Doggone Allergy Season

 

Allergy season is a familiar term that some of us may be more familiar with than others.  But Allergy season doesn’t just affect us humans; it affects our four-legged family members as well. 

Like humans, there are many things that your dog can develop an allergy to.  Not only do trees, grass, weeds, pollen, dander and dust cause allergic reactions, but other things such as dust mites, mold, fleas and flea saliva, feathers, prescription drugs, cigarette smoke, food ingredients, perfumes, cleaning products, fabrics, rubber, and plastic materials can cause allergic reactions as well. 

When a dog is exposed to a potential allergen, such as pollen, his immune system develops antibodies to the pollen (though you never see this initial process).  The next time he is exposed to pollen his antibodies go into hyper-drive, as a defense mechanism, and tell the immune system to release histamines.  Histamines have many functions in the body, including the opening of capillaries and contracting of muscles, both of which contribute to intense itching.       

You notice the allergic reaction once your dog begins showing symptoms, the first usually being scratching.  Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include scratching, licking the paws, rubbing the face, red or irritated skin, watery eyes, and sneezing.  Scratching and excessive licking are the most damaging symptoms because they can lead to bigger problems such as inflammation, welts, sores, infections, excessive shedding, and hair loss.

Things you can do to prevent seasonal allergies

Though you can’t completely safe guard your dog from being exposed to allergens, there are a few things you can do to help prevent an allergic reaction:

·         Wiping or washing your dog’s paws and legs (and under carriage on shorter breeds) each time he comes in from outside.   

·         Keeping the house clean and dust free.  Vacuum your carpets, furniture, and rugs regularly.  Keep the dog bedding clean and dust free as well. 

·         “Shampooing your dog can help relieve the itch temporarily and help remove scales, scabs, some parasites, bacteria, and other potential causes of itching.” –Doctors Foster and Smith.com

·         Using sprays and shampoos containing naturally soothing ingredients like aloe and oatmeal can help calm irritated skin.

·         Keeping your dog on a regular flea medication program.

·         Keeping the yard clear of debris, dead plants, and other things that attract dust and vermin carrying parasites.

·         Adding fatty acid supplements (such as fish oil) to your dog’s diet might relieve his itchy skin.  Adding this supplement can also avoid the confusion between an allergic reaction and just plain dry skin.

If your dog is having an allergic reaction, an antihistamine, such as Benadryl (or Children’s Benadryl for smaller dogs), can be given to your dog to help alleviate the symptoms.  However, Benadryl may not work for all dogs.  And because an allergic reaction can easily get out of hand and become a much bigger problem, you should seek advice from your vet first.   As previously mentioned, allergies can be caused by a number of culprits, but if you do your best to keep a clean environment in and around your home, you and your dog can enjoy Spring rather than avoid it.