Sneezing. Itching. Watery eyes. It’s springtime and you and your pup may be suffering from the same symptoms. Seasonal allergies are no fun — whether you are a human, a dog or a cat. Below are seven signs that your Best Buddy may be suffering from seasonal allergies.
7 Signs of Seasonal Allergies:
- Inflammation
- Skin irritation
- Scratching
- Hot spots
- Hair loss
- Runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing
- Generalized redness
Allergy symptoms in humans often involve the respiratory tract, however, in dogs it’s primarily their skin that’s affected. It can become inflamed and irritated. This condition is called allergic dermatitis.
Allergic dermatitis causes a dog’s skin becomes itchy and red. Sometimes you will find your dog trying to scratch itself using vertical surfaces, like rubbing its face against carpeting or rubbing its body against furniture. Your dog may also shake its head a lot because her ears may also be affected. A dog’s skin can become inflamed, tender to the touch and she may lose hair too. Your pup’s skin can get so irritated, a “hot spot” may develop – which is inflamed and infected skin.
Click For a Free Bakery Treat For Your PupAlthough uncommon, a pet’s respiratory system can be affected by allergies, so your pup could also have a runny nose, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing. In addition, generalized redness can occur, including puffy red eyes, red chin, red oral tissue and red anus.
There is help for alleviating some of these miserable symptoms. “Get your dog on a preventative. As you head into an allergy season, stop in for something like our AllerQi which boosts the immune system’s ability to fight histamines,” advises Leslie Kessinger, co-owner of Three Dog Bakery in Franklin. “If you start early, his system will be strong and prepared when the allergens arrive.”
Kessinger also recommends soothing your pup using a natural product like raw goat’s milk. “Raw goat’s milk is a natural source of anti-histamines and fights histamine buildup without resorting to medication. It also contains an acid that fights yeast buildup, which can be another source of irritation for an allergic dog,” she says.
Kessinger advises limiting your dog’s time outside when allergens are at their highest. Also, avoid walking your pup during those times as well. “An additional precaution is to wipe their paws and face with a hypoallergenic wipe when they come into the house. That will help keep pollen and other elements out of the home,” she says. Foot soaks and frequent baths also help keep allergens from being tracked into the home.
Kessinger says if your dog has severe allergies, you may consider Benadryl, which is safe for dogs, however, she advises speaking with your veterinarian first.
Lastly, dogs with allergies should be on an anti-inflammatory diet. That means food that is low-carb and grain-free. The knowledgeable staff at Three Dog Bakery can help you find a food that’s right for your dog.
Visit Three Dog Bakery, located on West McEwen Drive, adjacent to Whole Foods in the McEwen Shopping Center in Franklin for all your holistic dog food and dog treat needs.
To learn more about Three Dog Bakery, click here.
Click here to follow Three Dog Bakery on Facebook.
If you have health concerns about your dog, consult your veterinarian. This article is not meant to substitute or act as medical advice for pets.
[scroller style=”sc1″ title=”More tips from Three Dog Bakery” title_size=”17″ display=”tags” tags=”Holistic-Dog-Care” number_of_posts=”8″ auto_play=”5000″ speed=”300″]
Please join our FREE Newsletter
