Seasonal Allergies for Dogs
As Summer blows by Fall is starting to move in and with the seasons altering comes a new wave of sickness, viruses, and of course those stubborn allergies. Your canine friend deals with allergies in a similar way you or others might, but the solutions can vary. To help with this pesky problem here are some helpful tips and info on dealing with this Fall fiasco.
What exactly are fall season allergies?
After the months of Summer, various plants release allergens into the air that can wreak havoc on your poor pup. There are dozens of different plants that can trigger an upset in your dog’s immune system, but the two most popular are ragweed and mold. Your dog not only gets these allergies from inhaling the pollen and mold, but it can also cause symptoms when landing on their skin and fur.
Symptoms to watch out for
Symptoms of these allergies can often go unnoticed or underestimated, but your furry friend shows signs of this allergic reaction in numerous ways. When it comes to their fur and skin, you may notice an increase in itchiness, redness & irritation, bumps, hair loss, and scratching or chewing on their paws and body. Other symptoms may include an upset stomach, ear & eye infections, sneezing, and excessive watery eyes. Most of these symptoms are caused by seasonal plant pollen being released, as mentioned before, but your dog could also be suffering from allergies associated with dust mites, mold, fleas, or physical contact to indoor and outdoor elements.
The cause behind fall allergies
Dogs who suffer from seasonal allergies have an over-reactive immune system. This hypersensitive immune system could be caused by a specific agent whether it be harmful or not or a simple allergic reaction such as dermatitis.
What you can do to treat it
Start with your regular veterinarian, to first confirm that the problem is allergies and not a virus or another issue. If it is allergies, your vet will most likely present you with a variety of treatment plans and options that would best benefit your pooch. They may prescribe medications that will vary depending on the specific allergins your pup is reacting to. Since this may be a seasonal issue this medication may only be a temporary seasonal treatment, but it could also be a year-round issue you weren’t fully aware of, so be open to all options. Your vet may recommend a medicated or special shampoo that you regularly use to relieve your pup of the allergins located on them. If your dog has a more severe allergy condition, your veterinarian may advise a stronger method like injection therapy to help build their immunity up against fall allergies.
If your pup is suffering from fall allergies, it can be frustrating and challenging going through trial and error to find the best treatment for them. But once you become more informed on whats specifically affecting them, you’ll make you and your dog’s life a lot easier.