Allergies are increasing!
Any of us suffering from allergies have found the severity and number of people affected with allergies seems to have increased. This is true for our pets as well! Why? Dr. Rosanna Marsella, in a recent JAVMA paper published in October looks at what’s going on…
Certainly, it is known that allergies (atopic dermatitis) are hereditary in many breeds (up to 50% in high-risk breeds such as the West Highland White Terrier) but environmental factors also play a role. Factors that mirror the allergy epidemic observed in people are also true in dogs.
Examples of these factors include: air pollution to include smoking, exposure to chemicals, diet, hormones, physical activity, microbiome, and physical activity. All of these have an impact on what shapes the genetic predisposition. By controlling some of the above factors, it is possible to reduce symptoms in us and our pets.
Several studies of allergic dogs have shown that dogs living in rural areas, being exposed to other animals, and walking in a forest were likely to be less allergic. A higher chance of allergies were found in dogs living in an extremely clean home and/or having a haircoat that was >50% white. Pets that live indoors are exposed to house dust mites and household chemicals which have been found to predispose both humans and dogs to allergies. One study confirmed healthy dogs and their owners lived in RURAL environments whereas allergic humans and their dogs were more common in URBAN environments. Obesity is a known risk factor in human allergies and obesity in pets can mirror their owners. Fat cells (adipocytes) interact with the immune system to promote a low-grade inflammation that contributes to atopic dermatitis.
Inhalation of passive smoking and indoor air pollution have been proven to be associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs. The role of ultra-processed carbohydrate-rich diets on allergic dermatitis is still under scrutiny. Some studies suggest these diets increase the risk for allergies, others do not confirm this.
Again, our pets have much in common with us! The risk of environmental factors in allergic dermatitis in humans mirrors what appears to be similar in dogs. In short, keep their weight down, exercise regularly, prevent exposure to pollutants such as passive smoke, and feed a nutritionally complete diet preferably boosted with omega-3 fatty acid content. Even though atopic dermatitis is genetic, by tweaking a few environmental factors, we can help our allergic dogs!
@speakingofpets