Bernese Mountain Dogs, also called Berners, are gentle giants and well-known for being family-oriented dogs. They are of the working breed type and have a gorgeous red coat. However, they do have an allergy problem – their furry coat is a magnet for dust mites- which can cause itchy skin in both individual dogs and humans who live with them. The good news is that there are ways to protect our furry friends from these pesky allergens.
How to best reduce allergenic symptoms
- Invest in quality bedding. An air mattress or a mattress pad that is snugly fitted on the dog’s bed will prevent dust and other allergens from being inhaled.
- Have your dog groomed regularly. Eyebrow trimming, de-shedding, removal of molting hair, nail trimming, and ear-tipping are all home grooming services that can dramatically reduce the number of allergic triggers in your dog’s coat.
- Provide access to an allergen-free environment for your dog indoors. Invest in a large dog crate, a wire-bottomed kennel, or an airtight dog bed that is attached to the floor.
- In the autumn and spring, it is the best idea to keep your dog’s paws inside. Freezing winter temperatures and hot, dusty summer days can cause dry skin and cracked paw pads that lead to bacterial infections.
- Observe your dog carefully when they’re outdoors. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside are more likely to develop allergic reactions.
- Feed your dog a balanced, home-cooked diet that is free of toxic ingredients.
- Avoid giving your dog table scraps and make sure they always have access to fresh, clean water.
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly, as this will help keep the bacteria in their mouths under control.
- Have your dog’s nails clipped, if not trim them at home and if you can, apply a few drops of canine de-matting solution to assist with the natural removal of dead hair from their coats.
- Maintain a neat house and keep the carpets and furniture clean and dry. This will help to remove dust mites, which are the main allergens in your home.
- When visiting the vet, make sure you speak to the staff about your dog’s allergies and how to control them.
- Avoid stressful situations like getting your dog excited or overworked before grooming or visits to the vet and groomer.
- Use a soft-bristled brush on a weekly basis and only use a special rubber grooming rake once every five weeks in order to keep interference with your dog’s natural oils at a minimum.
- If your dog has a flea/tick infestation, have it checked as this can be another source of allergens for your dog.
- Your dog’s regular medication should never be changed without consulting the vet first.
Two kinds of allergy problems
- Affective: The symptoms are visible to the naked eye. An itchy, red skin rash with itchy pimples appears on the dog’s body and legs. Some dogs may also experience a raised bumpy patch by the ear.
The symptoms are visible to the naked eye. An itchy, red skin rash with itchy pimples appears on the dog’s body and legs. Some dogs may also experience a raised bumpy patch by the ear.
- Non-affective: The symptoms are not visible to the naked eye but can be felt by owners and loved ones. For example, an allergic dog may have a temperature that is higher than normal or feel itchy or scratchy all over.
Diagnosis of this allergy is tricky since the signs appear to be caused by insect bites, which dogs don’t commonly get, and since many people are unaware that they might be sharing their homes with a pet that suffers from such a problem.
The most common allergens that cause these allergy problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs are:
- Allergens on fur: A clean dog coat is a good thing – especially for families with allergic children. However, the long hair of this breed can trap dust and other allergens that can cause allergies. Washing your dog’s coat regularly with a shampoo like Dog Natura or brushing their hair thoroughly with a comb or brush will keep irritation to a minimum.
- Dust mites: Dust mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that naturally feed on shed hair and dander. These bugs live in the dog’s environment and can cause irritation or an allergic response. Some examples of where dust mites may be found in your home include your mattress and pillows, draperies, bedding, or anywhere else that is warm, damp, dark, and has pets. They like to hide out in the places you least expect them!
To protect your dog from dust mites, you can:
- Vacuum the house often (once if you have a lot of carpeting and daily if you have hardwood floors). It’s important to get rid of the allergens indoors.
- Change bedding weekly on your dog’s bed or better yet, go with items that are washable like cotton and air dry them in the dryer on low heat.
- If you have a pet bed, change it frequently since dust mites live in everything that has fur, including your pet’s bed.
- Wash and dry the clothes of your dog frequently to remove any dander and dandruff that can be transferred to other family members.
- Apply a few drops of canine de-matting solution to the paws when brushing their coat weekly to help eliminate dead hair from the hair coat by removing some nits or eggs that may be hiding there.
- Invest in quality bedding and make sure it’s not too thick or too rough for your dog.
- Keep the carpets and furniture clean and dry. This will help to remove dust mites, which are the main allergens in your home.
May cause: Cat allergy, dog allergy, cat allergy in dogs, dog allergy in cats
The symptoms of this allergy can be sensory, such as itching on the skin or hives that appear on the fleshy parts of the limbs. It can also be respiratorily related, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, or nasal congestion.
A dog’s immune system is able to fight these reactions. However, so many people are allergic to dogs that the immune system of a dog who has this allergy is over accumulated. The body then fights the reaction by producing mucus, itching, itchy skin or hives, and fever. Without some form of immunotherapy for this condition, it can become chronic and quite severe. The most common way to treat this condition is by using a combination of drugs called “allergy shots”.
This is a systemic allergy that affects the respiratory system of your dog. Dogs are not known for their antics, so it can be difficult to diagnose this condition. However, if you believe your dog has asthma from an attack or from having allergies, then you should take them to the vet immediately. Your vet will check for symptoms and increase their dosage as needed.
Treatment for these allergies include:
- Medication: If you suspect your dog has an allergy problem and that this is the cause of his symptoms, contact your veterinarian. There are over-the-counter antihistamines and creams that can help alleviate symptoms temporarily but there are also prescription medications that your vet can prescribe. These prescriptions will work better than over-the-counter treatments to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Reduce exposure: Certain things in household dust can cause allergies in dogs, including dust mites or mold spores. Pets should not be allowed in the family room or bedrooms. Dust and mold should be kept away from your dog’s sleeping area. Be sure to vacuum and dust your home BEFORE bringing your pets inside.
- Reduce allergens in the environment: If living with a Bernese Mountain Dog, try to eliminate dust and mites from your family room and any other area where you spend time with your pet(s). You might want to invest in an air purifier and/or install a dehumidifier in your home.
Since allergies are often difficult to diagnose, it is best if you keep a journal of when your dog is symptomatic so that your veterinarian can make the best possible diagnosis.
- Eliminate allergen sources: If you suspect that a particular substance is the source of your dog’s irritation, eliminate it from your environment. Change carpets, drapes and upholstery to other fabrics that are free of dust and other allergens.
- Keep the air circulating: Be sure to keep fresh air circulating in your home by opening windows or placing fans in rooms where you spend time with your dog(s).
- Allergy testing: Many vets will perform a simple skin test to determine if your dog is allergic to something. If a specific allergy can be determined, it will be much easier to come up with a treatment plan for your pet.
- Follow-up: Once the allergy problem has been treated, contact your vet for follow-up evaluations to ensure that symptoms have been eliminated and that flare-ups don’t happen again.
- Breed specific information: Bernese Mountain dogs are considered an allergenic breed since they have the potential to cause allergies in people. The problem, however, can be managed if you follow the treatment steps listed above. If you suspect that your dog has an allergy problem, be sure to consult your veterinarian or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of symptoms.
Conclusion
Most dogs have no problems with the seasonal allergy season. However, there are those few dogs that exhibit serious symptoms that may require medical treatment. However, the majority of cases will clear up over time should you follow the steps above. If you have a dog with allergies, share this article with others who might be interested in its information. It is because of our neighbors, friends, and family that Bernese Mountain Dogs continue to live healthy lives in our homes.
We hope this information was helpful. Thank you for reading.
