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. The long, sneeze-filled road paved with spring blossoms lies just ahead. Did you know that our pets suffer from allergies, too?
Allergies may look different in dogs and people, but your pup could still be suffering from seasonal allergy discomfort.
Read on for five ways you can help prevent and relieve seasonal skin issues in your dog!
At a glance:
Consult a Veterinarian: Always seek professional advice before starting treatments to ensure safety and address your dog’s specific needs.
Identify Allergens: Pinpoint the cause of your dog’s skin issues, such as pollen or fleas, with vet testing to guide effective treatment.
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for signs like itching, hair loss, or hives to distinguish seasonal allergies from other issues like flea infestations.
Use Antihistamines & Supplements: Consult a vet for safe antihistamines and age-specific supplements to relieve itching and boost immunity.
Apply Topical Treatments: Use antimicrobial sprays or gels to soothe irritated skin and prevent infection from scratching.
#1 Find The Root of Dog Skin Allergies
Understanding the cause of your dog’s allergies is the first step toward the best treatment. Common environmental seasonal allergens include:
- Pollen
- Grass and weeds
- Dust
- Mold
- Fungi
Your veterinarian can perform allergy testing to find the cause and help your dog feel better fast.
#2 Study Their Symptoms
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 else, watch 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 in humans, itchy skin is more common in dogs.
Another important step in managing your dog’s seasonal allergies is ruling out fleas. Fleas can cause itching, watery eyes, sneezing, and other symptoms. While this is an allergic reaction to flea saliva, 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 fleas on your own. Key signs that your dog has fleas may include:
- Black flecks throughout your dog's fur caught up in the comb
- Tiny bugs that visibly jump around
Your veterinarian will direct flea allergy treatment, which involves allergy medication and specific compounds to kill all flea life stages. Treatment of other pets, your dog’s favorite areas in the home, and the yard may be needed to stop the flea problem.
#3 Antihistamines
Antihistamines, like Benadryl, can offer quick relief for allergic reactions.
While antihistamines may not provide a long-term solution for allergies, they can relieve short-term, uncomfortable symptoms, such as hives, swelling, and itching.
Do not give your pet over-the-counter antihistamines without first consulting your veterinarian. It’s best to pick up antihistamines from your veterinarian’s office.
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.
#4 Supplements
Dietary supplements can help relieve recurring allergy symptoms if taken regularly. The supplement you give to your dog should be specific to their age group:
- Puppy – Puppy supplements are most effective for dogs between the ages of 0 and18 months. Vetericyn puppy supplements provide immune system support and antioxidants to help your growing dog reduce allergic reactions, promote healthy development, boost cellular function, and support bone and tissue growth.
- Adult – For dogs ages 1.5 to 6 years old, an adult supplement can support the immune system and may help prevent allergic symptoms. This supplement relieves upset stomach and helps promote vitamin and mineral absorption.
- Senior – Older dogs need specially formulated support to maintain proper health. With a carefully curated mixture of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, this supplement for dogs over 7-years-old supports immune system health and may provide relief from seasonal allergies, which can be tougher for older dogs to deal with.
In addition to these supplements, other dietary additives may boost your dog’s health and 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 acids decrease inflammation, support organ function, and may reduce the amount of steroids needed for some allergic pets.
- Quercetin – Quercetin is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory that can be found in some fruits and vegetables, and dietary supplements. Check with your veterinarian before adding quercetin, since it may have interactions with medications and is not recommended for animals that are pregnant, lactating, or have kidney or liver disease. [Bark and whiskers]
- Prebiotics and probiotics – A healthy gut plays a surprisingly important role in allergy defense. Prebiotics and probiotics may reduce skin inflammation and other symptoms of allergic reactions.
- Magnesium – Magnesium may soothe the nervous system, reduce anxiety, relieve skin inflammation, and prevent scratching and biting.
Talk to your veterinarian before changing or supplementing your dog’s diet, as new foods can disrupt digestion, may contain allergens, and can interact with medications.
Photo by Rafaëlla Waasdorp on Unsplash
#5 Topical Treatments
Another way to help relieve seasonal skin issues is topical treatment.
Vetericyn's pet skin care products provide quick relief and protection for particularly itchy, painful, or scratched spots on your dog's skin. The two products we have available for this relief are:
- Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hot Spot Spray – This spray can be applied all over your dog’s irritated skin and relieves itching, inflammation, and pain. It removes bacteria and helps prevent infection. Our cutting-edge technology provides instant relief from pain and itching, reducing your dog’s urge to bite or scratch the affected areas.
- Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hot Spot Gel – Our hot spot gel offers targeted relief for hard-to-reach areas. The thick gel protects and soothes raw patches. It relieves skin inflammation caused by allergies and promotes faster healing.
You can use the spray first and then cover the affected area with the protective hydrogel. This can be done many times a day until the spots clear up.
All our skin care products are formulated without:
- Steroids
- Antibiotics
- Iodine
- Harsh chemicals that cause burning
- Ingredients that can’t be ingested
Get Affordable, Effective Pet Skin Care With Vetericyn
Vetericyn makes veterinarian-approved wellness products for all the animals in your life. Whether you have dogs, cats, or livestock, we have the tools to help them feel their best. Visit our catalogue to learn more about our 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 or dog’s skin allergies worsen, don’t resolve, or seem worse, talk to your veterinarian.
Don’t let pesky allergies keep your pet from enjoying the fresh air and warm weather. Keep allergy-related skin irritation under control and give your pet the relief they deserve with Vetericyn.
Vetericyn is dedicated to developing the safest, most effective, and innovative animal wellness products available worldwide. We strive to earn the respect and trust of our customers and challenge ourselves to find new ways to give back to the animal community.
Sources:
- Vetericyn. Our Technology. https://vetericyn.com/page/technology/
- 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
- 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
- WebMD. Quercetin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-294/quercetin
- Boulder Holistic Vet. 5 Supplements Every Itchy, Allergic Dog Should Be Taking. https://boulderholisticvet.com/5-supplements-every-itchy-allergic-dog-taking/
Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Adamson
Dr. Kathy Adamson earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
She completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Alongside her studies, Kathy worked in a research lab, contributing as an author and co-author to various journal articles.
She has also pursued medical writing and editing certification through the University of Chicago Graham School. Currently, she runs KMA Veterinary & Medical Writing, a freelance medical writing company, serves as the Digital Content Manager for the Greater Chicago Area Chapter of the American Medical Writers Association, is a member of the AMWA Communications Committee, and enjoys writing about healthcare topics for people and their cherished pets.
