Hello Spring - allergy season for Dogs
Dear Dog-Lovers
Hello Spring! - YAY the weather is getting warmer & days longer for walks with your Dogs.
As the trees and flowers bloom so does the pollen & allergy season!
Dogs get spring allergies too. Environmental allergies or atopy, are the second-most common cause of itchy skin in dogs after flea allergy dermatitis. Our Dogs love to roll in the new grass and being so close to the ground they inhale a lot of pollution, chemicals, pollens etc
Just like their human parents, some dogs suffer from the aggravating effects of seasonal allergies as well. This can include plant and tree pollens, mould spores, dust, feathers and fleas
A dog’s allergy symptoms are generally similar to those experienced by humans: the immune system overreacts to one or more offending substances, leading to itchiness and irritation. Your dog may lick or scratch themselves, develop irritated eyes, or sneeze repeatedly. Some dogs experience itchy, swollen skin, while others suffer from diarrhoea and vomiting. In certain cases, a secondary infection may develop
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SPRING ALLERGIES?
Other common dog allergy symptoms to look for include:
- itchy, runny eyes
- itchy or red ears, or frequent ear infections
- sneezing
- red, irritated skin
- hair loss
- large, open sores around feet
- constant licking
- swollen paws
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose
- Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
- Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing
- Watery, red or itchy eyes.
- Skin rash or hives
HOW CAN I HELP RELIEVE MY DOG’S SYMPTOMS:
Supplement your dog's diet daily: try giving your dog a natural dietary supplement such as:
High Potency Vitamin C - provides 'Springtime support'
Gut and Immunity for Dogs and Cats
iPRO-Support | Immune System Support
- coconut oil has also been shown to suppress allergic reactions while contributing to healthier skin & fur. It will also aid digestion
** Finally, make sure your dog’s drinking water ( and bowl ) are kept clean and are free of any contaminants. Use only filtered or bottled water
CLICK HERE TO SHOP WELLNESS
ADAPT YOUR DAILY WALK ROUTINE:
If possible:
- avoid walking your dog in the early morning or late afternoon, when pollen levels are typically highest
- steer clear of fields and parks where offending plants are common.
- When you return home, wipe your dog’s body and paws with a moist cloth or a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming wipe from your local pet store. This will remove excess pollen and other allergens from your dog’s fur and skin without the hassle of a full bath. Pay special attention to the paws, as the sensitive skin here is often affected by allergens.
- Try soaking your dog’s paws in apple cider vinegar to remove pollen and other substances. If using this method, mix 2 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar
- Another solution is to put boots on your dog’s paws to prevent them from stepping in irritants and then tracking them into your house
CLEAR THE AIR… AND OTHER SURFACES:
Inside your home, regularly change air filters to cut down on airborne allergens that enter through open doors and windows. Running an
air-conditioner or a dehumidifier will help remove moisture from interior air, making it harder for mould to grow in your home. Minimise the amount of time your dog spends in damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, as these places are more susceptible to mould growth. Vacuum at least once a week, and remember to clean curtains and rugs that may have picked up dust and pollen
DON’T SLEEP ON IT:
The surfaces your dog comes in contact with at bedtime can become covered in allergens, so make sure they’re kept clean by being washed in hot water every week. Use only a natural cleaner such as Earth
Wash, Martha Gardener etc. Avoid chemicals such as Dynamo, Omo etc that will aggravate your Dog’s skin
Consider putting towels or blankets on top of beds (yours and theirs) and chairs to make this task easier, and keep offending substances away from the surface underneath. Also, make sure any soft toys your dog plays with get washed regularly
JUMP IN THE BATH:
Prevent dry, itchy skin by giving your dog a bath more often with veterinarian advice. Wash their fur with a gentle, hypoallergenic anti-itch shampoo that contains a soothing ingredient such as oatmeal, aloe, or evening primrose oil. Some dog owners give their pet a 10-minute soak in a bath mixed with a gentle moisturising oil
NutriDerm - Replenishing Pet Shampoo
100% Natural Releaf Dog shampoo - Made in Australia
FURTHER TREATMENTS:
If your dog won’t stop licking, scratching and chewing, has red and irritated skin or hair loss, make an appointment to see your vet ASAP. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, a professional can provide more aggressive treatments such as antihistamines, steroids, or allergy shots such as Cytopoint, also known as immunotherapy
Also consider a Holistic Vet such as I take my Dog Smooth to. They can offer you natural remedy & diet options free of chemicals and preservatives to help boost your Dog’s immune system
If you are in Melbourne please visit our store: 61 Cardigan Place, Albert Park
Let us Help your Dog with some of our Natural remedies....& all Australian made!
Wishing you all Awesome health & happiness
Wags
Jen 😊🐶🐶🐾
Dogologist
YAP WEAR
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