Itching for an End to Seasonal Allergies?

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Canine Enrichment

What to look for, how to manage

By Penny Lex

“Oh,lookhow cute Rosie is sitting there rubbing her face with her paw.”

“I love it when Quincy lays on the floor and wiggles from side to side to scratch his back.”

Those are some adorable moments. However, if they become frequent and accompanied by additional symptoms, your dog may be experiencing inhalant, environmental allergies or atopy—the same as humans with sensitivities to pollens, grass, and weeds that prosper in the Spring. This is a result of the immune system overreacting to a felonious substance that results in itchiness or irritation. While it is usually the respiratory system that is most affected by seasonal allergies in humans, in canines the ill effects tend to be more widespread.

Some common symptoms of canine seasonal allergies to watch for include:

• Nibbling or chewing at the feet

• Face rubbing

• Scratching at the ears, back, or belly

• Hair loss

• Ear infections

• Skin irritations

• Sneezing

• Watery eyes

• Head shaking

If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait to get a diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, prolonging appropriate care can lead to a secondary infection like staph and/or yeast.

Want to know exactly what it is that’s making Muggsy so miserable? You can find out. The allergen testing process for dogs is much the same as for humans. A small amount of allergen is injected under the dog’s skin. If a reaction occurs, such as redness, swelling, or hives, a series of shots may help desensitize him to the culprit.

There are a number of things you can do to make your pet more comfortable and also minimize his allergen exposure.

• Bath your dog regularly using hypoallergenic shampoo

• Give Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplements

• Wipe your dog’s feet when coming in from outside

• Change air filters regularly

• Minimize number of houseplants

• Vacuum regularly and clean the rugs

• Wash bedding, throws, and car seat covers regularly

You might think that since you get relief from taking antihistamines for your allergies, maybe your dog would, too. In some cases that is true. Benadryl is frequently used for humans and pets. However, it is always best to check with your vet to ensure the right dosage and also to make sure there’s no interaction with other meds your pet might be taking. And never give your dog a decongestant as it is toxic to canine.

Other alternatives might be a veterinarian-prescribed, immune-controlling medication. And in severe cases, the administration of steroids.

Bottom line—pay attention to your pet. Take note of his behavior and routinely check his skin, ears, and paws. If you suffer from seasonal allergies as well, you can bet your dog is itching for the period of heightened sensitivity to end just as much as you are.