Just like humans, our pets can suffer from the debilitating impacts of seasonal allergies. Common culprits in terms of a dog’s seasonal allergies include cigarette smoke, cleaning products and perfume. However, many pups are also allergic to natural substances such as pollen, dust, fleas, and mold. Whether it's a sinus inflammation, coughing, or itchy eyes, contaminants have the potential to cause us all a great deal of grief and discomfort.
Naturally, any responsible dog owner will do anything in their power to alleviate their pet’s allergy symptoms. Still, with the wealth of conflicting information available online, it can be challenging to know the best path to follow. To make life easier, we've come up with a few tips to help you reduce your dog's discomfort and lower the risk of problems getting out of hand:
Clean Up the Air in Your Home
If you have an air conditioning unit in your home, change the air filters regularly to reduce the number of allergens in the air and ensure your home's air quality remains at the highest standard. Using a dehumidifier will dry the air and decrease the likelihood of mold. Another simple way to keep your home clean is to vacuum regularly and keep curtains and rugs as clean as possible.
Change Up Your Walking Routine
Avoid walking your dog in the early morning when pollen levels are at their highest. If you can pinpoint the particular plant that aggravates your pup’s allergies, avoid the parks and fields where those types of plant are found. Once you get home, use hypoallergenic wipes to wipe your dog down and remove allergens from their fur.
Regular Spa Treatments
While it is important not to overdo it, giving your dog regular washes using a gentle hypoallergenic, anti-itch shampoo can also help. Look for bath products that contain soothing ingredients such as evening primrose or aloe vera. If you want to save yourself the stress and mess, find your nearest groomer and provide your dog with a full-service professional spa day.
Watch What They Eat
One way to reduce the implications of dog seasonal allergies is to try giving your pup a natural dietary supplement such as fatty acid or fish oil, which are known to improve skin health. You could also try coconut oil which can limit the impact of allergies. Furthermore, always ensure your dog's water and food bowls are kept clean and free of contaminants.
Seasonal allergies have the potential to make your dog's life a nightmare, the same way they can for humans. However, there are plenty of tangible ways that dog owners can take action to help their pets. Following these simple tips should provide an excellent foundation for tackling your dog's seasonal allergies. However, if you find that even after making the described changes, your dog still seems to be experiencing issues, it is best to contact your vet. They will be best placed to help you rule out more severe problems and assist you in finding a solution that works for your dog.
