Spring Sniffles: Managing Your Dog's Seasonal Allergies

Spring means the start of all the things we love most about the outdoors. Warmer weather, blooming flowers, later sunsets…. And, of course, pesky allergies. Dogs suffer from allergies the same way people do, with symptoms like chewing at paws, scratching, chewing at skin, ear infections, gastric reflux, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing, to name a few.

Common seasonal allergens include:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust Mites
• Weeds
• Grasses
• Insect Bites
• Tree Pollen
• Ragweed
• Fungal Spores

If you notice your pet suffering from seasonal allergies, don’t fear! We’ve compiled some tips below to help your pup get some relief from the dust and pollen. 

Add in Omega-3s and antioxidants

An easy adjustment you can make to keep allergies at bay is to add an Omega-3 supplement to your dog’s food. Omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which help to reduce inflammation in the body caused by allergies. Fish oil is one of the most common forms of Omega-3s, but hemp oil is a great alternative Omega-3 option. We love Adored Beast’s Raw Hemp Oil not only because it provides all of the Omega-3’s of fish oil, but also because it contains tons of natural magnesium that helps with muscle function. Plus, it’s made in Nova Scotia. Check it out in our shop here.

Antioxidants can also help reduce uncomfortable symptoms caused by allergies. Antioxidants work to protect damage to cells which can be caused by pesky free-radical particles. We love the Happy Days Goat Milk Kefir with Cranberry because of all of its health benefits (antioxidants included!). This raw probiotic superfood helps improve digestion, build bone density, support brain function, and boost immunity. It features billions of live probiotics and is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and enzymes. Plus, cranberries can help the urinary tract. Learn more here.

Wipe down your pet after walks

After you and your pup go for a walk during peak allergy season, make sure you wipe off their body and paws. Allergens like pollen can stick to dogs and irritate their skin afterward causing irritation and discomfort. Take a damp washcloth or pet-safe hypoallergenic wipes and wipe down paw pads and your pet’s body to remove any residual dander or pollen that may have snuck its way into fur or between toes! Don’t forget to wipe inside the ears as well!  We use Earth Rated Wipes for all the daycare dogs here at Unleash the Pawsitive!  Shop Earth Rated Wipes either Lavender Scented or Unscented 

Bathe Regularly  

Baths are another great option to help remove pollen from your pet’s fur. Over time, pollen can build up between hair follicles and cause your dog a lot of irritation. Giving your pup a good scrub down once or twice a week (depending on your dog and your vet’s recommendation) with a shampoo that contains soothing ingredients is a great way to keep allergies at bay. Look for shampoos that are hypoallergenic or contain ingredients like oatmeal, which helps to ease itching and soothe irritation. We love the Envirogroom shampoos and conditioner because their all-natural, biodegradable, and cruelty-free formulas are gentle on sensitive skin. Try the Gentle Clean Shampoo and Oatmeal Conditioner combination for a pup suffering from itchy skin.

Invest in an air purifier

Adding an air purifier to your house can help reduce allergy symptoms for both you and your pet! By removing harmful particles that may be irritating your dog’s respiratory system, an air purifier allows your pet to breathe easier and may reduce allergy symptoms like coughing and sneezing. Plus, it will keep your house smelling great! Look for a HEPA filter, as they can remove small dust, dander, pollen, and pet hair particles. Remember to replace the filter regularly for the best results. 

Try Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is a great natural remedy to fight allergy symptoms.  Packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6, Bee pollen is loaded with those fatty acids we mentioned earlier that help with inflammation caused by allergies. Bee pollen also contains Quercetin, a naturally occurring antihistamine. Plus, Bee pollen can help with food allergy symptoms and is antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and improves blood flow to the nervous system. We love the LIVSTRONG brand because they’re local to Canada! Find it in our shop here. 

Address it From the Inside

Seasonal allergies can also be triggered by an imbalance in the GI tract, since 70-80% of the immune system lives in the gut. If your pup’s gut microbiome is out of balance, this can result in the development of allergies and their unwanted symptoms. Pre and probiotics are an important tool in keeping your pet’s GI tract regulated, as they help good bacteria to flourish. We recommend Adored Beast’s Fido's Flora, because it contains a 14-strain probiotic with 30 billion CFU’s and 2 canine specific probiotic blends which  useful for balancing the immune system to help with seasonal allergies, IBD, and more. 

Another oral remedy that may give your pup some relief from allergies is Vet’s Best Seasonal Allergy Support. These veterinarian-formulated chewable tablets contain an antioxidant-full blend of ingredients that support skin health and histamine balance, perfect for pups suffering from pesky allergy symptoms. The tablets are also made from ocean kelp which helps with reabsorption and healthy digestion. Read more about it here.

If you’ve tried these at-home remedies and your dog is still suffering from allergies, make an appointment with your vet to discuss what’s going on and possible additional treatments. They might suggest adding something like a steroid or an antihistamine to help manage your pet’s symptoms.

Until next time,

🐾 Woofs & Wags
- Melissa & Oaklee 🐾
@unleashthepawsitive