Understanding Dust Mites and Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Solutions

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed on October 7, 2024

The Struggle with Dust Mites and Dog Allergies

Having an itchy dog can be exhausting for you, especially if he’s scratching all night in the bedroom — but imagine how much more tiring it is for your pet!

Around 1 in 10 dogs is predisposed to allergic skin disease, and house dust mites are among the most common allergens that affect dogs. In fact, about 30% of dogs with allergies react strongly to the presence of dust mites.

Other common allergens include:

• Grass, flower, or tree pollens
• Molds
• Proteins found in certain foods

When a dog comes into contact with any of these allergens, including dust mites, their immune system overreacts. This leads to the release of chemicals that cause itchiness and skin irritation.

Signs of allergic reactions in dogs include:

• Excessive licking
• Chewing
• Scratching

If your dog is showing these signs, it might be time to consider dust mites as a potential trigger. Relieve your dog’s itchy skin by addressing allergens in the home.

Symptoms of Dust Mites and Dog Allergies

You can think of dust mites and dog allergies similarly to hay fever in humans. However, instead of sneezing or a runny nose, dogs experience itchiness.

This itchiness often leads to:

• Licking
• Chewing
• Scratching

Over time, this can result in skin thickening (lichenification), where the skin loses its soft texture and becomes rough, like lichen. It can also cause hyperpigmentation, where constant licking makes the skin produce dark pigment as a defense.

Common areas affected by allergies include:

• Paws
• Groin
• Armpits
• Face
• Tummy

Interestingly, dogs tend to be less itchy on their backs. There is also a genetic component, with dogs typically showing signs between 6 months and 3 years of age.

If your dog is itching without the presence of fleas, it could be related to other causes like allergies. Learn more about why your dog may be itching without fleas.

Causes of Dust Mites and Dog Allergies

Dogs with dust mites and dog allergies often inherit their sensitivity from their parents. However, they won’t react immediately. The immune system needs repeated exposure to allergens like dust mites for symptoms to develop.

In some cases, dogs may appear fine on their regular diet for weeks before developing a gradual intolerance due to repeated exposure.

Did you know that pet allergies can also affect humans in serious ways? Find out more about the risks of pet allergies.

Seasonal Variations in Dust Mite Allergies

Dust mites and dog allergies may not be strictly seasonal like pollen allergies, but the severity of symptoms can fluctuate throughout the year. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid conditions, so symptoms often worsen during the summer or in homes with higher humidity. On the other hand, colder months with drier air can reduce the dust mite population, offering some relief to dogs with allergies.

Tips for seasonal management:

• Monitor humidity levels in your home.
• Use dehumidifiers in the warmer months.
• Wash your dog’s bedding more frequently during summer.
• Increase air circulation to keep the environment drier.

Diagnosing Dust Mites and Dog Allergies

Your vet may suspect an allergy if itchiness follows a seasonal pattern. For example, allergies to pollen and grass are often worse during the summer months.

However, diagnosing allergies, especially those related to dust mites and dog allergies, can be tricky. Skin biopsies only indicate inflammation, not the cause. Intradermal skin tests in dogs may not always correspond to the severity of the itching.

To rule out other causes of skin disease, your vet may conduct:

• Skin scrapes to check for parasites
• Biopsies to check for ringworm, autoimmune skin disease, or cancer

Treatment for Dust Mites and Dog Allergies

Treatment may be complicated by secondary bacterial infections, which make the skin even itchier. Cleansing shampoos and antibiotics are often prescribed first to improve skin health.

For immediate relief, a short course of corticosteroids is very effective. For long-term management, other anti-inflammatory medications can help, although they take longer to work and are often used alongside corticosteroids to keep the dog comfortable.

In some cases, dogs with allergies may develop secondary infections like yeast in their ears. Read more about dog ear yeast infections.

In this video, Dr. Fawcett of Sydney Animal Hospitals explains treatment options to help pets:

Natural Remedies to Alleviate Dust Mite Allergies in Dogs

For dogs suffering from dust mites and dog allergies, natural remedies can provide some relief. Regularly bathing your dog with hypoallergenic shampoos can help reduce allergens on their skin. Additionally, making dietary changes to include omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin health and reduce allergic reactions. Always consult your vet before trying new treatments.

Other natural remedies include:

• Using a fan or dehumidifier to reduce humidity in your home.
• Providing air purifiers to help reduce allergens.
• Cleaning your dog’s bedding and toys regularly.
• Feeding your dog omega-3-rich supplements for skin health.

Reducing Dust Mites in Your Dog’s Living Environment

To effectively manage dust mites and dog allergies, reducing dust mites in your dog’s environment is key. Regular cleaning and using allergen-proof bedding can help minimize exposure to dust mites. In addition, keeping humidity levels low in your home is essential, as dust mites thrive in moist environments.

Steps to reduce dust mites include:

• Vacuum your home with a vacuum that has an allergen filter.
• Wash your dog’s bedding and soft toys in hot water.
• Use allergen-proof covers on bedding and furniture.
• Maintain low humidity levels in your home (under 50%).
• Clean and declutter your home regularly to minimize dust accumulation.

Preventing Dust Mites and Dog Allergies

House dust mites are a potent allergen, and regular cleaning is essential for prevention. Use a vacuum with an allergen filter to reduce dust mites in your home. Since many allergens are absorbed through the skin, regular bathing during pollen season can also help decrease the amount of allergen your dog comes into contact with.

Additional prevention tips include:

• Using allergen-proof bedding for your dog
• Washing your dog’s bedding frequently
• Keeping humidity levels low in your home to reduce dust mites

For some dogs with allergies, around 30% to 40% respond well to immunotherapy vaccines. These bespoke vaccines are developed specifically for the allergens your pet is sensitive to, with the goal of desensitization through small, increasing doses of the allergen.

Learn more about immunotherapy vaccines and how they can help pets with allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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