Seasonal allergies in dogs can get under the skin of our furry friends, just like us, literally and figuratively Hooman.
Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things they encounter in their environment, but pollen is usually one of their biggest enemies, not only during the spring but also during the summer.
Many people think of allergies when they think of spring, but the amount of pollen can be high even in summer. And that usually means our furry friends’ skin is red, inflamed, and itchy.
Learn how to make your dog less itchy this summer and everything you need to know about summer seasonal allergies here.
What are Summer Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?
Summer seasonal allergies in dogs are, as the term suggests, allergies that occur during the summer season. Summer is the time when certain allergens can significantly exacerbate a dog’s allergies.
Seasonal allergies in dogs are also called atopic dermatitis or dog hay fever. They are, Hooman Seasonal allergies usually cause itchy eyes, runny nose, and itchy throat, and the dog’s skin is red, itchy, and inflamed.
Seasonal allergies also differ from perennial allergies in the sense that dogs do not have allergic reactions all year round, but only at certain times of the year.
Additionally, these summer seasonal allergies in dogs are also more common during the following seasons. end of summer. Also, symptoms can range from mild to severe and should be managed and treated accordingly.
common summer allergens in dogs
As we mentioned above, there are certain environmental allergens that cause and cause allergies in dogs in the summer and they are:
1. Tree, weed, and grass pollen
Many trees already release pollen in the spring, but some trees still release pollen in the summer. In addition, many weeds and grasses also release this substance in the summer. And because they’re below the ground and close to where our dogs walk, lie down, and play, they’re a major source of summer allergies in dogs.
The following types of trees, weeds, and grasses can affect dogs who are allergic to pollen.
- Cedar
- Ash
- oak
- cockleweed
- Pigweed
- sage blush
- Ragweed
- Timothy
- Bermuda
- blue grass
- orchard
- red top
- sweet burnal
2. Mold spores and mold
The hot and humid environment of summer promotes the growth of mold and mildew in your home. And the spores released when these fungi grow can cause allergies in dogs, especially if they have sensitive skin.
3. House dust mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects that are commonly found in beds (including dog beds), carpets, and other upholstery. It is present all year round, but is more prominent in summer due to its preference for humidity.
So these are dust mites And the waste products they produce cause itching, redness, and inflammation on your dog’s skin.
4. Insect bites
Summer seasonal allergies in dogs can also be triggered by insect bites. Stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets and wasps are most aggressive in summer. From August to October.
And so do dogs Hooman, can cause a severe allergic reaction if stung. Therefore, it’s always best to monitor your dog’s outdoor activities, especially in the summer when these insects are prevalent.
5. Smog
Another cause of seasonal summer allergies in dogs is smog, especially if you live with a dog in an urban area.
A combination of summer breezes, car exhaust pollution, and other chemicals can trigger allergies in dogs.
Symptoms of Summer Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
The symptoms of summer seasonal allergies in dogs depend on what they are allergic to. But the most common symptoms are:
- red, itchy, irritated skin
- dry or scaly skin
- Watery eyes and itching
- licking feet excessively
- bite skin or fur
- Red, waxy, smelly, or inflamed ears
- hair loss or excessive hair loss
- nasal discharge
- sneeze
Often, when dog owners are unaware of their dog’s allergies, they do not recognize these symptoms as an actual allergic reaction and mistake them for other health problems.
If you suspect your dog has seasonal allergies, it’s important to take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. A veterinarian will ask a variety of questions, check the dog’s condition thoroughly, and address the issue appropriately.
Management and Treatment of Summer Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
Seasonal allergies are generally caused by environmental factors, so there is no permanent cure. However, there are many ways you can help reduce your dog’s symptoms.
Additionally, the management and treatment of summer seasonal allergies in dogs depends on the symptoms and their severity.
Below we’ve listed some helpful strategies for managing and treating summer seasonal allergies in dogs. Try one or a combination, whatever works best for your furry friend.
1. Talk to your veterinarian to identify allergens
If you think your dog is exhibiting symptoms of seasonal summer allergies, it’s best to take him to the veterinarian right away. This way the veterinarian can accurately diagnose your dog’s allergy. From there, you can develop the most effective treatment plan for your dog.
Moreover, they can propose and implement allergy test Helps identify specific allergens that cause allergies in dogs.
2. Reduce exposure to allergens
Complete avoidance of allergens may not be possible because allergens can be airborne. However, you can reduce your dog’s exposure to allergens in a number of ways, including:
- Keep your dog indoors during times of high pollen count (usually early morning or late afternoon).
- Supervise your dog’s outdoor activities. This is to avoid encountering stinging insects.
- Use air purifiers, filters, and dehumidifiers in your home to reduce humidity in the air and reduce airborne allergens.
- To reduce dust mites, clean and vacuum your home regularly, especially your carpets and upholstery.
- Wash your dog’s bed often. Again, this is to eliminate possible dust mites and other allergens.
- Avoid places with a lot of pollen, such as parks with lots of trees and plants.
3. Regular bathing
Dogs should be bathed once or twice a month, which is not ideal for dogs with seasonal allergies.
Regular bathing and grooming are essential for dogs with allergies as they help remove allergens from their skin and coat. And usually this works best when using a hypoallergenic shampoo.
Here are some recommendations for hypoallergenic shampoos.
4. Local therapy
Topical skin remedies can help relieve your dog’s itching instantly, reduce inflammation, and soothe your dog’s skin. And there are many options: balms, shampoos, conditioners, wipes, ointments, wipes, sprays.
Additionally, you can try one of the most popular natural remedies for seasonal allergies in dogs: cannabidiol, or CBD as it’s commonly known.
Here are some topical treatment options you can try from Amazon.
5. Supplements
Supplements that are effective for seasonal allergies in dogs include: omega 3 fatty acids supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids also help alleviate allergy symptoms and protect your dog’s skin barrier.
However, it takes about 4-6 weeks for these supplements to take effect, so it’s best for dogs with seasonal allergies to take these supplements year-round.
Omega-3 fatty acids not only help reduce allergy symptoms, they also benefit your dog’s immune system, heart and kidneys. It also helps reduce anxiety in dogs.
Here are some options you might want to try.
6. Medication
If other treatments are ineffective, your dog’s veterinarian may suggest medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other allergy medications. The type of medication depends on the severity of your dog’s seasonal allergies.
Note, however, that these medications should only be prescribed by a veterinarian and administered in some cases. This is to ensure that your dog receives the proper dose and minimizes side effects.
7. Immunotherapy
If your dog’s allergies become severe, allergy shots and immunotherapy may be your best options. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to manage seasonal allergies in dogs long-term. It’s about gradually desensitizing your dog’s immune system to allergens.
Immunotherapy begins with an allergy test in the dog to determine which allergens cause symptoms. A veterinarian will then create a custom allergy shot based on your dog’s allergens.
Additionally, allergy vaccination is not a one-time event. Your dog’s veterinarian will decide how long the immunotherapy will last, but at least your dog will not see any improvement. 6 months to 1 year. So it also requires dedication and a lot of patience.
Conclusion
No dog parent likes to see their dog suffer in any way. Especially since this summer season is already hot and it is easy to get other diseases such as heat stroke.
While there’s no cure for summer seasonal allergies or seasonal allergies in dogs, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your dog’s allergies.
The sooner you address the problem, the better chance you have of getting your symptoms under control and relieving your dog of the discomfort and pain that allergies can cause.