Hotter days, itchier dogs.

We look at the changing climate's sneaky skin impact.

Common skin problems in dogs, such as allergies, infections, and parasites, are closely linked to environmental factors, many of which are influenced by climate change.

Dogs can develop allergies to various environmental factors, including pollen, mould, and dust mites. Climate change contributes to longer growing seasons and earlier springs, which lead to prolonged exposure to allergens like pollen. This extended exposure can increase the severity and frequency of allergic reactions in dogs, manifesting as skin redness, itching, and secondary infections from scratching.

Warmer temperatures and increased humidity create ideal conditions for bacterial and fungal growth. These microbes thrive in moist environments, becoming more common as climate change leads to more frequent and intense rainfall in many regions. As a result, dogs are more susceptible to skin infections, such as hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) and yeast infections, which cause significant discomfort and require medical treatment.

Climate change also affects the distribution and lifecycle of parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Warmer temperatures can accelerate the lifecycle of these parasites, increasing their populations and extending their active seasons. Additionally, milder winters allow fleas and ticks to survive and reproduce year-round in regions where they previously died off during cold months. These parasites not only irritate a dog’s skin but can also transmit diseases that further compromise health.

Rising Temperatures

Rising global temperatures, a hallmark of climate change, significantly contribute to increased skin-related issues among dogs. This phenomenon impacts canine health in several critical ways, often compounded by an increase in parasite populations and direct skin damage due to UV exposure:

Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid environments. As global temperatures climb, the geographic areas suitable for these parasites expand, and their breeding cycles accelerate. Warmer winters and extended warmer seasons allow fleas and ticks to remain active throughout the year, increasing the likelihood of infestation and the spread of the diseases they carry. According to veterinary dermatologists, this shift not only exacerbates the risk and severity of skin irritations but also raises the potential for tick-borne diseases that can lead to chronic health issues in dogs.

Dogs are also experiencing more frequent and severe heat rashes and sunburns due to increased exposure to UV rays, particularly those with thin or light-coloured fur. Heat rashes occur as dogs overheat and sweat through their paws and around their nose, creating moist environments where bacteria and yeast can increase. Sunburn, while less common in dogs, can occur, particularly on less hair-covered areas like the nose and belly. Veterinary experts note that continuous exposure to higher levels of UV radiation can lead to chronic dermatitis and even skin cancer in susceptible dogs.

Climatologists and veterinary health professionals stress the interconnectedness of these issues with broader climatic shifts. They advocate for increased awareness and preventive measures, such as more frequent use of flea and tick control products and protective measures against sun exposure for dogs, including pet-safe sunscreens and limiting outdoor time during peak sunlight hours.

Precipitation & Humidity

Climate change-related alterations in precipitation and humidity directly and significantly affect canine skin health. These environmental changes manifest in several critical ways.

Higher humidity levels are conducive to the growth of fungi and yeast, organisms that thrive in moist conditions. Dogs are particularly susceptible to developing fungal infections in their ears, paws, and skin folds. These infections can lead to severe itching, redness, and discomfort. For instance, Malassezia dermatitis, a common yeast infection in dogs, sees higher incidence rates in climates with increased humidity. Veterinary studies often highlight correlations between rising regional humidity levels and the prevalence of such fungal conditions in dogs.

Altered seasonal patterns, such as longer wet seasons or unexpected heavy rainfall, can also affect canine skin health by increasing mud and stagnant water exposure. These environments can harbour bacteria and parasites, leading to skin irritations and infections. For example, dogs exposed to muddy or swampy conditions are more likely to contract infections from waterborne bacteria like Leptospira, which can cause severe skin issues and other systemic health problems.

Statistical analysis from various regions supports these observations. For example, in areas of the southeastern United States, where humidity levels are notably high, there has been a documented increase in veterinary visits for skin-related issues, particularly during the more humid months of the year. Similarly, in regions like the Pacific Northwest, changes in seasonal rainfall patterns have led to increased cases of skin infections during unusually prolonged wet seasons.

Veterinary dermatologists emphasise the importance of adapting pet care routines to these changing environmental conditions. Recommendations include more frequent grooming to manage mud and moisture, using antifungal treatments when necessary, and adjusting the timing and nature of outdoor activities to avoid peak conditions that could exacerbate skin problems.

The Emergence of New Allergens

The emergence of new allergens due to climate change significantly impacts canine health, with new plant species and increased pollen production playing pivotal roles. These environmental shifts affect dogs by exposing them to novel or more potent allergens, leading to increased cases of allergic reactions.

Veterinary case studies frequently document instances where dogs previously unaffected by seasonal allergies begin showing symptoms such as excessive scratching, skin redness, and ear infections. For example, in regions experiencing earlier and longer springs, dogs are exposed to higher levels of tree and grass pollens for extended periods, intensifying their allergic responses. Vets have noted that some dogs with no prior history of allergies are now being diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, a condition driven by these environmental allergens.

Climate change facilitates the spread of invasive plant species by altering the suitability of environments. These plants often produce pollen that is new to the area and can be highly allergenic. A notable example is the spread of ragweed in Europe; traditionally more common in North America, ragweed has been migrating across Europe due to warmer and more suitable climates. Its pollen is highly allergenic and has increased respiratory and skin allergies in humans and animals, including dogs.

These emerging challenges necessitate the development of new diagnostic approaches and treatments. Traditional allergy tests may not cover new prevalent allergens, requiring veterinary medicine to update its allergen databases and testing technologies continuously. Furthermore, there's an increasing need for treatments that can address a wider range of symptoms and provide relief from these new allergens. This includes the development of novel antihistamines, immunotherapy options, and even changes in canine diets to support skin health and reduce inflammatory responses.

Veterinarians and researchers also advocate for increased monitoring of environmental changes and their impacts on local flora, which could help predict and manage the spread of invasive allergens. Collaboration between climatologists and veterinary health professionals is crucial in developing strategies to mitigate the effects of these allergens on canine health.

The Implications

The broader ecological changes driven by climate change have far-reaching implications for canine health, especially concerning skin-related issues. These impacts can be observed through shifts in local wildlife populations, altered landscapes, and the resultant exposure to new environmental risks.

As climate change alters habitats, local wildlife populations that host parasites also shift. For instance, warmer temperatures may allow deer populations to thrive and expand into new areas. Deer are common carriers of ticks, vectors for diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, which affect dogs. The expansion of wildlife into new areas often increases the risk of parasitic diseases in dogs as they come into greater contact with tick-carrying animals. These parasitic infections pose direct health risks and lead to secondary skin issues from the irritation and scratching associated with tick bites.

Climate change also contributes to altered landscapes, such as increased bush and forest fire incidences, flooding, and coastal erosion, each posing unique challenges to canine health. For example, after a flood, standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which may carry heartworm larvae—a serious concern for dog health. Similarly, fires that destroy natural barriers can force wildlife—and their parasites—closer to human and pet-populated areas, increasing the likelihood of transmission. These altered conditions expose dogs to environmental risks that can lead to skin infections and diseases.

The ecological changes discussed impact overall health risks for dogs, with a significant emphasis on skin health. The increased exposure to new parasites, allergens, and environmental irritants can lead to various skin conditions, including allergic dermatitis, parasitic infections, and even sunburn or chemical burns from contaminated environments.