How do I manage my dog's seasonal allergies?

Adapt your daily walk routine If possible, avoid walking your dog in the early morning or late afternoon, when pollen levels are typically highest. Steer clear of fields and parks where offending plants are common, and consider an indoor, open-play setting like Dogtopia during the offending months. When you return home, wipe your dog’s body and paws with a moist cloth or a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming wipe from your local pet store. Clear the air… and other surfaces Inside your home, regularly change air filters to cut down on airborne allergens that enter through open doors and windows. Running an air conditioner or a dehumidifier will help remove moisture from interior air, making it harder for mold to grow in your home. Jump in the bath Prevent dry, itchy skin by giving your dog a bath more often with veterinarian advice. Supplement your dog’s diet Try giving your dog a natural dietary supplement such as fish oil or a fatty acid such as omega-3 or omega-6 oil to reduce itchiness and improve overall skin health. Coconut oil has also been shown to suppress allergic reactions while contributing to healthier skin. Further treatments If your dog won’t stop licking, scratching, and chewing, has red and irritated skin or hair loss, make an appointment to see your vet.

Your dog may scratch, bite, or lick themselves excessively, especially around the paws, face, ears, and belly. Allergic reactions can lead to red, swollen, or irritated skin. In more severe cases, pets may develop hot spots or areas of skin that become infected due to constant scratching and licking. Hair loss may also occur in these areas. While shedding is normal in spring and summer, a sudden increase or patchy hair loss can be a sign that your pet’s skin is irritated by allergens. Dogs, in particular, may focus on their paws, licking or chewing them obsessively as a response to skin irritation or discomfort caused by allergens. Sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, watery eyes, or even ear infections can also occur. This behaviour can sometimes be mistaken for boredom or anxiety, but it's often a sign of irritation caused by allergens.

Although there is no cure for allergies or one singular treatment to address seasonal allergies, there are options for the treatment and management in dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following: Change your daily walk time Alter your daily walk routine Remove excess allergens Clean your home Dog shampoo Topical solutions Dog allergy paws anti-itch treatment. Make sure you regularly clean your dog's bed or routinely change out blankets or towels, which are easier to clean. Your vet or veterinary dermatologist might recommend an allergy serum, which is a series of allergen injections that slowly increase in dose each time the serum is administered. Oral prescription medications are another option, as are anti-itch medications and immune response-modulating medications. Seasonal allergies in dogs can be treated using a vet-prescribed therapeutic diet, and certain therapeutic dog foods are specially formulated to help manage your dog's skin allergies. Your veterinary professional will be able to help select a diet that’s right for your dog.

You can safely give your pet an over-the-counter anti-histamine to relieve their symptoms. The dosage depends on your pet’s unique needs and their weight. Allergy medicines that are safe for your pet include: Benedryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Chlor Trimton, Generic brands for any of the medications above. If you’re going to try an allergy medication, do not use a decongestant or anything that contains pseudoephedrine. These medications work best as preventatives. If you know your pet reacts to hay fever, start treating them as soon as the allergy season begins to set in. Manage irritation with other remedies, including natural remedies. Flea and tick preventative, anti-itch sprays or creams, and baths can provide temporary relief, giving your pet a break from all that scratching. Look for shampoos containing oatmeal, which helps to moisturize skin, ease itching, and minimize inflammation. Wipe off coat and paws with a moist cloth or hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming wipe to remove excess pollen and allergens. Fatty acid supplements, such as omega fatty acids found in many fish oil supplements, can relieve itchy skin or prevent skin infection. Local honey is often made from the same pollen that causes seasonal allergies, and ingesting it may help your dog become more accustomed to the pollen. Avoid allergens by limiting time outdoors on high-pollen days to help manage symptoms.

To manage your dog's seasonal allergies, you can take several steps to reduce their exposure and ease their symptoms. Clear the air and surfaces at home by changing air filters regularly to help remove pollen and dust from the air. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to control mold growth in your home. Vacuum weekly, and wash curtains and rugs to get rid of dust and pollen buildup. Adapt your daily walk routine by walking in the morning or late evening when pollen levels tend to be lower. Avoid areas with lots of plants or fields where allergens like grass and tree pollen are high. Wipe your dog down with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming wipe after walks to remove pollen and other allergens from their fur and paws. A regular bath can help remove allergens from your dog’s coat and skin, use a gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo with ingredients like oatmeal to soothe their skin and rinse away any pollen or dust. If your dog’s skin is itchy, consider using natural remedies like coconut oil or omega-3 fatty acids to help soothe their discomfort. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, consider putting boots on their paws to protect them from allergens on the ground.