achoo!!!!!!This is a sound heard around our household as Summer sets in and everything begins to bloom. Think about how miserable it can be if your eyes running, your nose dripping and a general feeling of sluggishness. Just like their dog owners, dogs can have allergies too!
Dog allergies has no complete cure, dog allergies can be managed. An allergen may be inhaled or the dog may absorb it through direct contact with his skin. Many dog allergies occur between 1 and 3 years or could be seasonal, while other dogs will experience allergies all year round.
According to the ASPCA, here are some symptoms to look for and potential causes of allergies.
What Can Dogs Be Allergic To
What To Do If Your Dog Has Allergies
Dog allergies has no complete cure, dog allergies can be managed. An allergen may be inhaled or the dog may absorb it through direct contact with his skin. Many dog allergies occur between 1 and 3 years or could be seasonal, while other dogs will experience allergies all year round.
According to the ASPCA, here are some symptoms to look for and potential causes of allergies.
- Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
- Increased scratching
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy)
- Itchy ears and ear infections
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Snoring caused by an inflamed throat
- Paw chewing/swollen paws
- Constant licking
What Can Dogs Be Allergic To
- Tree, grass and weed pollen
- Fleas
- Food
- Mould spores
- Dust and house dust mites
- Dander
- Feathers
- Cigarette smoke
- Prescription drugs
- Fleas and flea-control products
- Perfumes
- Cleaning products
- Fabrics
- Insecticidal shampoo
- Rubber and plastic material
What To Do If Your Dog Has Allergies
- Make sure to wash his dog bed at least once/week, and vacuum floors, carpeting and anything else that gathers dust.
- Certain dogs may need to be bathed weekly to remove the allergens from your dogs skin and relieve any itching. Discuss with your vet the best shampoos for your dog, because frequent bathing can dry your dogs skin.
- There are several flea-prevention products that can be applied monthly to your dogs skin.
- Certain antihistamines can be helpful. This medication counters the release of histamines, which are responsible for the itching and irritated skin. Just like with humans, you may have to try different antihistamines to find the one that works best for your dog because different dogs respond differently to different medications. See your vet to find out which is better for your dog.
washing your dog
Shampoo
We suggest you wash your dog at least once/month using a dog shampoo or even baby shampoo. If you're going to bathe your dog more often, use a moisturizing shampoo or a soap-free shampoo so your dog does not itch. There are shampoos that keep a dogs coat brighter, help shedding or even moisturize the dogs skin. You'll be amazed when you go to a pet store there are as many different dog shampoos as we humans have! Many shampoos meant for people are too harsh for a dog.
Breed
Your dogs breed can depend on how often he should be bathed. Certain dogs benefit from bathing while other breeds can develop skin problems from too many baths. If you have a hairy dog, like a spaniel, baths should be scheduled once every two months or so. Different breeds may go as long as six to eight months.
Environment
Is your dog an indoor dog or an outdoor dog? If your dog rolls around in the mud or likes to swim in ponds, he might need a bathe more often. Keeping a white dog clean requires frequent bathing if he runs outdoors a lot.
Type of Coat
Is your dog a short-haired dog or a long-haired? Long-haired dogs need bathing more frequently, because dirt can get caught in their fur. Dogs can benefit from frequent brushing to loosen any dirt and keep the fur from flying all over you!
Some dogs are afraid of baths, so try and make the experience as enjoyable as possible. It might be best to choose a room with a door when you bathe your dog, not only to prevent him from escaping, but to save your house from flying water. You might want to invest in a detachable shower spray nozzle which makes washing and rinsing much easier. Or depending on where you live and what kind of dog you have, it might be best to give your dog a bath outside.
Shampoo
We suggest you wash your dog at least once/month using a dog shampoo or even baby shampoo. If you're going to bathe your dog more often, use a moisturizing shampoo or a soap-free shampoo so your dog does not itch. There are shampoos that keep a dogs coat brighter, help shedding or even moisturize the dogs skin. You'll be amazed when you go to a pet store there are as many different dog shampoos as we humans have! Many shampoos meant for people are too harsh for a dog.
Breed
Your dogs breed can depend on how often he should be bathed. Certain dogs benefit from bathing while other breeds can develop skin problems from too many baths. If you have a hairy dog, like a spaniel, baths should be scheduled once every two months or so. Different breeds may go as long as six to eight months.
Environment
Is your dog an indoor dog or an outdoor dog? If your dog rolls around in the mud or likes to swim in ponds, he might need a bathe more often. Keeping a white dog clean requires frequent bathing if he runs outdoors a lot.
Type of Coat
Is your dog a short-haired dog or a long-haired? Long-haired dogs need bathing more frequently, because dirt can get caught in their fur. Dogs can benefit from frequent brushing to loosen any dirt and keep the fur from flying all over you!
Some dogs are afraid of baths, so try and make the experience as enjoyable as possible. It might be best to choose a room with a door when you bathe your dog, not only to prevent him from escaping, but to save your house from flying water. You might want to invest in a detachable shower spray nozzle which makes washing and rinsing much easier. Or depending on where you live and what kind of dog you have, it might be best to give your dog a bath outside.