VET APPROVED
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Iulia Mihai
DVM MSc (Veterinarian)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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Individuals with allergies typically exhibit symptoms such as watery eyes, runny noses, sneezing, and itching. Similarly, dogs can develop allergies to pollen, food, and even the hair of other animals.
Although uncommon, dogs can also be allergic to humans. Humans shed dander like other animals, and this dander can trigger allergies in dogs.
These allergic dogs are often diagnosed with generalized atopic dermatitis, a chronic condition prone to recurring periodically. Symptoms include intense itching, scratching, watery eyes, runny nose, and hair loss.
Understanding Canine Allergies to Humans
Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system reacts excessively to an allergen, a foreign substance that triggers the response. In the case of human allergies, dogs react to human dander (skin flakes) when they come into contact with it through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact.
While seemingly benign, skin allergies can lead to secondary infections. Untreated allergies can cause skin complications as dogs scratch, bite, or lick excessively, leading to skin irritation and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Identifying Signs of Human Allergies in Dogs
Diagnosing a dog’s allergy to humans can be challenging, as the clinical signs mimic those of other allergies. Common indications of canine allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Itching
- Hair loss
- Ear infection
- Excessive scratching, especially around the eyes, ears, paws, and anus
- Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms (less common)
Dogs with allergies often experience significant itching all over their bodies and may chew their paws, leading to redness and irritation. The sweat glands in their paws can become inflamed during allergic reactions.
Secondary skin infections may manifest as:
- Moist skin
- Crusts
- Unpleasant skin odor
If your dog’s allergic reactions are not seasonal or food-related, human allergies may be suspected. Improvement of clinical signs when separated from people and worsening upon re-exposure to humans can also indicate a human allergy.
Diagnosing Canine Human Allergies
Distinguishing a dog’s excessive scratching from other conditions can be complex. Veterinarians may resort to various medications without a definitive diagnosis, but this is not ideal. Accurate diagnosis methods include:
- Allergy testing, either intradermal or blood tests
- Gradual elimination of potential allergens from the dog’s environment
Intradermal testing 2 in dogs involves injecting various allergens into their skin to observe reactions and identify the responsible allergens based on redness and inflammation.
Frequency of Canine Human Allergies
Allergies to humans are relatively rare in dogs, partly due to challenges in diagnosing them without specific tests. Veterinarians may struggle to pinpoint human allergies in dogs without thorough testing, as the clinical signs are similar to other types of allergies.
Managing Canine Human Allergies
To alleviate your allergic dog’s symptoms, enhance their living environment and consult your veterinarian for appropriate treatment. Strategies for pet owners include:
- Cleaning and vacuuming your home daily to prevent dander accumulation
- Removing unwashable items like carpets or upholstery
- Choosing washable upholstery materials
- Frequent bathing of your dog with hypoallergenic shampoos to reduce itching
- Supplementing their diet with fish oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
Conclusion
Human dander can trigger allergies in dogs, though diagnosing these allergies without specific tests can be challenging. Clinical signs of human allergies in dogs mirror those of common allergies and may include itching, scratching, watery eyes, runny nose, and hair loss. Severe cases may also lead to respiratory issues. If your dog displays these signs persistently, unrelated to seasonal changes or diet, consider the possibility of a human allergy.
Featured Image Credit: Viorel Sima, Shutterstock
