in dust, carpets and upholstery. These allergens are particularly dense in living rooms and bedrooms.
The particles that carry dog allergens are sticky and easily transfer to clothing and even human hair.
According to Dr. Millie Rosales, dermatologist veterinarian, if your dog seems to be itchy and scratching often, this is not normal behavior. It is almost always a sign there is a bacterial or fungal skin infection present. Additionally, excessive scratching can lead to secondary skin infections.
Moreover, the term hypoallergenic, when describing a dog, sadly, just doesn’t exist. These dogs may produce less dander, but there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
All dogs produce allergens; however, some breeds produce more than others.
Listed below are breeds predisposed to developing allergies, therefore, causing an excess of allergens according to Merck Vet Manual.
Boxers
Bulldog
Basset Hound
German Shepherd
Golden Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers
Terriers
If you suspect your skin may be experiencing inflammation due to your dogs allergens, consider the following:
Wash your dog at least twice a week, as it significantly reduces their allergens.
Wash their bedding weekly.
Keep them out of the bedroom and off the bed.
Consider Immunotherapy (allergy vaccine) for your pet.
Wash YOUR hair daily if you are having an onset of inflammatory symptoms!
Treatment is a commitment, as it is ongoing care and maintenance.
If your skin is experiencing inflammation due to your pet’s allergens, schedule an appointment for treatment recommendations specific for you.