Season Allergies In Dogs ( + Tips To Deal With It)

Seasonal allergies aren't just a human problem; dogs get them too. Symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes, and non-stop sneezing can also plague our pets. 

Dogs might react to everyday chemicals found in cleaning products, smoke, and perfumes, as well as to natural allergens like pollen, mold, dust, and fleas.

A dog’s allergic reactions are similar to ours, causing discomfort like itchiness, skin irritation, or gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, these can lead to secondary infections.

So, for our blog today, let’s talk about things you can do to help manage your dog’s seasonal allergies and minimize their discomfort.

Change Up Your Daily Dog Walks

Adjust your dog's walking schedule to avoid peak pollen times in the early morning and late afternoon. Instead of walking in fields and parks where allergens are common, consider indoor play areas during high-allergy months.

After walks, use a damp cloth or hypoallergenic, fragrance-free wipe to clean your dog's fur and paws, removing pollen and other allergens without needing a full bath. Focus on the paws, as they are particularly sensitive to allergens. A simple soak of their paws in a mixture of two parts water to one part apple cider vinegar can help remove irritants. Alternatively, wearing boots on your dog’s paws can prevent contact with allergens and keep your home clean.

Allergy-Proof Your Living Space

Regularly change your home's air filters to reduce indoor allergens from open doors and windows. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the air dry and prevent mold growth. Avoid letting your dog spend too much time in damp areas like basements or bathrooms where mold thrives. Vacuum weekly and clean curtains and rugs to remove dust and pollen.

If you know that your dog has allergies make sure that you introduce them to your home stress-free so you better prepare!

Make Sure You Wash Everything

Allergens can accumulate on the surfaces where your dog sleeps, making it crucial to maintain a clean sleeping environment. Wash your dog's bedding, blankets, and any covers you use on furniture in hot water weekly to eliminate allergens. 

Consider using removable covers like towels or specially designed pet blankets on both your and your dog’s beds, as well as on sofas and chairs, to protect against allergens and simplify the cleaning process. Additionally, make it a habit to regularly launder your dog’s plush toys, as they can also harbor allergens that affect both your pet's and your family's health.

Give Your Dogs Regular Baths

Help soothe your dog's dry, itchy skin by bathing them more frequently, following your veterinarian's recommendations. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo with soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, or evening primrose oil. 

For extra relief, some dog owners add a gentle moisturizing oil to the bath for a 10-minute soak. You might also consider visiting your local Vet clinic or pet store for a professional treatment at our full-service doggie spa.

But you can also groom your dog at home, here are some helpful tips.

Enhance Your Dog's Diet with Supplements

Consider adding natural supplements like fish oil, omega-3, or omega-6 to your dog's diet to help reduce itchiness and promote healthier skin. Coconut oil is also beneficial as it can help reduce allergic reactions and improve skin condition. But if you have any dietary frustrations for you dog then this blog post will definitely help.

💡 IMPORTANT: Make sure your dog's drinking water and bowl are always clean and free from contaminants.

Further Treatments: 

If your dog continues to lick, scratch, or chew excessively, or shows signs of red, irritated skin or hair loss, it's important to consult your veterinarian. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your vet might recommend more intensive treatments such as antihistamines, steroids, or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to better manage your dog's condition.