Every person is allergic to at least one thing on this whole planet. Whether it be scratching the nails against a blackboard or eating fruit. Similarly, animals, especially dogs also have certain allergies that are reimbursed in the spring season most likely.
Spring is the most beautiful season but it is also the season of diseases & flu. Humans & dogs alike, suffer from itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throats, & coughing.
In this article, we will discuss whether do dogs get allergies in spring or not? In addition to dog allergy symptoms, causes & tips to protect them.
Why Most Allergies Come In The Spring Season?
Source: Vetericyn.com
Spring is the season where new life begins. New trees bloom & plants shoot. Pollen from the trees is released & all pollen is released by the end of the season. Not only trees but flowers & plants also release pollen in the spring season.
A high amount of pollen is released from elm, oak, beech, birch, & ash trees. Cottonwood & aspen also release pollen followed by grasses, shrubs, & flowering plants. Pollen is the reason for most allergies, especially in dogs as they are the most allergic to this natural substance.
Pollen also brings out insects such as bees & other stinging insects which trigger an allergic reaction in dogs to their venom. Let us talk more about allergies in dogs in the below sections.
Dog Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms for allergies mainly depend on the cause of it. The most common dog allergy symptoms are scratching or biting which they do to let us know there is something wrong with us. Scratching & biting is also done to relieve itching which leads to inflammation & redness.
There are many symptoms to look for when finding allergies in dogs. Listed below are the most common symptoms of dog allergies in spring.
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Respiratory congestion
- Itchy flaky skin (pruritus)
- Hair loss Itching Ear infections
- Shaking their head and scratching one or both ears
- Smelly and/or “dirty” ears
- Licking of the paws and anus
- Patchy skin or skin irregularities
- Red eyes
- Coughing
- Itchy eyes
Don’t relate all the allergic symptoms to be the result of pollen allergy. Several different types of allergens may lead to an allergic reaction in your fluffy friend. These are mostly valid in the spring seasons which includes.
- Stinging insects mostly bees & wasps
- Ticks
- Fleas
- Tree pollen
- Flowering shrubs & grasses releases pollen
These symptoms may also be a sign of another condition. It is best to make an appointment with the vet to get to the core of their allergic symptoms before deducing your conclusion.
Causes of Spring Season Allergies in Dogs
Allergies in the spring season in dogs are mostly caused by the direct contact or inhalation of allergens. A dog may be allergic to one or more allergens during a season.
Allergies usually occur when the body’s immune system identifies a certain agent in the environment as a potentially dangerous substance. We talked above about the common allergens of spring. Listed below are the specific causes of allergies in spring.
- Hypersensitivity to typically inoffensive substances
- Over reactive immune system in dogs
- Immune system offensive particles that enter the body
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Diagnose of Spring Season Allergies in Dogs
As spring allergies occur only in the spring season, you know when to be extra cautious. Take your dog to the vet if any above symptoms occur in it. The vet will further assess your dog & ask you regarding the symptoms that the dog is experiencing.
Furthermore, the diagnosis includes a complete physical examination, a closer look at the dog’s nasal cavity, & its skin. Certain tests are also conducted to get a clear picture of the allergy & prescribe the best treatment for the dog.
The vet would also ask you questions regarding how much time the dog spends outdoor & what kind of environment you maintain in your yard. He/she might also ask what plants & weeds grow outdoors with which your dog might have gotten contacts.
The vet might require to conduct a skin test in terms of skin allergies. There are certainly other methods & questions that a vet usually asks the pet owners which gives them a better evaluation of the case at hand.
Treatment of Spring Season Allergies in Dogs
Source: Vetericyn.com
Treatment depends on the allergen which has caused the allergic reaction in a dog. If possible keep your dog away from potential allergens such as trees & flowers which release pollen & the use of products for other allergies such as fleas.
If the allergy comes from pollen, try to keep your pet away from the outdoor during the spring season. Reduction in symptoms & effective treatment can also be achieved through regular washing & bathing to remove pollen.
Wash the ears & paws to keep dirt & bacteria away from them which are deadly contributors to inflammation, itchiness, & irritation. Bath your dog using a hypoallergic cleanser that is specially specified for skin irritations & allergic reactions.
To speed up the treatment process, medications such as mild steroids or antihistamines can be given to dogs. Be sure to first arrange a checkup with your vet before giving your pet any medications. Follow the vet’s guidelines regarding the proper dosage & care required for your dog.
Spend more time with your dog & home & avoid going on walks in the harsh spring weather. Controlling the environment is not possible. Hence, precautions are the only thing we can do to diminish the effects of certain allergens & protect our dog against spring allergies.
Conclusion
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Comment down below if you own a dog & what allergies it mainly has. Share this blog with all your dog owner friends & feel free to ask any queries & questions regarding this article. Take extra care of your pets in the spring season & tell us do dogs get allergies in spring or not?
