Although seasonal allergies affect a large number of humans, they are not uncommon for your furry friends. Pets can suffer from these ailments, too. During spring and autumn, proliferation of potential allergens increases and can seriously jeopardize their health. Because of that, veterinarians from Eastshore Vet, the best veterinary agency in Madison, share several tips on how to help your dog to cope with autumn allergies.
How Does Allergy Affect Your Dog’s Health?
Dogs, who suffer from allergies, show the following symptoms: scratching, biting, inflamed skin, excessive shedding, or some other skin problem. Seasonal allergies may also trigger secondary health problems such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, diarrhea, and various digestive problems.
Prevention
Prevention is the best strategy against allergies in such a way that it minimizes the chances for allergens to harm your dog’s health. By incorporating the following habits to your dog’s lifestyle, preventative measurements will strengthen your dog’s immunity and help your dog avoid taking medicine.
Take a Regular Walk
Avoid taking your dog for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening, when the concentration of allergens escalates. Furthermore, your dog may get in touch with a plant that is potentially allergen, during time spent outside. For that reason, bath your dog after every walk or rub his fur gently with wet cloth. This treatment will remove allergens from his coat.
Keep Indoor Air as Fresh as Possible
If your dog is prone to seasonal allergies, keep air humidity high. Dry air makes respiratory and skin problems in dog with allergy even worse. However, be careful - higher humidity doesn’t benefit each dog. In some cases, especially if your dog has mold allergy, veterinarians recommend decreasing air humidity. You may find useful purchasing humidity regulator or air purifier. It will eliminate air pollutants and allergens from your home.
Relieve the Symptoms
If you spot the symptoms of seasonal allergy in your dog, change his diet. You may, for example, increase intake of essential fatty acids. It will soften his skin and soothe itchy skin. Change his bathing shampoos and opt for more natural and hypoallergenic alternatives.
Keep a Good Hygiene
Wash his toys regularly and keep his bed as clean as possible. For time to time, give your carpets, rugs, and furniture a deep clean. Apply regular flea treatment to your dog and his space.If your dog gets the symptoms in spite of practicing these tips, you may always ask your veterinarian for help.