The same springtime allergies that may cause you to suffer from a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and sneezing can affect your pets, too. Some dogs are allergic to pollen, mold spores, dust mites, fleas and other indoor and outdoor allergens. Since this year’s allergy season is one for the record books with astonishingly high pollen levels – likely because of climate change – your dog may be exhibiting more symptoms than usual.
Allergies in dogs typically appear as skin problems causing inflammation and itchiness that not only cause discomfort, but also leave skin vulnerable to infections. You might notice your dog incessantly licking his paws to relieve itchiness, obsessing over a hot spot (which is nothing more than a patch of infected skin), or suffering from an ear infection due to an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria in the ear canal.
Since you can’t just hand your pup a box of tissues and an allergy pill, here are three natural remedies to prevent allergy attacks before they start.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In the same way that fish oil is healthy for humans, fish oil can do wonders in helping some dogs’ skin and improving the condition of their coasts. Because omega-3 fatty acids are natural, anti-inflammatory agents, they can help calm skin and reduce the inflammation that often occurs with allergy prone pups. You can purchase supplements at the pet store, but it’s best to consult your vet for proper dosing recommendations. Additionally, you can look for dry and wet dog food formulas that have fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, salmon or krill listed on the label.
Probiotics
Studies have shown that Lactobacillus acidophilus, one of the live and active cultures commonly lurking in yogurt, can help with pollen allergies, hives and eczema in humans. Veterinarians also speak highly of the benefits of probiotics in preventing dog allergies. Again, ask your vet about appropriate supplements, or look for one of the many brands of natural dog food that includes probiotics in the recipe.
Reschedule Walks
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your doctor may have told you to avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and evening. Similarly, you can try to keep your dog inside during those hours. But if you work 9 to 5, that may be next to impossible. If you can, shorten your a.m. and p.m. walks – leaving a longer stroll up to the dog walker – consider wiping your pooch down with a cold wet cloth to remove some of the allergens that may be clinging to her coat when you come inside.
Image: ccho