Alleviating Canine Allergies

With the onset of spring and summer comes more sunshine and outdoor play, but also annoying seasonal allergies. What signs should you look for and how can you help your pup beat those pesky pollen problems?

Some of the most common signs of allergy issues in dogs are:

· Itching around the face, ears, and paws. This is often indicated by excessive licking, scratching, chewing, rubbing, and head shaking.

· Dry, patchy, scaly, and/or red skin

· Watery, red, and/or puffy eyes

· Redness and/or discharge in ears

· Runny nose

· Wheezing and/or coughing and sneezing

· Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Your first course of action should always be consulting your veterinarian, but there are some simple steps you can take at home to reduce your dog’s overall exposure to environmental allergens.

Watch your step. Are there high-pollen plants and trees along your usual walking route or dog park? Look around your dog’s most frequented spaces and see if there are any obvious irritants like tall grasses, flowering bushes, and weeds you could avoid by taking another path.

Wipe their feet. After walking or playing outside, give your pet’s paws a quick wipe to prevent their tracking allergens like pollen into your home. There are dog-safe wipes available, but a damp cloth is also helpful, or alternatively, you could keep a shallow tray of dog shampoo dissolved in water by the door for them to step through. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward.

Housekeeping. Washing things like your dog’s bed, favorite blanket, slipcovers, and rugs helps reduce exposure to any allergens that manage to slip into your home. Vacuuming your floors and dusting more frequently can also go a long way in easing those uncomfortable symptoms.

Rub-a-dub-dub. Regularly bathing your dog with a mild shampoo that will soothe and moisturize irritated skin while getting rid of any allergens clinging to their fur is one of the most effective things you can do. Just be sure not to wash too often as that can dry out your dog’s fur and skin and make them more uncomfortable.