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!

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.

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.