Mold allergy symptoms in your dog may look different than symptoms you might suffer if you're allergic to mold. In dogs, mold allergy is classified as an atopic allergy, which is an allergy to something that's comes in contact with the patient's skin. Atopic allergies are the second-most-common canine allergy (behind flea allergy), and they affect about 15 percent of American dogs.
Most atopic allergies develop in dogs between the ages of one and three years, but dogs can become allergic to mold or other allergens at any time in their lives. Some dogs show symptoms of an atopic allergy when they are as young as six months of age.
Your Dog's Breed May Play a Role
Some breeds may be more prone to atopic allergies than others. Breeds with a predisposition to atopic allergies include the beagle, Belgian tervuren, boxer, Cairn terrier, chihuahua, Dalmatian, English bulldog, English setter, golden retriever, Irish setter, Labrador retriever, lhasa apso, miniature schnauzer, pug, Scottish terrier, shih tzu, shar-pei, West Highland white terrier and the wire haired fox terrier.
Mold Allergy Symptoms in Your Dog
A dog with a mold allergy will probably first show signs of a year-round skin problem. He may chew or bite at his feet and legs frequently, or he may rub his face or belly against the ground in an attempt to scratch itchy patches of skin. In some cases, a dog will develop a secondary skin infection after he's chewed his skin raw, or in time, he may develop bald patches in his coat or he may have crusty or oily spots on his coat from excessive scratching.
Another indication of a possible mold allergy in your dog is chronic ear infections that result in large amounts of ear wax being produced. Dogs with a mold allergy may also sneeze, cough or have watery eyes. Other canine allergies present with symptoms of skin and ear problems, so you'll need to seek help from your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog's symptoms.
Diagnosing and Treating a Mold Allergy
A variety of tests, including blood and skin tests, are used to diagnose a mold allergy in your dog. After the test results are available, your vet can come up with a plan to treat your dog's mold allergies. Your dog may receive injections to build up his immunity, or he may receive other medications to treat the problem.
Keeping your home mold-free can help alleviate your dog's mold allergy symptoms. Keep your dog out of areas in your home where mold is likely to grow, such as your basement. Remove mold whenever you find it in your home, use ventilation fans in your bathroom and kitchen to remove excess moisture and run the air conditioner regularly to keep your home's humidity level under control.