How to Notice and Treat Your Dog’s Seasonal Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, a field full of bright yellow pollen can be just as terrifying as a field full of snakes and spiders. What you might not know, though, is that dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies in the same way that their owners do. If you think your pet may be struggling with allergies, here are the signs to look for as well as what to do to ease their symptoms.
Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
If there is a silver lining to seasonal allergies in dogs, it’s the fact that your pup should make their discomfort very noticeable. Signs that your dog may be suffering from seasonal allergies include things such as:
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy or flaky skin
- Congestion
- Gnawing at their paws
- Licking their anus
- Shaking their head and/or scratching their ears
If you notice your pup demonstrating one or more of these symptoms, seasonal allergies is a likely cause. It is important to note, though, that food allergies and seasonal allergies share many of the same symptoms. This means that you will need to make sure that it isn’t a change in your dog’s diet that is causing their condition before moving onto seasonal allergy treatments.
How to Treat Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
If you believe that your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies, the best course of action is to take them to a vet. Your vet will be able to prescribe antihistamines and other medication to ease your dog’s symptoms. With that said, though, there are natural ways to treat seasonal allergies in dogs as well.
Fatty acids, for example – such as the omega 3s found in fish oil – have been shown to help combat seasonal allergies in dogs. Regular bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo will also go a long way toward easing your dog’s seasonal allergy symptoms.
The symptoms of seasonal allergies can be miserable for dogs and humans alike. If the pollen outside is giving your dog fits, be sure to do everything you can to help.
