How To Help Your Dog With Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Spring is here and it’s glorious! It’s time to let your dog go outside and play in the sunshine. However, it’s best to beware of seasonal allergens lurking around the environment. Grasses, weeds, flowers, and trees release tiny grains into the air that fertilize other plants in the area. These important grains are also known as pollen that tends to cause seasonal allergies in dogs.
Humans suffer from seasonal allergies and so do dogs. Get ready to learn more about allergies, symptoms, and different ways you can help your dog cope throughout the season.
Symptoms Your Dog Is Having An Allergic Reaction
According to the American Kennel Club (source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/) dogs experience a variety of symptoms that alert their owners of an allergic reaction. If you suspect your dog has seasonal allergies, look for the following signs.
Excessive licking – Dogs naturally lick themselves from time to time but when it turns out to excessive behavior this is a major sign your dog is feeling irritated. Common areas of severe itching for dogs include the paws, tail, and stomach area.
Hives – Hives are usually visible on a dog’s tummy and the surrounding region.
Earflap swelling – Swelling of the earflap is noticeable at first glance.
Eyelid swelling – Your adorable pup will look at you with their soulful eyes and the swelling of the eyelid will be visible and often look severe.
Face swelling – This type of swelling can be seen on the entire face or just in spots such as the cheeks, forehead, or jaw.
Lip swelling – This swelling is highly noticeable and might interfere with your dog eating their meals or drinking water.
Inflamed red skin – Red skin that is irritated and inflamed might be difficult to discover if it’s hidden under the coat. Gently sliding your hand across your dog’s body in the opposite direction of hair growth will help you see any hot spots or skin irritation hidden under the coat.
Vomiting – This type of vomiting is usually consistent depending on how long your dog has been exposed to the allergen.
Diarrhea – A dog that experiences diarrhea without any specific cause such as eating something unusual is most likely showing signs of allergies.
Excessively itchy ears – Does your dog constantly scratch their ears? If your dog is excessively scratching at their ears and you smell an odor coming from the inner canal, this is a sign of allergies and possible infection.
Sneezing – Your dog’s little sneezes might be cute but if they are sneezing several times a day, they may be experiencing allergies.
Irritated and watery eyes – Excessively watery eyes that tear constantly are a sign your dog is feeling discomfort due to allergens.
Types Of Allergies In Dogs
The immune system recognizes foreign substances as a danger to the body and responds harshly causing allergic reactions.
The following types of allergies are common in dogs:
Seasonal allergies – This allergy is due to allergens found in the environment during specific seasons such as spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Environmental allergies – This type of allergy is caused by year-round exposure to a variety of elements such as mold, mites, and dust.
Food allergies – This type of allergy is sparked when a dog consumes food that has ingredients their immune system considers to be a toxin or dangerous to the system. Common ingredients in dog food that causes allergic reactions include soy, wheat, chicken, dairy, lamb, beef, eggs, and wheat gluten.
Flea allergies – Skin irritation due to flea bites can mimic allergy symptoms. Seeking veterinarian care is recommended in this type of situation.
Allergy Diagnosis For Dogs
Sometimes symptoms can be confusing and might lead to the wrong diagnosis unless a veterinarian is involved. You must schedule an allergy test for your dog immediately with a local veterinarian's office. If your dog is experiencing severe symptoms such as excessive swelling, diarrhea, or vomiting you need to take them to the nearest animal hospital that offers emergency services.
Veterinarians use testing or the process of elimination or exposure to a variety of environments to determine the cause of the allergic reaction.
Treatment For Allergies In Dogs
The veterinarian will determine the treatment regimen needed to help your dog. Treatment often involves medication to relieve allergy symptoms and a variety of lifestyle changes.
Helping Your Dog Get Through Seasonal Allergies
The good news is seasonal allergies are just for a few months out of the year. The following tips will help your dog cope.
Change the daily walk schedule – Seasonal allergies are due to environmental changes that last a few months. Pollen levels are often high in the early morning hours and the late afternoon. Schedule walks when the pollen count is considered to be lower and avoid walking near large fields with flowers, plants, and trees.
Create an indoor play area – If your dog usually plays outdoors every day but suffers from seasonal allergies, create a special indoor area that has plenty of interactive toys and space to keep your dog busy.
Purify indoor air – Use an air purifier indoors to clean the air and reduce exposure to allergens.
Clean your dog’s paws - Pollen and other allergens stick to the bottom of paws and get tracked through the house and into your dog’s bed. Use pet-friendly wipes to clean your dog’s paws before entering the house after taking a walk.
Implement supplements into your dog’s diet – Speak to the veterinarian about natural supplements that contain coconut oil since it’s known for suppressing allergic reactions in dogs.
Dealing with your dog’s allergies is a bit complex at first but once you get the hang of it the process becomes easier. Always take your dog to the veterinarian at the first sign of allergy symptoms and follow the recommendations of the doctor. You can also make your life easier by hiring a Newton MA dog walker to walk your dog during low pollen hours of the day while you are at work or away from home.
Hiring a dog walking service in Newton MA is an excellent way to build a support team that helps you be the best pet parent possible. Hire a trusted and kind dog walker in Newton MA today at https://www.wags4walks.com/.