Say Goodbye to Allergy Season Woes with These Simple Tips
As the flowers start to bloom and the air fills with pollen, our four-legged friends may begin to feel the itch of seasonal allergies. A dog’s allergy symptoms are generally similar to those experienced by humans – the immune system overreacts to one or more offending substances, leading to itchiness and irritation.
If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, they may:
Lick or scratch themselves
Develop irritated eyes
Experience itchy, red, swollen skin
Sneeze repeatedly
Shed excessively
Shake their head/ears if they’re feeling itchy
It can be a ruff time for pups, but don’t worry – we've fetched some great tips and products to help manage symptoms and make the most of this beautiful time of year together. So whether you're a new puppy parent or a seasoned dog owner, let's explore a few ways to help your pooch cope with those pesky allergies.
Up Your Spring-Cleaning Game
It's time to give your home some allergy-proofing TLC to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. First off, let's talk air filters – swapping these out regularly is like giving your home a big ol' nose blow and will help rid all those yucky allergens. Investing in a dehumidifier will also do wonders for removing excess moisture in the air and ensure you and your pup's living space isn't mold-prone.
And speaking of mold, limit the amount of time your pup spends in damp places such as basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, as these places are more susceptible to mold growth. (If you can’t get your pup out and about during the day yourself, we’ve got you covered with dog walking and pet sitting services). Keep things fresh by vacuuming up all those hair and pollen bunnies at least once a week, and give your curtains and rugs a good scrub. Your pup's nose (and yours!) will thank you for creating a clean, cozy, and allergy-free abode.
Adjust Your Daily Walk Routine
Avoid the pollen party and steer clear of fields and parks during peak sniffle season. When you come inside from outdoors, give your pup’s body and paws a good wipe down with a damp cloth or hypoallergenic grooming wipes to remove excess pollen and allergens without the hassle of a full bath. Be sure to give the paws some extra attention, because let's face it, they do all the walking – Try soaking them in a mix of water and apple cider vinegar to cleanse them from pollen and other substances. Another solution are doggie boots, which will prevent your pup from stepping in irritants and then tracking them into your house.
Wash Your Dog’s Bedding and Toys
The surfaces your dog comes in contact with at bedtime can become covered in allergens, so make sure they’re kept clean by being washed in hot water every week. Also, be sure that any soft toys your dog plays with get washed regularly.
Jump in the Tub
Prevent dry, itchy skin by keeping your dog's fur clean and itch-free with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo that contains soothing ingredients such as oatmeal or aloe. When bathing your pup more frequently, it’s extremely important to add moisture back into the skin and coat, so always follow shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner.
*Consider taking your pup to our salon to take advantage of our full-service doggie spa and skin soothing/conditioning mud baths!
-
Natural Dog Co. Itchy Dog Shampoo: One of the most critical choices when caring for a pup with continual or severe skin issues is choosing the right shampoo. Relieve your pup’s itchy, red skin caused by allergies, bug bites, and other irritants with this all-natural, deep-cleansing shampoo. Tough on allergens but gentle enough for every bath, Itchy Dog Shampoo boasts a carefully selected blend of essential oils that removes irritants from fur and soothes itchy skin. Works best when paired with Skin Soother organic healing balm.
Natural Dog Co. Sensitive Skin Shampoo : This shampoo is as gentle as it gets! Sensitive Skin Oatmeal Shampoo’s hypoallergenic formula is mild enough for the most sensitive of skin without sacrificing a clean pup. Oatmeal and Aloe Vera star in this extra-gentle shampoo made for puppies and sensitive-skin dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes.
Espree Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo : This gentle treatment shampoo aids in the relief of multiple skin irritations and symptoms such as itching and inflammation. Made with 100% organically-grown aloe vera, as well as jojoba and tea tree oils.
Wild for Dog's Super Soft Conditioner : An organic, hypoallergenic deep-conditioning treatment that locks in moisture, improves shine, enriches hair follicles and helps detangle a dog’s coat, without causing irritation. Also acts as a natural flea and tick repellent, which is ideal in Spring/Summer season!
Natural Dog Co. Gentle Grooming Wipes : These extra-large wipes are the perfect way to keep fresh between baths and wipe away allergens, dirt and grime from paws, skin, fur, and bums.
Supplement the Diet
Natural dietary supplements such as fish oil and fatty acids Omega-3s and Omega-6s enhance skin condition by reducing water loss in the skin. Their benefits will give your pup a shinier, glossier coat with less skin flaking and more supple skin. Coconut oil has also been shown to reduce allergic reactions and improve overall skin health. And finally, ensure your pup is staying hydrated and that their water (and bowls) are clean and free of any outdoor allergens.
-
Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil : Omega-3 goes a long way in relieving allergies, inflammation, and general skin irritation. When it comes to skin or joint relief, Salmon oil is a rich source of DHA & EPA, the two Omega-3 benefactors that target inflammation in various parts of the body. Salmon also contains healthy amounts of Calcium and Vitamin D, which are good for the heart, bone health, and long term joint mobility. Natural Dog Company prioritizes sustainable ingredients with no fillers or additives.
Natural Dog Co, Skin and Coat Supplement : This nutrient-dense daily supplement supports skin and coat health from the inside out; reduces itching and irritation associated with allergies and improves the look and feel of coarse, brittle fur. An added bonus - These delicious chews also support your pup's immune system, cognitive development, and joint health! Some key ingredients and their benefits include: DHA, which helps overall canine brain & nervous system development, balanced levels of omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids, which reduce water loss in the skin, Biotin which is clinically proven to improve coat & fur.
Bocce Bakery's Good Hair Soft Chews : Good Hair Dailies are rich in omega-3s and flaxseed to promote healthy skin and coat with a tasty salmon flavor in every bite.
Salmon Skin Bones : A natural source of Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, natural vitamins and minerals. Also great for dental wellness!
Botanical Bones Inner Glow Biscuits : Baked complete with natural ingredients such as Chaga, which is full of antioxidants and is an excellent immunity booster, and Chia + Flaxseeds, which help keep the skin and coat shiny and bright. Tastes like a peanut butter cookie, jam-packed with goodness!
Wild Ranger Chicken & Superfoods Dog Jerky : Fuel your dog’s adventure with nature’s whole food ingredients that support immunity, digestion and healthy skin/coat. Wild Ranger jerky treats are environmentally responsible and super-charged with nutritious ingredients such as Flaxseed and fish oil, which promote healthy skin and coat; sweet potato which is packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants and Vitamin A; and pumpkin which is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy digestion and skin.
Mini Cod Fish Chips : A rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, these delectable dog treats promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. They also offer dental benefits, reducing tartar and plaque build-up for healthier gums and teeth. With a single source of protein—100% natural and edible Icelandic cod—these tasty treats are easy to digest and ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
Natural Rapport's Allergy Chews : Natural Rapport’s Allergy Soft Chews use powerhouse natural ingredients like colostrum, kelp, and bee pollen which are known to alleviate your furry friend’s itchy skin, hair loss, sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes all while helping provide essential vitamins & minerals and supporting enhanced immune function.
Flora4 Organic Sprouted Seeds Food Topper : Flora4 saves the day whenever your pet needs supplemental enzymes and probiotics for a wide range of issues: During and after treatment with antibiotics to “re-seed” the gut, correct intermittent diarrhea, constipation, gas and soft stools, aid digestion when transitioning from one diet to another for the first time, provide immune support (sprouted Broccoli is great for this!), and relieve itchy skin, dry coat, and yeasty ears (which are far more prone this time of year).
Please note: If your pup continues to excessively lick, scratch and chew on themselves, or has red and irritated skin with hair loss, consult with your veterinarian. Depending on the severity of your pup’s condition, a professional will be able to further assess your pup and provide advanced treatments and/or recommendations to help them feel better and ensure there isn’t an underlying condition causing them this discomfort.