Dogs & Seasonal Allergies
The leaves are covering the trees, the flowers are in bloom, the grass is high, and springtime allergies are here in full force. But humans aren’t the only ones that can suffer from seasonal allergies, dogs can too. Just like for humans, many allergy cases are simply inconvenient and annoying, however severe and persistent cases can lead to lifelong health issues in dogs. It’s important to narrow down and identify what is causing your dog’s springtime allergies so that you can act with an appropriate treatment and prevention plan.
Common Spring Allergens
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
- Mold
- Mildew
- Dust
Allergy Symptoms
When it comes to dogs, nearly all allergy symptoms are expressed through the skin. Red and irritated skin are the primary indicators, and if your dog only has this reaction during certain periods of time throughout the year, it’s likely that seasonal allergies are the culprit.
Other allergy symptoms include excessive licking, bald or thinning patches of fur, hotspots, smelly ears, and persistent rubbing of the face and snout.
Allergy Treatment
While it’s not possible to get rid of your dog’s allergies, there are several effective ways to treat the uncomfortable symptoms. Regular bathing with a gentle shampoo is an excellent way to remove pollen, dust, dander, and bacteria from your dog’s fur and skin. However, be sure to not over bathe as doing so will dry the skin and cause more issues down the road.
In many cases, dog’s ears and paws become the site of the allergic reaction. Frequent ear and paw washes are an excellent way to remove any dirt and bacteria that are stuck and contributing to inflammation and irritation.
If your dog’s case is severe, consult your veterinarian to identify the specific allergens to which it is most sensitive. Once the allergens have been identified, your veterinarian can offer tips on how to minimize exposure and provide treatment.
