Springtime… warm weather, longer evenings, blossoming flowers, clearer skies, and, unfortunately for some… allergies! The freshly cut grass sneezes are all too familiar to some of us, but did you know that your pup can deal with similar reactions too?
As the pollen count rises, your dog can inhale irritants from weeds, flowers, trees, and grass in the backyard or on their walks – just like you. However, whilst you might be able to reach for your reliable antihistamines, it’s not as simple for your pup.
To make matters worse, your furry friend isn’t able to communicate when they’re suffering from allergies, so in this blog, we’re looking at how you can tell when your dog is struggling to fight the pollen and the 6 things you can do to help alleviate any symptoms they may be suffering with.
Signs Your Dog Has A Seasonal Allergy
The signs of canine seasonal allergies are very similar to humans. When your dog comes into contact with an outdoor allergen like pollen, their immune system identifies it as a threat that alerts the body to begin its defense mechanisms. These might appear as;
- Paw licking
- Watery eyes
- A runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchiness
- Vulnerable skin
- Chewing or scratching the skin
If you see any of the above signs, it’s time to give your pup some support!
What Do You Do If You Think Your Dog Has A Seasonal Allergy?
1. Bathe Your Dog
To help alleviate any itching as quickly as possible, bathing your dog is the most efficient thing to do. Use a calming or medicated shampoo to help soothe the skin.
You can bathe your dog 1-3 times a week during allergy season, but be careful not to over-wash them as this can dry out their skin and cause them to itch for a different reason.
In between washes, try rubbing them down with a wet towel to get any pollen out of their fur and rinse off their paws every time they come in from outside.
2. Wash Bedding, Carpets, and Rugs
Wherever your dog sleeps or chills out, make sure the linen is washed regularly to prevent pollen or other irritants from building up, as allergens can live in the fibers.
You should wash dog bedding once a week, and any carpets/rugs should be vacuumed often. There are some great vacuum cleaners with built-in allergy filters that are specifically designed to eliminate irritants from your home. It might be worth checking them out.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
If your dog is dealing with seasonal allergies, their immune system is going to need all the support it can get as it starts to be efficient during the allergen season. Keep their diet healthy and balanced and their weight normal to help give their immune system the best chance. You could consider supplementing their diet with doggy multivitamins or probiotics!
4. Increase Their Omega 3
Omega 3 helps support a normal inflammatory response, so it can help your dog’s body target itchiness, which can be a sign of a seasonal allergy. Omega 3 has multiple other benefits, too like its ability to promote joint and cardiovascular health and support your pooch’s fur. You can find Omega 3 in fish oil, so give your dog some oily fish or apply a dose of 100% salmon oil to their meal.
5. Opt for Indoor Activities
Most weather websites will display a pollen count. Check it every day, and if the pollen count is super high, it might be worth considering keeping your dog inside, depending on how bad their allergy reactions are. Research to see if there are any indoor dog tracks or dog swimming pools in your local area, or get playful with their toys and interact and exercise with them in the house.
6. Replace Air Filters
If you rely on an air conditioner throughout Spring and Summer, make sure you’re changing your filter regularly to reduce the number of airborne allergens your pup is breathing in whilst inside.
You could also consider investing in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if your dog really suffers. They are designed to remove up to 99 percent of airborne particles from the home’s air. Placing one of these in your dog’s main hang-out room can help keep that air permanently free from irritating springtime substances.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal allergies aren’t pleasant for anybody and it can be distressing to see your beloved four-legged friend battling theirs. The above tips should be able to help address some of their signs. If you’re really concerned about your dog’s allergy reactions, particularly if they’re very severe, book them in to see their vet for an allergy test to determine the exact cause and make a plan of action. By taking a proactive approach to the allergy season, you can both enjoy springtime together with less allergen disruption.
Sources
Author, Wooten, Sarah Dr., “Managing Your Dog’s Seasonal Allergies”, Hills Pet, March 5, 2020, https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/managing-dog-seasonal-allergies?lightboxfired=true#
