Springtime Allergies and Your Dog
Warmer weather and longer days mean more time spent outside with your furry friend! However, the springtime also brings plenty of the yellow stuff: pollen. Your dog is susceptible to the same seasonal allergies you are, and it’s important to know the signs so you and your four-legged friend can enjoy the outdoors together.
Biting and scratching
As humans, we tend to sneeze when allergies get bad in the spring. However, a dog won’t always have the same symptoms. They will itch, bite and scratch to relieve anything irritating their skin. Pollen falls on their fur, paws and pads and is absorbed into the skin in those areas.
After a long walk, wipe your dog's coat and paws with a damp towel to remove the pollen.
Itchy, red and irritated eyes.
Just like your eyes can become red and irritated in the spring, so can your dogs. If you tend to go on frequent walks and start to notice your dog rubbing their face when you get home, they may be trying to relieve itchy eyes. There are specific pet brand eye rinses you can purchase to relieve this symptom. However, if you’re unsure, it’s best to take your pup to the vet to get checked out for any other causes.
Snoring, caused by an inflamed throat.
Most dogs snore, especially those that have a short snout. If your dog snores regularly, this shouldn’t be the first symptom to look for. However, if you’ve noticed one of the above symptoms first, or your dog snoring for the first time, pollen and allergies could be the cause. This is because the pollen in the air can cause sinus drainage, leading to a dry and sore throat.
Paw chewing and swollen paws.
As humans, when something is irritating on our body, we tend to scratch it. Dogs feel the same way when pollen irritates their paws. They will scratch and bite to relieve the symptoms, which can lead to swollen paws that are even more uncomfortable.
Give your dog some relief.
We always recommend bringing your dog to your local veterinarian to get checked out for anything out of the ordinary, including allergies. However, there are also some natural remedies at home you can try for temporary relief. Coconut oil is great for dogs’ skin to reduce the sensation of skin itchiness. Aloe vera, in its gel form, is great for treating hot spots and itches. Apple cider vinegar is very effective for cleaning your dog's’ paws from pollen after a long walk, and thyme infusion can calm the skins infections on toes and paws.
