Dogs can experience seasonal allergies. Spring is the rainiest season of the year in most regions. When the rainwater washes away the dust, the lush green plants, trees and pollen emerge. The pollen can begin to wreak havoc on allergies.
An easy way to help manage springtime allergies, especially if your dog spends plenty of time outdoors, is to bathe your dog more routinely. A soothing bath will feel good on your dog’s skin.
However, bathing your dog with hot water will cause dry, itchy skin and may exacerbate the allergy symptoms. Ideally, if your dog has normal skin, you should wash your dog with canine-cleansing shampoo in lukewarm water every other week, at the most. Ensure that the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed from the dog’s skin to prevent irritation.
Giving your furry companion a daily rinse, sans the shampoo, is harmless and might be appreciated during allergy season. A daily rinse will help remove allergens, like pollen irritating your dog’s skin. Just skip the shampoo! Always consult your vet on the frequency of baths if your dog is on medicated or prescribed shampoo.
Pollen levels can peak by mid-afternoon, so try to take your dog on more extended early morning and evening walks and shorter walks in the afternoon. Check your local weather channel for the worst months for allergies. [1]
Of course, the ideal way to minimize allergies is to find the culprit and avoid it. Always seek the professional advice of a veterinarian before diagnosing your dog.
Here are common allergy signs to look for:
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- Incessant scratching
- Licking feet and paws
- Teary eyes
- Ear infections
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Hives
- Diarrhea
As our dogs age, symptoms could grow worse. It’s essential to look for the signs and address concerns early to reduce unpleasant symptoms that are preventable. For a quick and easy online telehealth appointment, contact Vetster in Ontario. Vetster has licensed veterinarians who can properly consult pet owners and diagnose and treat pets via video or chat.
What Types of Allergies Do Dogs Experience?
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- Inhalant seasonal and non-seasonal allergies
- Food allergies
- Contact allergies
- Flea allergies
With food allergies, a good tactic to figure out the culprit causing the allergies is by process of elimination. Change your dog’s diet, with your veterinarian’s recommendation of a healthy dog food alternative. If your dog’s symptoms begin to wane or go away, you have likely found the cause. However, it takes a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks for the offending allergen to leave the pet’s system. An 8-week trial is effective for the elimination diet.
Sometimes, common molds can irritate your dog’s allergies. Another common allergen is dust. Dogs can sometimes become allergic to household dust mites. This is not due to poor housekeeping. These allergens are everywhere. If your dog is repeatedly exposed to mold and dust, they may be the cause of your dog’s respiratory or skin allergies.
The easiest way to address flea allergies is to prevent or eliminate fleas. A flea infestation can be very uncomfortable to your beloved pet but can also lead to other health problems. You will need to address flea allergies immediately to interrupt the flea lifecycle.
The emotional attachment we form with our dogs is deep, and the last thing we want is to see our pets needlessly suffer. Allergies that cause incessant itching can cause serious skin and ear infections, making your dog very sick and impacting their quality of life. The best way to care for your pup is to pay attention to all the signs.
Are they scratching their skin a lot? Do they paw at their ears? Do they seem lethargic? Are they always licking their paws? Does your dog suddenly stop chasing a ball and start scratching? If these behavior patterns persist longer than a couple of days, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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