Most people associate seasonal allergies with the springtime, when everything is in bloom, but fall is also an important allergy season. The allergens that most commonly affect pets and people in autumn are molds (from decaying plant materials) and ragweed pollen. Learn what the signs are in animals and how you can reduce your pet's exposure to these allergens.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO (September 27, 2005) -- Chicago is again among the worst places to live with allergies this fall, and many Americans are unknowingly living in allergy "hot spots." Recently ranked as the 2005 "Fall Allergy Capitals" by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, these locations are considered the worst places to live with allergies as ragweed and mold spores peak in September and October. But the dubious honor fails to account for the members of the family that will suffer the most from fall allergies, the pets.
Just like with people, ragweed is one of the most common types of allergens for dogs. While tree and grass pollen levels start to drop off as autumn approaches, ragweed sees explosive growth across the country from late August to late October, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. In humans, ragweed allergies manifest as sneezing and watery eyes, but for many of America's 7 million allergic dogs, ragweed reactions take a far more serious form as inflamed, itchy skin and infections that develop from atopic dermatitis, or atopy.
Second only to ragweed as a canine allergen, mold spores also see a surge in early to late fall due to higher concentrations of dead leaves and other decaying matter. Widespread in fields, ditches and front lawns, ragweed and mold spores live at the perfect sniffing level of any active, curious dog.
"In early fall, it doesn't matter where you walk your dog or let her run, she's bound to run into ragweed and mold, which can lead to intense allergic reactions," says Dr. Keith Hnilica, associate professor of dermatology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee. "The best precaution you can take for your dog in early fall is to limit exposure to allergens, but when allergic reactions occur, pet owners should consider how their veterinarian can help with medicine for dogs -- especially since people are increasingly turning to those options for themselves." Although many over-the-counter options exist for people, only one option for long-term management of canine allergies is available for dogs, FDA-approved Atopica (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) modified.
Owners can proactively avoid some frustration by limiting their dogs' exposure. Hnilica recommends dog owners pay close attention to surroundings, time of day and weather conditions to ensure their pets steer clear of risky allergens.
- Stay away from un-mowed grass -- Ragweed pollen is more likely to be airborne in areas with high grass and weeds. To limit exposure, restrict a dog's outdoor time to either mowed lawns or areas of packed dirt during the peak ragweed season, August 15 through the end of September.
- Clean up leaves and other decaying matter promptly -- Leaves sitting on a lawn are more likely to absorb water and decay, creating higher concentrations of mold. Clean up decaying matter quickly and keep dogs inside to limit exposure.
- Avoid morning, take advantage of rain -- Pollen tends to circulate most heavily between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so limit outdoor activities during those times. Conversely, rain helps prevent pollen from spreading, so take advantage after rain showers for outdoor activities.
- Brush the dog down when returning indoors and bathe frequently -- Any time spent outdoors exposes dogs to mold spores and ragweed pollen that gets trapped in their coat. Grooming the dog with a stiff brush before coming indoors helps prevent the prolonged contact that leads to allergic reactions. Bathing weekly washes off many of the pollens and spores that cannot be removed through brushing.
- Talk to a veterinarian about managing allergies -- Even with a close eye, dogs still develop allergic reactions. Veterinarians have many options to manage atopic dermatitis including Atopica to target the harmful reaction to allergens like ragweed that cause itchiness and inflammation.
