Did you know that seasonal allergies affect dogs as well as people?

If you've been noticing sneezing and runny eyes after your daily walks, your dog might have seasonal allergies. Excessive scratching, hair loss, and ear infections also indicate an adverse reaction to environmental allergens. Your pet does not need to suffer! Animal Care Center of Castle Pines offers the highest quality testing for seasonal allergies in dogs. Through diagnosis and treatment, we can help you manage your dog's seasonal allergies so they can continue to enjoy the great outdoors.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?

Pollen is the most obvious culprit when it comes to seasonal allergies, but other environmental factors can cause allergic reactions as well. Winter mold and summer dust can both trigger seasonal allergies in dogs. Fleas and other biting insects have their season, too. Some dogs are allergic to insect venom-flea and tick repellent collars and shampoo can help prevent insect bites.

Bee stings are another potential allergen to look out for in the summertime. If your dog is stung by a bee, call your vet right away! Bee stings can induce anaphylactic shock in some dogs, so it's important to act quickly. If your dog has severe swelling or trouble breathing, get to the vet immediately. Emergency medical treatment could save your dog's life.

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

In dogs, seasonal allergy symptoms most often affect the paws or ears. If your dog is constantly licking and chewing on their paws, it could be irritation from an allergy. Ear infections are another major indicator. However, allergy symptoms can manifest in any part of the body. If you notice any hair loss, incessant scratching, hives, constant sneezing, persistent runny eyes or nose, ear infections, or swelling of the face, talk to your vet. We may be able to prescribe an antihistamine treatment to relieve allergy symptoms.

What Can I Do to Manage My Dog's Seasonal Allergies?

It's important to treat seasonal allergies in order to prevent complications. Your dog might seek relief from allergy irritation by scratching, biting, or licking the affected area. Although it might provide temporary reprieve, biting and licking can cause further health problems. Skin lesions from excessive chewing and scratching expose your dog to bacterial infections. Similarly, excessive licking of the anus and genitals often causes painful yeast infections. Treating seasonal allergies helps keep your pet healthy and infection-free.

1. Bathe Frequently

Frequent bathing can help! As much as dogs usually hate baths, they can help relieve irritating allergy symptoms. Baths will wash away allergens like pollen from your dog's skin and fur. Ask your vet to recommend a hypoallergenic dog shampoo.

2. Adapt Your Daily Walk

Try to avoid areas with allergen triggers-stay away from flower gardens, pollen-bearing trees, and dusty gravel. When you return home, wipe your dog's body and paws with a damp washcloth to help remove airborne allergens.

3. Talk to Your Vet

Ask your vet about allergy medications. Never give your pet over-the-counter medications. Allergy prescriptions intended for humans could be harmful or even fatal to dogs. Only administer medications that are prescribed by your veterinarian.

Contact Us

The veterinarians at Animal Care Center of Castle Pines are experts in diagnosing and treating seasonal allergies in dogs. We offer a full range of services including comprehensive medical care and diagnostics, advanced pain management, surgery, dentistry, rehabilitation, grooming, and other important services to ensure your pet's health and wellness. Call us at (303) 688-3660 or visit our website to request an allergy screen and wellness exam for your dog.