Atopy is when the dog’s immune system overreacts to an airborne or inhaled allergen. Atopy, sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a fairly common condition in dogs and cats. It is the second most common type of allergy in pets. In dogs, it usually shows up between the ages of 1 and 3. It tends to be seasonal, with its severity increasing or decreasing depending on the time of the year.
With inhalant allergies, humans typically experience respiratory symptoms. Pets, however, tend to manifest their allergic reactions through their skin and coat. Signs that your dog has inhalant allergies or atopy include:
- Intense itchiness which causes scratching, licking, or biting of the feet and belly
- Skin redness
- Rubbing of the face, chest, armpits, and feet
- Patchy hair loss
- Skin thickening
- Darkening of skin color in certain areas
- An unusual skin odor
- Greasy, flaky, or scaly skin
- Scratches, skin infections, or open sores
- Chronic ear infections
- Bacterial or yeast infections
- Sneezing, runny eyes (although this is rare)
Allergens, that most commonly cause atopy symptoms, include tree, grass, and weed pollens, molds, mildew, dust mites, fertilizers, chemicals found in rubber or plastic materials, feathers, and certain fabrics such as wool or nylon.
Any skin and/or hair coat issue exhibited by your pet should warrant an appointment with a pet clinic Kerrville TX.
