Keeping your dog comfortable during allergy season is very similar to how we as humans stay comfortable. Dogs are more prone toseasonal allergies than any other type of pet.

While there are five types of allergies that a dog can suffer from seasonal allergies fall under the category of an inhalant allergy. Which includes but isn’t limited to; all sorts of pollen, ragweed, hay and grass.

These allergens are airborne and can’t be avoided. You could keep your pet in the house with all the windows and door closed, invest several hundred dollars in HEPA air cleansing systems and purchase little masks for your pet. Then there allergies may be a little betterhowever there quality of life would not be so great!

*SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL DOG ALLERGIES*

The first and most important step in treating your dog’s allergies is to recognize them as allergies. Many dogs will sneeze or have watery eyes caused from a temporary irritation or even a cold. Itching is the main symptom to look for if you suspect your dog has allergies. Your dog will scratch nearly constantly or rub its body on the floor to relieve the itching. Dogs will also rub there ears with their paws or use the floor to scratch them. Allergies and ear infections go hand and hand in dogs.

*TREATMENTS FOR YOUR DOGS SEASONAL ALLERGIES*

According to veterinarians over the counter antihistamines such as, Claritin and Benadryl are very effective in relieving your dog’s symptoms. Do NOT give them the recommendedhuman dosage; always call your vet for the correct dosage.

To help with the itching an oatmeal bath is soothing as is a bath using Epsom salts or a hypoallergenic shampoo.

If these methods do not help your dog then another options is allergy shots. Once your veterinarian has tested your dog and determined which allergen is causing the problem. A small amount of the allergen will be injected into the dog to help build up an immunity to that allergen. It works the same way as it does with humans. A weekly allergy shot is $70 to $120. It is well worth the cost to keep your dog comfortable and compared to the vet bills for ear infections and other issues that can arise from allergies it’s a small price to pay for the season.

Another option is Cortisone shots, which should only be considered as a last resort. Steroids are not healthy for dogs. This treatment causes a sedative Stateand it slows down every organ in your dog’s body. Side effects can vary from vomiting to seizures and in some rare cases death. Cortisone should be used as a last resort and only for a very brief time.

Most dogs will respond to the over the counter meds and maintain a happy healthy allergy season with a few sneezes and occasional runny nose and watery eyes.