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Writer's pictureClara Bonfield

Fighting Seasonal Allergies

Did you know, just like humans, dogs can also experience seasonal allergies and they can be just as uncomfortable and distressing. Knowing how to recognise the signs of allergies and how to alleviate the symptoms can significantly improve your pups quality of life.



Signs your pet might have a pollen allergy:

When you think of seasonal allergies, you might think of a runny nose, watery eyes and feeling out of breath. However the symptoms are displayed very differently in our canine counterparts. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Licking or biting their paws,

  • Excessive scratching,

  • Red, sore skin - especially around the eyes, ears and between paw pads,

  • Head shaking,

  • Rubbing their ears or muzzle.

 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s an idea to book an appointment with your dogs' vet. Some of these symptoms overlap with other underlying health issues which your vet may need to rule out before treating your pet for seasonal allergies.


How Vets Diagnose Seasonal Allergies

Your dog's veterinarian will begin by discussing your pet's history before performing a physical examination and running a number of diagnostic tests. It might be recommended that your dog see a veterinary dermatologist for more in-depth skin testing, which is an accurate way to have seasonal allergies diagnosed. 


Some pets have allergies to more than one thing so your vet might also suggest a food-elimination trial. This will help to find out if they might be sensitive to anything else in their diet. Your vet can give specific advice and support on how to do this.


Treating Seasonal Allergies


Although there is no ‘cure’ for allergies or one singular treatment to address them, there are options to think about for treatment and management. A few suggestions:


Consider where you walk - According to the time of year, the amount of pollen and irritants in the environment will vary.


March & April - Tree pollen

May, June & July - Grass pollen

June, July & August - Flowering weeds


Keeping this in mind, avoid areas which are more likely to cause skin irritation at different times of the year.



Consider the time of your walk - Pollen count is generally lower before dawn, late afternoon or early evening. This will help to reduce the likelihood of irritation.


Keep them clean - Wiping their paws, muzzle and eyes when you get back from your walk will help to remove tiny traces of pollen. You can purchase specialist wipes to help with this!


Wash them weekly - This will help to reduce the risk of any lingering pollen. A hypo-allergenic pet shampoo from your vet is ideal - many other shampoos have anti-bacterial ingredients to help avoid skin infections if your pet does begin scratching.


Keep bedding fresh - Make sure to keep your pets bedding clean. Washing their bedding weekly will help to reduce pollen build-up. It is also a good idea to hoover and mop your house regularly as pollen can spread easily.


Paw protection - consider investing in a smart pair of boots for your pup, this will help to reduce the amount of contact with pollen or other potential irritants.


Keep them up to date - It is really important to make sure your pets' flea control is up to date. Fleas won't necessarily cause the allergy, but they will irritate the skin, making them more itchy. So make sure to keep up to date.


Medical treatment - In severe cases, your vet or veterinary dermatologist might recommend an allergy serum, oral prescription or steroid creams to help fight the allergens.



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