Spring Means Allergies – For Your Dog, Too!

Spring is almost upon us, and that means for many of us, our allergy symptom will be in full swing. Allergies don’t just affect humans, however. Your beloved canine companion can also be affected. Dogs’ immune systems function much like our own, which means that when some pollens or other springtime irritants are breathed in, they can cause an antigen response that creates irritation. Luckily, there are a few ways for you to help your dog handle their allergies this spring.

Know the Symptoms

There are a couple of signs that your pet may be suffering from seasonal allergies. One of the most notable symptoms is if your pup seems to be excessively itching or if their skim seems irritated or inflamed skin. Look where the inflammation and itching occurs. Most commonly, allergic reactions are seen on the feet, belly, ears and snout.

Excessive licking or face rubbing is another sign. Your pup is looking for relief from the itching and is looking for any way to alleviate the stress. Of course, your dog’s ears could also become inflamed and cause your dog to shake his or head more than usual. Much like humans, your dog’s eyes could also become puffy and red.

Treating Allergies

But how can you help your pet adapt to the environment? For starters, try wiping your dog’s paws before they re-enter the house. This will help reduce the amount of outside pollutants coming into the home – good for both you and your pup. It can also clear away anything like grasses or flowers that could have caused a reaction to their skin or the tough pads of their paws.

You also want to make cleaning your dog’s favorite spots in the home a priority. Making an extra effort to wash, dust and vacuum more during allergy season can help make allergens less impactful and reduce symptoms for everyone in the house – on two feet or four.

Giving your dog an extra bath now and then can help, too. Using an oatmeal-free shampoo (or any shampoo without grains) will help soothe the skin and reduce itchiness says Dr. Karen Becker, writing for Healthy Pets. Finally, making sure that your dog’s diet is under control is extra helpful. Keeping your dog on a low-carb diet will help with the inflammation as carbohydrates can actually increase inflammation and irritation problems.

If you have any concerns with your pet’s allergies, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for medical advice. While your pup is with us at Tailwaggers Country Inn, however, we’ll take care to make sure that your dog is happy and healthy. We can perform a thorough grooming for your dog, including brushing and shampooing to help remove all pollens and other potential allergens from your dog’s coat and skin, helping soothe itchy areas and relieve irritation of their skin overall. Schedule a grooming appointment at Tailwaggers Country Inn today by calling 877-774-DOGS!