Outdoor Allergens: How
They Affect Dogs and What You Can Do About Them
By Lisa Selvaggio
For a dog who loves to frolic in the
great outdoors and roll around on the ground, allergies from grass
and pollen can definitely dampen his fun. If you understand the
causes of your dog's allergies, though, you can take steps to prevent
or resolve them naturally.
Symptoms Associated with Allergies
in Dogs
While humans deal with watery eyes,
sneezing, and a runny nose when allergy season hits and pollen is in
the air, canines' bodies react differently. Dogs who suffer with
allergies will often have itchy skin, so you'll see your pet
scratching incessantly in order to try to bring about some relief.
Your pet will more than likely lick his paws a lot or rub his face.
Watery eyes, though not as common as skin irritation, can also occur.
And ear infections may result from exposure to allergens like grass,
trees, pollen, mold, dander, and dust.
It's important to note that excessive
scratching can lead to open wounds and sores that can become infected
and lead to hair loss. Therefore, if you see your pet behaving this
way and you know that he's clearly uncomfortable, take a trip to the
vet for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other more serious
conditions that can cause skin ailments. Also, in the event that your
pet is suffering from allergies, you'll definitely want to resolve
the problem and help your pet feel better, and your vet will steer
you in the right direction.
What You Can Do to Reduce Exposure
While you certainly can't completely
eliminate your pet's exposure to outdoor allergens, you can take
steps to reduce the level of exposure so that the allergies aren't as
severe. Keep
your grass short to prevent seeding heads from
forming. You may even choose to set aside an area of your yard that's
covered in sand or gravel specifically for your dog so he can play
without being exposed to a lot of grass. While outside, train your
dog to not roll in the grass. And before heading back inside, wipe
down your dog with a damp cloth in order to remove pollen from fur
and paws.
Nutrition and Natural Remedies
Because nutrition is the foundation of
health, feed your dog a high quality food that contains animal
proteins and fatty acids that will keep the skin and coat healthy and
provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
Although your vet may want to prescribe
strong medications to combat inflammation, keep in mind that these
should only be used short-term, as many come with severe side
effects. If you wish to take a more integrative or holistic approach
to your pet's health, you can try Azmira's
Aller’G: Grass & Pollen, which contains a blend
of beneficial herbs that will bring relief to your pet and strengthen
the immune system. And if your dog's skin is really irritated, you
can use Itchin’
for Relief, loaded with natural ingredients, such as
calendula, boswellia, and aloe, that will soothe irritated skin,
reduce inflammation, and prevent infections.
Remember, the stronger your pet's
overall constitution is---through proper diet, exercise, and a
toxin-free environment---the easier it will be to prevent allergies
from taking hold and taking their toll on his wellbeing and health.
So start with nutrition and focus on keeping your dog's immune system
strong by reducing his exposure to potential allergens in his diet
and environment.
Animals have taught Lisa all about unconditional love and forgiveness, and she loves sharing her home with her fur babies. After volunteering in animal rescue, she acquired her certification in canine and feline nutrition and continues to study holistic health for both people and their pets.
