Fall is just around the corner, ushering in cooler weather and more opportunities to spend time enjoying outdoor activities with your pet without worrying about sweltering temperatures. In many parts of the county, fall also means allergies that cause dogs to suffer from dry, itchy, irritated skin.
Ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, goldenrod, and curly dock are examples of plants that cause fall allergies and trigger many unpleasant symptoms, such as:
- Red, Irritated Skin
- Itchy Skin
- Hair Loss
- Watery Eyes/Eye Infections
- Ear Infections
- Chewing on Feet
- Upset Stomach
Just as allergies only affect some humans, the same is true of dogs. There are a few reasons why some dogs are more susceptible to allergies, including an immune system that’s hypersensitive to certain triggers.
Whatever the cause of your pet’s fall allergies, there are several ways to provide relief from the most common symptoms.
Bathe Often
Frequent bathing removes allergens and helps to rebalance the bacteria levels on the skin. Regularly bathing your pet during allergy season reduces symptoms and lessens the risk of secondary infections due to skin allergies.
Wipe Dog Down When He Enters House
In addition to frequent bathing, wiping down your pet’s coat and paws after they spend time outdoors is another way to remove pollen and other allergens. Use a washcloth with plain water or purchase hypoallergenic, pre-moistened grooming wipes.
Supplements
Start your pet on a supplement that supports a robust immune system and helps maintain normal levels of gut flora and histamine. A quality example of such a supplement is Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Mini-Bites. The lamb-flavored soft chews are easy to administer and help to eliminate itching and other unpleasant allergy symptoms.
Medication
Vets often recommend medications, such as Benadryl, Zyrtec, prednisone, or Apoquel, to treat allergies. Apoquel is a popular choice among veterinarians because the side effects are milder than with steroids. It’s also fast-acting and starts providing relief from itching in as little as four hours.
If you want more advice about treating your pet’s allergies, talk to your vet and see which supplements or medications he or she recommends for your pet.
When you need to buy medication for your pet, Check Allivet First! We offer affordable prices plus the convenience of AutoShip, which makes it easy to ensure you always have what you need on hand!
0
0
