Allergic Rhinitis in a Dog

Dogs can suffer from allergies just like humans. Common allergens include dust mites, mold spores and pollen. Allergic rhinitis causes inflamed and irritated mucous membranes. When your dog is exposed to an allergen, it can develop allergic rhinitis.

  1. Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are bloody mucous, constant rubbing or pawing at the nose, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge and sneezing or coughing. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, take it to a veterinarian.

    Diagnosis

    • Your vet will take a complete history and perform a thorough physical examination of your dog. Skin tests will measure the level of immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibody in your dog. Additional diagnostic tests may include culture of nasal discharge, nasal X-rays and rhinoscopy.

    Treatment

    • Common treatments include antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs and nasal rinses. Antihistamines help reduce the allergic reaction the dog experiences. Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and irritation to the nose and sinus passages. A nasal rinse can reduce pain and irritation.

    Prevention

    • Preventative measures include encasing your dog's bed in an allergen-proof cover, keeping your dog off the furniture, reducing the humidity level in your home, removing carpets where possible and washing your dog's bedding and stuffed toys weekly in hot water. Keep your dog indoors during the afternoon when pollen and spore counts are highest.