Tips For Handling Dog Allergies In Spring

Spring is upon us and with all that spring time beauty comes so not so fun dog issues you and your pet may have to deal with. Yep, you guessed it… Dog allergies, shedding, and spring-cleaning! Ease any discomfort for you and your pet by getting prepared early, knowing the causes and how to better deal with them.

ALLERGIES

Just like humans, pets can suffer from spring related allergies as well. Unlike humans however, cats and dogs manifest seasonal allergies most often in the form of allergic dermatitis, which is just a fancy name for skin allergies. You many notice your pet itching, chewing, licking and biting uncontrollably. These behaviors can lead to further skin problems such as hot spots, infected ears, irritated skin and more. Here are a few tips to help ease the burden spring allergies may have on your pooch.

1. Weekly cool bath with hypoallergenic shampoo, oatmeal shampoo or vet recommended shampoo, use hypoallergenic wipes in-between baths.
2. Keeping the areas your pets spend most of their time vacuumed and allergen free.
3. Wiping paws when returning indoors from the outside

Keep in mind, your pets will also benefit from many solutions you would typically use for yourself such as air conditioning, vet recommended allergy medicine and a healthy diet.

SHEDDING

Many pets shed in the spring causing a lot of pet owners mystified about how and why. Remembering that seasonal shedding is a natural part of your dog’s fur growth cycle and getting advice from your groomer or vet can assist in creating a plan of action. A few things you can do to help keep the shedding under control at home are:

1. Daily brushing will help keep the loose hairs off your floor and furniture and in a brush and trashcan. Be sure to brush in the direction of the hair grain and to start at the bottom of each section.
2. Minimize the amount of time spent in direct sun.
3. Use seat covers on couches and in vehicles.