Mold & Dog Sneezing
Inhalant allergies, called atopy, affect people and pets and result from inhaling allergens such as pollens, molds, mildew and dust mites. Many allergens and allergies are seasonal, but molds and mildew are always in the environment. Although most allergies in pets manifest as itching, some pets sneeze due to mold in the air. To help a pet with allergies, the owner needs to discover what is causing the allergy; often that cause is mold spores or mildew in the home.
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Mold
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A sneezing dog may be reacting to mold in your house. Mold allergies cause itching and sneezing, so if your dog rubs his eyes or sneezes a lot, he may have discovered and inhaled mold before you even realize you have a mold problem.
Mold grows in carpets, floorboards, walls and heating systems and when a dog breathes in mold spores, its nasal mucous membranes become irritated and this leads to sneezing. Eliminating mold is important, because if mold is allowed to grow, it could become dangerous to the health of people and pets.
People in moist climates, either hot and humid or rainy and wet, probably have mold in their homes. Even pets that don't usually have allergy problems may become ill from exposure to mold or mildew. Dogs are especially susceptible because they use their noses to explore and are likely to sniff, lick and even eat mold.
Sneezing and Other Symptoms
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Occasional dog sneezing is normal, because dogs' noses are sensitive and they come across things that irritate their nasal passages and sinuses. However, if your dog sneezes excessively, you should determine the cause. Symptoms of mold allergies include: sneezing, wheezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy rashes or hives. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine causes of the problem and ways to alleviate your pet's discomfort.
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Indoor Exposure to Mold
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Once you determine your dog has a mold allergy, try to adjust the level mold spores by using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level in your house, control dampness and help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Air purifiers cut down on airborne allergens, and air conditioning makes it harder for mold to grow.
If your dog has inhalant allergies, you can reduce her exposure to mold by keeping your home clean, dusting frequently and vacuuming regularly, especially where your pet sleeps.
Store your dog's food in a dry area, and clean food and water dishes frequently because these can get moldy if wet or moist food is not cleaned up at each meal. Water dishes grow mold because dogs drop food crumbs and particles in water by eating and then drinking, and these food particles decompose, creating mold.
Outdoor Exposure to Mold
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Dogs and puppies spend a lot of time outdoors, increasing their chances of coming in contact with mold. Fungi growing in your yard and mold or mildew growing around your home, patio or driveway should be removed so that pets are not exposed to it.
On his Itch Not website and blog, Dr. Keith Hnilica, associate professor of dermatology at University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses mold spores as a serious canine allergen. Dogs may suffer even more than people from fall allergies, because mold spores exist right at dogs' sniffing level in fields, parks and yards. Dr. Hnilica recommends that dog owners reduce their pets' exposure by cleaning up leaves and decaying matter and brushing their dogs before bringing them indoors because mold spores and allergens can become trapped in their fur.
Precautions and Mold Control
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According to Vet Info, "allergy in dogs is one of the most misunderstood conditions for owners with itchy and sneezy pets. While it is easy to mistake your pet's allergies for a temporary condition like a cold, it is important to realize that most allergies in dogs are not temporary."
In addition to topical and oral treatments for pet allergies, try immunity boosters such as antioxidants and fatty acids. Also eliminate stress factors, as stress may weaken the immune system and intensify the allergic reactions.
The best precaution is to try to limit your dog's exposure to mold, but when allergic reactions occur, consult with your veterinarian who may prescribe medication. Although many over-the-counter options exist for people, only Atopica or generic cyclosporine capsules, USP modified are available for managing serious canine allergies.
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References
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- Photo Credit dog image by Holtea Silviu from Fotolia.com
