Thursday, April 7, 2016

Is Your Dog Allergic to Spring?

   Spring is a wonderful time of the year, especially when you are a dog. The grass is green, squirrels are out, there are fresh flower beds to dig, and balls to catch. If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, spring might not be their favorite time of the year.
Basset Hound in the grass meme "Is your dog allergic to spring?"
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 It is the environmental allergens that are inhaled or get on the skin that results in the most common form of allergy; atopy. Autumn brings ragweed, the winter usually sees an increase in dust mites but it is spring that brings out the biggest allergic reactions. Your dog can have a pollen, new grasses, molds, trees, and flowers smorgasbord each time it goes outside. How will you know if your dog is suffering?
Signs of Allergies in Dogs
·        Chewing at paws
·        Licking rear and groin area
·        Rubbing their face
·        Inflamed ears/infections
·        Hot spots

   There are a number of ways to treat atopy allergies. You can begin with a few simple changes at home.
Wet West Highland Terrier with Dr. Harvey's Herbal Shampoo
Simple Solutions
·        Frequent baths with a quality shampoo
·        Wipe their paws after they go outdoors. This will lessen the number of allergens they bring in on them.
·        Keep their bed areas clean.
·        Daily brushing
·        Buy disposable booties for your dog (Pawz® rubber boots, etc.)
Basset Hound with Dr. Harvey's Coconut Smile in front of mouth
Natural Solutions
·        Add an Omega 3 fatty acid (Salmon Oil) and coconut to their diet
·        Give fruits and vegetables with Quercetin such as apples, bananas, and broccoli.
¨     Quercetin is a plant-based flavonoid compound that has powerful antioxidant properties. It is both an anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine. Dubbed, “Nature’s Benadryl” it can be purchased in chewable, capsules, and tablets from Chewy.com and other outlets.
·        After bathing, pour a mixture of:
½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
½ cup Green Tea (cooled)
1 cup distilled water
~Mix in an aroma-safe jar with lid. Shake well before using. Pour over your dog, making sure to avoid their eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly and pat the dog dry. Blow drying can dry out their skin and make them itch.
White West Highland Terrier in garden meme, "Got allergies?"
   Medical Treatments
·        Steroid shot
·        Antihistamine
·        Apoquel
   It won’t be long before spring and all of its glory will turn to summer and hopefully, the allergies will stop for a few months. Always consult your veterinarian for advice on treating your dog for allergies. Never give your prescription medicine to your dog or cat. Some over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl® can be given to dogs. Be sure to ask your vet for the correct dosage to suit your pooch’s age and weight.
   Do your dogs or cats suffer from atopy allergies? What treatment has worked for you?
*Sources for this post:
Written by: Kelly Holland Azzaro RA,CCAP, CBFP, LMT  
Can I give Benadryl to my dog? ~ Written by Dr. Jessica Vogelsang DVM
Dogs Naturally Magazine ~ Nature’s Benadryl Quercetin ~ Written by: Sarah Linn and information sourced by Rodney Habib
Learn more about Apoquel a new medication to control itching in dogs  ~ Written by Dr. Rachele Baker, DVM
light brown paws to separate




17 comments :

  1. I hope this year we can avoid the things what gives me itchy red areas... thanks for great tips :O)

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  2. raising all 8 paws here - we are not as bad here in Florida as we were in Arkansas but the grass here certainly irritates our feet

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  3. Our Angel Greta had spring allergies. We love Dr Harvey's Herbal Shampoo - we got some of that when Mabel was fighting the mange mites - very soothing
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  4. Luckily so far we haven't had to deal with allergies with this crew. Our late Lab mix Maggie used to get hot spots though and it was awful. I'm glad to know there are so many great solutions out there that can help if we ever do need them.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  5. We are out of control itching right now despite our allergy meds. Mom is trying all the remedies
    Lily & Edward

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  6. Ernie had MAJOR Itchies from the time we moved to Pencil Vane E Ah until about a month ago.. he is MUCH RELIEVED now that he is on Designer Waters... in place of the Iron Rich Well Water...
    Mom tried EVERYTHINGY until she narrowed it down to the Water.. and then talked to our Dogtor who said TRY... Bottled and that is really making a big difference.

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  7. We are finally, after 3 years, getting Arty's itchies under control. Finding the right Vet, who diagnosed his tendencies toward bacterial skin infections on top of his environmental allergies, finally has helped us, help him!!

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  8. Thankfully, none of us have any allergies. Mom has allergies but they don't bother us at all.

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  9. Great post! I have got to start adding salmon oil to my dogs food, this is just one more benefit of it.
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  10. I suffer from seasonal allergies. So far, I've been okay but spring has yet to get started here. ~Ernie

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  11. So far we're good. Mom hopes we stay that way as we get older!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  12. OMD, this is a FABulous postie! I gets year round allergies, so I takes the Benadryl's everyday. Butts, Ma is gonna check out this Quercetin! Thanks for the tip!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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    Replies
    1. Quercetin is a far better choice than Benadryl

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  13. My doctor recommends quercetin to people.

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  14. Great post, no allergies here thank god.

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  15. I love the idea of providing quercetin to pets for allergies! Great info here. Thanks for sharing. ღ

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  16. Poor doggies that suffer, of course we don't have Spring here yet either. Snowing today!

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