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Alleviating Your Pup’s New Springtime Allergies

Spring brings blooming flowers, warmer weather, and longer days—but for some dogs, it also means the onset of seasonal allergies. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies caused by pollen, mold, and other environmental triggers. Even if previous springs haven’t caused your pup to get sniffly, allergies can crop up at any time—so it’s definitely worth paying attention to.

If you notice your furry friend itching, sneezing, or experiencing watery eyes, they may be reacting to springtime allergens. Here’s how you can help your pup feel comfortable and enjoy the season.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Keep Those Allergies At Bay

Recognize the Signs of Allergies

Spring allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, including:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin

• Red, inflamed, or irritated skin

• Watery eyes or nasal discharge

• Sneezing or coughing

• Ear infections or head shaking

• Paw chewing or swelling

If you notice these symptoms, addressing them early is important to prevent further discomfort.

Minimize Allergen Exposure

Reducing your dog's contact with allergens can make a big difference. Although it can be difficult to figure out what exactly they’re allergic to, there are some ways to minimize the general exposure to springtime triggers like pollen.

• Wipe them down: After outdoor walks, use a damp cloth or pet wipes to clean your dog's paws, fur, and face 

• Limit outdoor time: Keep walks to early mornings or late evenings when pollen counts are lower.

• Bathe regularly: A weekly bath with a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo can soothe itchy skin and remove allergens.

• Keep bedding clean: Wash your dog’s bedding, toys, and any fabric they come into contact with frequently to reduce pollen buildup.

Support Skin and Coat Health

A healthy coat and skin barrier can help your dog better resist allergens. That often means incorporating things like omega-3 fatty acids into their diets. You can easily do that by adding fish oil supplements to their food or snack routine to help reduce inflammation and itching.

You may also want to use anti-itch sprays or creams to alleviate on-the-spot itchies. Look for pet-safe products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. Brushing regularly will also help reduce skin and coat issues by removing loose fur and allergens, keeping irritation at bay.

Consider Allergy-Friendly Nutrition

What your dog eats can also impact their allergic reactions. Some pet foods contain ingredients that support immune health and reduce inflammation. If your dog has persistent allergy issues, talk to your vet about hypoallergenic diets or foods rich in antioxidants.

Consult Your Veterinarian

A vet visit is the best course of action if your dog’s allergies seem severe or persistent. Their expertise will help your pup get back to their usual self in no time. Your vet may recommend introducing antihistamines or other allergy medications, medicated shampoos, and/or allergy testing to pinpoint specific triggers.

Allergies Be Gone!

Spring allergies don’t have to put a damper on your dog’s enjoyment of the season. With the right care and a few proactive steps, you can help your pup breathe easier, scratch less, and make the most of the beautiful weather. A happy, allergy-free dog means more fun and adventure for both of you!

Could you pay $10,000 for a pet emergency?

Unexpected vet bills can be a financial burden, with some procedures costing $10,000+. Without coverage, you’d have to cover these expenses out of pocket.

Pet insurance companies can offer up to 90% reimbursement for covered claims, providing peace of mind and protection against expensive medical bills.

Don’t let unexpected vet bills stress you out. Protect your pet and your finances with top-rated pet insurance.

PROTECT YOUR PET

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Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

• Hollywood Feed - Carolina Made Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

The Smile Section

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Vet Recommendation — Pollen Is a Problem

While not all dogs will be bothered by it, pollen is the most common allergen for pups during springtime. Because there are so many different kinds of pollen floating around when the weather warms up, wiping your dog down is really an excellent way to keep the pollen from bothering them after walks.

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• 🐶 Hero Pup!: Read all about the three-legged retiree police pup named Baloo, who won an award for being a hero!

• ✍️ We’re donating $4500 worth of food to an animal shelter! And the winning nominator gets $500, too!

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