What Dog Parents Need to Know About Seasonal Dog Allergies

Is your dog sneezing as he smells the flowers on your morning stroll? Has your best friend's paw become his favorite chew toy? Have watery eyes and irritated ears taken away the spring in their step? Just like humans, dogs can get seasonal allergies, too.

It typically shows up as a runny nose, watery eyes, excess scratching, or just acting a bit out of sorts. If the spring weather has you reaching for your allergy pills, your pup may need relief, too. So let's take a look at the way to recognize seasonal dog allergies, as well as tips for getting your pet feeling well enough to frolic through a field of flowers.

What Are Allergies and What Causes Them in Dogs?

According to the National Animal Supplement Council, allergies are sensitivities to things we find in our regular environments like dust, pollen, mold, and fresh grass. However, they are rarely dangerous to dogs (or humans).

Meanwhile, the immune system may have other ideas about what's a threat. While your dog's immune system typically defends them from infection and sickness, it can go a bit haywire with allergens and have a negative response. When this happens, the immune system starts creating histamines, which can cause an allergic reaction that leads to swelling, itching, and inflammation.

 Here are some common environmental allergens:

• Pollen
• Grass
• Weeds
• Mold
• Fungi
• Flea saliva

What Are Signs of Dog Allergies?

Dogs react to allergens slightly differently than humans do. The most commonly seen symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs are itchy skin and repeated ear infections. Still, your dog may also experience red, puffy eyes; a clear, runny nose; and sneezing spells.

You may also see your dog scratch or bite to relieve irritation, leading to redness and inflammation. Itching in your pet may be severe to mild, and it happens in spots like the armpit, groin, muzzle, or paw areas. It's essential to keep in mind that dogs can scratch themselves raw. It is best to get them in the vet if you see them clawing, rubbing on carpet or furniture, gnawing, or licking themselves more than usual. If scratching gets too intense, it can lead to severe infections that require treatment. Symptoms to look for with infection include a peculiar odor and discharge.

Here are symptoms to look for:

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Flaking and itching (pruritus)
• Ear infections
• Scratching at one or both ears
• Shaking their head
• Smelly or dirty-looking ears
• Excessive licking of the paws and anus
• Patchy skin or skin abnormalities

The Americal Kennel Club (AKC) notes that skin allergies are the most common allergic reaction in dogs.

Are There Natural Remedies for Dog Allergy Symptoms?

Just like with humans, trying to find the best allergy symptom relief for your dog can involve trial and error. Here are a few recommendations:

Fatty acid supplements: This type of supplement can help soothe your dog's itchy coat and skin. Salmon oil is a tasty, natural fish oil additive rich in omega fatty acids (with EPA and DHA), and it supports a healthy coat and skin. This type of oil supplement can also support your dog's immune system and is easy to feed your pet.

Antioxidant support: You can also help your best friend by giving them antioxidant support to help their skin and coat in an easy-to-eat treat form. We recommend our skin & coat soft chews that contain Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for dogs, Krill Oil for dogs, Coconut Oil for dogs, Biotin for dogs, and Vitamin E for dogs that help support healthy skin and create a glossy coat.

Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos: Using hypoallergenic shampoos when bathing your dog can aid in the removal of allergens, such as pollen and grass, that your dog may come into touch with during your everyday routine. A 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner can help relieve dry, itchy skin. The Doggie Dailies formula contains a special blend of conditioners and moisturizers that work together to provide much-needed relief for dry, itchy skin. It's important to look for soap-free dog shampoo, which is safe for routine use on dogs and puppies. It will also provide relief without disrupting topical flea preventatives.

Regular ear cleaning: Your dog's ears can be particularly itchy and irritated in the spring, and using a cleansing ear wash can bring relief. Doggie Dailies Ear Wash is made with a powerful combination of aloe vera, tea tree oil, witch hazel, and echinacea that safely loosens and removes dirt, ear wax, and debris from your pet's ears, leaving them clean, fresh, and feeling great. Depending on your dog's demands, Doggie Dailies ear treatment for dogs is safe to apply regularly.

What Can You Do to Help Avoid an Allergic Reaction?

Unfortunately, allergies don't have a cure. So you won't be able to keep your dog from developing allergies. However, there are things you can do to help them manage their symptoms and suffering.

You can start by determining the underlying reason, which in most cases is seasonal, but could be food-related, flea-related, or other cause. You can then help your dog in avoiding such allergens. You must pay close attention to excessive itching and treat your dog promptly to avoid inflamed and infected skin and ears.

Spring into the Season with a Happy Dog

Spring is one of the best seasons to get outside and explore with man’s best friend. However, if your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, this could be a hard time to enjoy walks in the sunshine and playing in the grass. Knowing how to recognize your pet’s allergies, manage their exposure to potential allergens, and relieve their symptoms could mean the difference between them enduring and enjoying this season!