Dogs can Suffer from Spring Airborne Allergies Too! What YOU can do to Help Your Furry Friend!
Spring is here! Flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing and people are sneezing! Unfortunately, for many, with spring comes allergies. Not only do people suffer from airborne allergies, dogs can too! Airborne particles such as dust, plant pollen and molds can not only make you miserable, they can make your dog's life miserable as well. Dogs that suffer from inhalant allergies usually suffer from itchiness in the front halves of their bodies. They react by rubbing their faces, licking their paws, and scratching their chests. A cat that is affected by airborne allergies may develop tiny red bumps on their head and neck (some even develop big, flat red patches of thick skin on their groin and thighs).
What You Can Do to Help Your Pooch?!
If your dog is really suffering (constantly scratching, licking paws raw and losing fur) you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. Though airborne allergies are not a medical emergency it is a safe bet that your poor pup is miserable. If you are unable to take your dog to the vet for a few days, there are a few things you can do to bring your furry friend some much needed relief.
Antihistamines
Over the counter antihistamines may help to soothe your dog's itchy skin until you are able to get him or her to the vet. However, it should be noted that antihistamines (such as Benadryl) do not help all dogs. My dog, Kylie, suffers from allergies. I have given her Benadryl in the past and it does absolutely nothing for her. Actually, I take that back, Benadryl does make her sleepy…which I guess is a good thing as she can't scratch if she is asleep! It turns out that Kylie's allergy issues are so bad that she needs prescription medication.
If you want to give an antihistamine such as Benadryl a try, go for it! Benadryl is available in 25 milligram pills. Your dog will need one milligram for each pound of body weight every six to eight hours. So if you have a ten pound dog, you should give him or her half a pill. A twenty-five pound dog would be able to handle one full pill and so on.
Time for a Soak!
Cool water equals relief when it comes to itchy skin! One of the most effective first aid treatments for a dog that is suffering from allergies is a nice, cool bath. DO NOT put your dog in very warm or hot water as this will only aggravate the situation! Cool water reduces inflammation and well, feels good! All you have to do is fill the tub with cool water and soak your dog for ten to twenty minutes. You can also take your dog outside and cool him or her off with the hose.
Oatmeal baths are also very effective at reducing itchiness. Aveeno, for example, is a wonderful, over the counter product that you can purchase. Of course, you can also use regular old oatmeal that you have in your kitchen cabinet! Simply fill a sock with oatmeal and place it in the tub as you run the bathwater. After several cool water baths, if your dog is still itching and scratching, a trip to the vet is in order.
Other Airborne Allergy Solutions!
Many dogs that suffer with airborne allergies have very itchy paws. This is because the footpads and webs of their toes have an enormous amount of blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, when your dog goes outside, he absorbs allergens through his paws (such as grass pollen). To stop the paw licking and biting, simply soak your pup's paws in a bucket of oatmeal water three times per week. You can find dog friendly oatmeal products on-line or at your local pet supply store. If you wish, you can also purchase special allergy shampoos that contain oatmeal and other natural ingredients. It is important that you avoid products with perfumes and dyes as these could make your dog's skin condition worse (and more itchy!).
If nothing you do at home works, your dog may need allergy shots. The veterinarian can allergy test your dog in order to find out exactly what he or she is allergic to. Once the culprit is identified, the vet will vaccinate your dog with tiny amounts of the substance on an on-going basis. This type of immunotherapy takes time so don't expect results over night!
Just as humans develop airborne allergies, dogs do too! Thankfully, there are simple things you can do at home to bring your furry friend some much need itch relief! If you have an itchy dog, you may wish to consider the products below!
Great Products for Itchy Dogs!
Further Reading - More Great HUB Pages!
If you have a few moments to spare, please visit my other dog related Hub Pages! Thank you!
Glaucoma and Cataracts in Dogs – Know What to Look for When it Comes to Canine Eye Problems!
When to Say Goodbye to Your Dog or cat
Help! My Dog has been Stung by a Bee!
Finally, if you are dealing with dog incontinence issues, please read by blog: Coping With Dog Incontinence! Thanks, again!
