I know straight away when my allergies are kicking in for spring. The first sign is that I start to sneeze, develop a runny nose and my eyes become a little itchy. I’ve also noticed that when my dog is reacting to the pollen in spring and summer he develops similar symptoms and one or two others that I hadn’t realised were allergy related initially. Read on to find out more about what I’ve learned about spring allergies in dogs.
Symptoms of spring allergies in dogs
One of the telltale signs of spring allergies in dogs is not sneezing or watery eyes, but itchy skin. If your dog is caught up with his flea treatments but is scratching at his paws, face and ears, it may be that allergies are bothering him. This will need to be treated as some dogs end up scratching so much they cause bacterial infections on their skin. Another sign of allergies is an ear infection. Some breeds are more prone to spring allergies than others.
How to treat spring allergies in dogs
The key here is symptom management.
- Wash your dog’s paws after walks.
- Try to walk your dog in the early morning and late evening to reduce the exposure.
- Wash your dog’s bedding regularly to remove allergens.
- Add a rubber boot liner to your car for easy allergen removal after spring excursions.
- Talk to your vet about antihistamines and other options to make your dog more comfortable.
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult a vet for advice specific to your dog.
