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Hay fever season is around the corner but seasonal allergies don’t just affect humans up to 10% of dogs experience symptoms here’s how to treat your pet for less
The UK is enjoying a hot summer this year, with some areas being hotter than the Mediterranean this week. But as temperatures rise, so do pollen levels, which can dampen your summer mood.
The Met Office has issued a warning of “very high” pollen levels for the majority of the country, which could potentially exacerbate patients’ symptoms.
While 10 million people are affected by seasonal allergies, your dogs can also be just as bothered.
Here are the warning signs of hay fever in dogs, and how you can help relieve your pup’s symptoms for just a few pounds.
Hay fever does not only affect humans, 1 in 5 dogs may experience symptoms during the summer months, can dogs get hay fever?
Hay fever is a common allergy during the summer months not only for humans but for dogs as well.
According to Pets in the House, up to 10% of dogs in the UK suffer from symptoms that are somewhat similar to hay fever.
These are known as “environmental allergies” or “pollen allergies” and are part of a broader allergy condition.
Although pollen allergies in dogs are less common than allergies to fleas or dust mites, hay fever is common in dogs in the summer months.
What are the symptoms of hay fever in dogs?
Symptoms of hay fever in dogs look different from those in humans, but they usually occur during the same months between March and September.
“When affected by hay fever, your dog’s body reacts by releasing histamines to help fight off pollen during an allergic reaction,” said Naturo pet nutritionist Victoria Kerr.
This can lead to some uncomfortable symptoms like inflammation, irritation, and itching.
The Met Office has released a list of symptoms to look out for during the summer months.
Licking and biting of their paws Excessive scratching Redness of the skin, especially around the ears, eyes and between the paws Shaking of their heads Rubbing their ears or muzzle Tiredness or lethargy, especially on days when the pollen count is high Read more: Dog breeds that are truly man’s best friend Which dogs are more susceptible to infection Hay fever?
Like humans, hay fever can affect any type of dog, although some breeds are more likely to suffer than others and the severity varies.
This is due to the predisposition of some breeds to the allergic skin disease known as atopy.
According to the Veterinary Manual, these include the following:
Scottish Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Fox Terrier, Western Highland, Boston Terriers, Chinese, Shar-Peis, Shih Tzus, Dalmatians Lhasa Apsos Labrador
However, any type of dog can develop allergies that may require long-term management.
Dalmatians are among the dog breeds most prone to allergies, but any type of dog can develop hay fever symptoms.
There is currently no cure for hay fever in dogs or humans, and like any disease, the vet is the first point of contact.
“Unfortunately, most cases will not be managed without medication from veterinarians,” said Dr. Anna Furman, a veterinarian in Evrebau.
There are some cost-effective ways to manage your pet’s symptoms, and Ms. Fuhrman advised regular use of a chlorhexidine-based shampoo to help support the skin.
DoyxoS3 Pyo and Clorexyderm shampoo can be bought on Amazon for under £14. When applying the shampoo it should be left in place for 5-10 minutes before washing it out.
She added: Skin and coat supplements that contain omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, such as YuMOVE Skin and Coat Itch Oil, are great to add to the diet of atopic dogs to help support the skin barrier.
However, this can be a more expensive method as coat supplements can cost as much as £30.
Foreman also advised pet owners to pay close attention to their dogs’ diet, and suggested a hypoallergenic diet to combat skin conditions.
“Many foods claimed to be non-allergenic are actually not – Hill’s, Royal Canin, and Purina all have prescription hypoallergenic diets that work well for controlling allergies to types of protein.”
If that’s out of your budget, Ms. Foreman suggested putting your dog on a diet with less commonly used protein like venison, duck and white fish.
How can i help my dog with hay fever
Once your vet has recommended the correct courses of treatment, there are a few ways to relieve your dog’s hay fever symptoms.
Ms. Kerr advised brushing your dogs regularly, and said: ‘To help prevent hay fever symptoms in your dog, you can wipe or wash your dog’s coat after walks to remove pollen that may be stuck in and make sure your dog is brushed regularly during pollen. Seasons.’
Washing their bedding frequently is a good way to remove any stray pollen.
Walking your dog at night or early in the morning, when pollen counts are low, is another way to avoid getting pollen.
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