5 Ways You Can Help Your Dog’s Seasonal Skin Issues

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes, not intended to diagnose or treat a disease. Always seek a vet’s advice for the best way to deal with your pet’s ailments. 

Many people are familiar with the symptoms of seasonal allergies. From the moment the first spring flowers bloom, those who struggle with allergies begin to anticipate the long, sneeze-filled road ahead.

What some people may not know is that dogs aren’t immune to these issues, either. Though allergies may not reveal themselves with the same symptoms in dogs as in people, your pet may be dealing with seasonal allergy struggles as well.

It can be difficult to sit by and watch your dog live with this discomfort. Fortunately, there are ways to help ease their pain and make springtime more manageable for them. If your four-legged friend is currently struggling with painful canine allergies, read on for five ways you can help seasonal skin issues in your dog!

Understanding the cause of your dog’s allergic reaction is the first step in getting them the necessary allergy treatment. While a dog’s body is going to react a bit differently to seasonal allergens than a human's, many of the causes are actually the same. Some of the most common environmental allergen causes of seasonal pet allergies include these familiar substances:

• Pollen
• Grass and weeds
• Dust
• Mold
• Fungi

Unfortunately, as much as your dog probably loves rolling around in the grass when the weather is nice, it may be worth taking a break from long periods outside to nail down a specific cause of their dog skin allergies. Additionally, getting an allergic dermatitis test from the veterinary dermatologist can also help determine the cause and get them on track to feeling better.

Dogs often react to the same allergens as humans, although how they react is unique. To figure out whether or not your dog is reacting to seasonal causes or something entirely different, you’ll want to watch out for these common dog allergy symptoms:

• Skin itching
• Hair loss
• Blistering
• Hives and swelling
• Watery eyes
• Ear infections
• Sneezing and coughing

While sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing are common allergy symptoms present in humans, the itchy skin issues that come along with these reactions are more specific to dogs.

Another important step to managing your dog’s seasonal allergies is ruling out the possibility of a flea infestation. Fleas can cause itching of the skin, and flea excrement (also known as flea dirt) can result in watery eyes, sneezing, and stomach pain if ingested. While this reaction is technically considered an allergy, it must be treated differently from environmental allergies caused by the weather.

Running a comb through your canine’s coat is the best way to discover a flea infestation on your own. Key signs that your dog has fleas may include:

• Black flecks throughout your dog's fur
• Tiny bugs that visibly jump around
• Skinny, lighter colored larvae burrowed in your dog’s skin

Treatment of a flea outbreak is going to require specific chemicals that can potentially worsen a seasonal allergic reaction, so ruling out this condition is vital to finding the right solutions for easing your dog’s discomfort. 

Antihistamines, like Benadryl, can offer quick relief for allergic reactions. While it’s best to consult a veterinarian before administering medication to your dog, antihistamines can typically be purchased over the counter, and pet-specific brands are available.

While antihistamines may not provide a long-term solution to allergies, they can relieve the short-term, painful symptoms, such as hives, swelling, and itching.

Always remember to read the directions on medication prior to giving it to your dog, as some types of antihistamines are specifically formulated for human consumption only.

Dietary supplements can offer relief from recurring allergy symptoms if taken on a regular basis. The supplement you give to your dog should be specific to their age group in order to offer the proper benefits that will help ease their issue.

Your dog’s age group will fit into one of these three categories:

• Puppy – Puppy supplements are most effective for dogs between the ages of 0–18 months. Vetericyn puppy supplements provide immune system support to help better equip your growing dog to fight off allergic reactions. Antioxidants also promote healthy development, cellular function, and bone and tissue growth.
• Adult – For dogs between the ages of 1.5 and 6 years old, an adult supplement can provide immune system support to help them feel their best. Digestive system support can also relieve upset stomachs that often occur as a result of allergies. Additionally, these supplements will help promote your dog’s absorption of key vitamins and minerals, which increase their defense against allergens and subsequent symptoms.
• Senior – Older dogs need particularly formulated support to keep them in proper health. With a specially curated mixture of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, your dog’s immune system will stay strong even in their later years, and may provide relief from seasonal allergies, which can take an extra hard hit on an older dog’s system. This supplement is most effective for dogs over 7 years old.

In addition to these supplements, other dietary additives can help relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies. Some of the best ingredients to look for when trying to boost your dog’s allergy defense and immune system health include:

• Omega fatty acids and DHA – Omega fatty acid deficiencies can cause a multitude of skin issues in dogs, and may worsen their reactions to seasonal allergens by causing blisters, itchy patches, and hair loss. These fatty acids can be boosted via a supplement or added to your dog’s diet via foods like salmon and other fish with high fat content.
• Quercetin – Quercetin is a natural antihistamine that can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as dietary supplements. A natural antihistamine may be a safer alternative to medications, like Benadryl, which aren’t formulated for dogs and may cause excessive drowsiness if the dosage is off.
• Prebiotics and probiotics – Incorporating these healthy bacteria into your dog’s diet can help promote proper gut health. A healthy gut plays a surprisingly important role in allergy defense, and a sufficient amount of prebiotics and probiotics can potentially reduce skin inflammation and other symptoms of allergic reactions.
• Magnesium – Magnesium is known to help soothe the nervous system and reduce anxiety. The properties in magnesium may help relieve skin inflammation and even soothe your dog’s behavioral reactions to their allergies, which can help prevent excessive scratching and biting of the skin.

While a proper diet with the right amount of vitamins and minerals may not entirely rid your dog of their seasonal allergies, it’s always a great place to start when attempting to promote your pet’s overall wellness. 

Remember to check the ingredients of any food you’re feeding your dog to ensure they won’t have a bad reaction. Many foods that are healthy for humans can be harmful if ingested by dogs, so consulting a veterinarian prior to changing your dog’s diet will help prevent any food-related problems. 

Another quick way to relieve seasonal skin issues is to apply a topical treatment to the affected areas. 

Topical relief is a great way to help ease your pet’s discomfort in times of excessive seasonal allergies. While they may not prevent allergies entirely, they’re going to reduce the painful symptoms that appear on your dog’s skin. All our skin care products are formulated without:

• Steroids
• Antibiotics
• Iodine
• Harsh chemicals that cause burning
• Ingredients that can’t be ingested

Vetericyn makes veterinarian-approved wellness products for all the animals in your life. Whether you have dogs, cats, or even livestock, we have a product that will help them feel their best. In addition to topical treatments, we offer a range of high-quality products, including shampoos, eye care, wound care, and more.

Seasonal allergies can be difficult, but they don’t have to control your pet’s life. If your cat skin allergies or dog skin allergies get serious or unmanageable, always remember to get them the proper medical help. Once you have these allergies under control, you can keep them feeling their best with the helpful tips listed above.

Don’t let pesky allergies take time away from your pet enjoying the fresh air and warm weather. Keep skin irritation under control and give your pet the relief they deserve with Vetericyn.

Sources: 

1. Vetericyn. Our Technology.  https://vetericyn.com/page/technology/
2. Smartypaws. How to Tell If Your Dog is Suffering From Seasonal Allergies.  https://www.smartypawshealth.com/blogs/all/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-suffering-from-seasonal-allergies
3. American Kennel Club. Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment.  https://www.smartypawshealth.com/blogs/all/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-suffering-from-seasonal-allergies
4. WebMD. Quercetin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions.  https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-294/quercetin
5. Boulder Holistic Vet. 5 Supplements Every Itchy, Allergic Dog Should Be Taking.  https://boulderholisticvet.com/5-supplements-every-itchy-allergic-dog-taking/