As spring is in full swing and dog allergy cases climb, dog owners are increasingly turning to the internet for help with managing symptoms, with over 3,000 monthly searches for “What can I give my dog for allergies” in the US alone.
To meet this clear need for guidance, the experts at Vetster, the pet telehealth platform, have outlined five ways pet parents can stop allergy symptoms before they start.
Seasonal allergies are a growing problem in the US
Between 2008 and 2018, there was a 30% increase in cases of dogs with environmental allergies. Though patterns in allergy cases vary by climate and location, most environmental allergies are seen in the early spring and late fall, with a few that are more prominent in the winter months. It is also possible for dogs to have multiple seasonal allergies that cause unpleasant symptoms year-round.
Unlike human allergies, which manifest in sneezing and runny noses, seasonal allergies in dogs primarily present as severely itchy skin, hives, skin rash, head shaking, hair loss, and even chronic ear infections. A dog with allergies may also lick its paws excessively.
This increase in allergies cases has led pet parents to search the internet for answers, with additional search data from AlsoAsked suggesting pet parents want to manage the problem with at-home treatments, asking questions such as:
- What can I give my dog for allergies without going to the vet?
- How to treat allergic reactions in dogs at home?
- What does an allergic reaction look like in a dog?
Pet owners cannot stop their dogs from developing allergies; however, allergy symptoms can be prevented with these five top tips from Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster.
1. Flea prevention
“Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common allergies in dogs,” says Dr. Jo. “Regular use of a vet-recommended flea control product is the best way to prevent it.”
“A veterinarian will create an allergy management plan to prevent your dog’s allergic symptoms. This will include an appropriate flea treatment for use year-round. You must always consult a veterinarian before choosing external parasite control, as many available products are toxic to pets.”
“You can also discuss the possibility that another medical concern might be causing your dog’s symptoms and rule out other causes. It’s best to consult a veterinarian before assuming that allergies are causing your dog’s symptoms and attempting to treat them from home.”
2. Wash away those allergens
Another step recommended by Dr. Jo is to physically remove the contact allergens from your dog’s body: “Other than fleas, there are other common allergens that can trigger symptoms in dogs, such as grasses, flower or tree pollen, dust mites, and mold spores.”
“These contact allergens can be removed from the body with regular grooming and wiping or rinsing your dog’s fur and paws. This is particularly important in the warmer months as dogs spend more time outside.”
3. Deep clean the dog’s bed and toys
Those pesky allergens can also stick to where your dog sleeps, their blankets, and toys. So Dr. Jo also recommends washing dog beds, collars, and harnesses frequently at 60°C to remove allergens and help minimize your furry friend’s discomfort.
4. Think about indoor air quality
Many people have air purifiers or filters to prevent mold in the home or just to be assured that their family is breathing better quality air, but these can also be used to manage a dog’s spring allergies.
Dr. Jo says: “Airborne allergens can be reduced with high-quality filters and air purifiers. Allergy symptoms are usually worse when more of the allergen is present, so regular cleaning around the home may provide some dogs with a little relief.”
5. Monitor the pollen count
Flower or grass pollen is a common allergen that can irritate your dog, so keeping an eye on the pollen count in your local area can be helpful. There are many apps and websites out there that provide daily pollen information for your locality.
This means you can take action, such as limiting time outside when the pollen count is high and closing windows in the home.
Manage your dog’s seasonal allergy symptoms by talking to an online vet
Canine allergies cannot be cured and require lifelong management, but early, vet-guided care is the key to minimizing your dog’s discomfort. If your dog is showing symptoms of allergies, you can talk to an online vet to understand how to manage and prevent their symptoms.
Photo by Aysun Kahraman Öktem: https://www.pexels.com/photo/dogs-sitting-on-the-ground-5938328/
