Posted by camille arneberg on

Fall Allergies And Your Dog

Table of Contents

Fall is filled with changing leaves, cooler weather, and...seasonal allergies for many. If your dog experiences fall allergies, you know just how uncomfortable it can be. In this post, we’re talking all about fall allergies and how to help your pet manage his seasonal allergies naturally so he can make it through fall without itching and sneezing his way into winter!

What Causes Fall Allergies For Your Dog?

There are countless allergens that could be aggravating your pet. Seasonal allergies are predominantly caused by plant compounds floating around in the air. They’re more prevalent during the changing of the seasons since this is when trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants have the most prolific amounts of pollens to shed. 


Here’s what is really going on with your dog’s body when he is experiencing seasonal allergies:

  • Your pup’s immune system is a little extra reactive: It’s working hard to keep him safe and healthy and it perceives something -- an allergen that’s not actually harmful -- as a threat.

  • Your dog’s immune system starts attacking that allergen: It goes into overdrive and goes on the offensive. It wants to get the allergen out of your dog’s body because it thinks it’s causing him harm, even though it’s not actually a harmful substance!

  • Your dog’s overactive immune system causes him to have an allergic reaction: This results in all those pesky symptoms he can experience during the fall season. We’re talking about itching, redness, inflammation, watery eyes, runny nose, etc. 

In general, seasonal allergies are no fun for your dog. They can last until the season changes and can make your pet seriously uncomfortable. Here are some of the plants that most commonly cause seasonal allergic reactions for dogs: 


  • Mold 
    •
  • Ragweed
    •
  • Sagebrush
    •
  • Russian thistle (tumbleweeds)
    •
  • Plantain
    •
  • Cocklebur
    •
  • Lamb's quarters


    • But, those aren’t the only compounds that can cause seasonal allergies for dogs. In the fall, they’re also prone to reacting to these things as well:


  • Dust mites
    •
  • Fleas
    •
  • Other Insects

    • Every dog is unique and might experience allergies to a different substance than is listed here. If your dog experiences allergic reactions any time of year, seasonal allergies probably aren’t to blame. But, if you notice his body reacting in the fall when he’s otherwise fine, fall allergies likely are the culprit. It’s best to monitor your dog, note his symptoms and discuss them with your Vet if you suspect Fido has developed seasonal allergies.

    Some dogs react more than others, which is why it’s always important to discuss your dog’s health with a professional. Plus, it can be helpful to pinpoint your pet’s exact allergies, to help you avoid aggravating his immune system with that substance -- and your Vet can perform allergy tests to help you determine the cause of his reactions. 

    How Fall Allergies Can Affect Your Dog 

    When it comes to fall allergies, all dogs react differently. But, there are some commonalities between pets and their allergic reactions. Here are the 3 most common categories of allergy reactions for dogs:

    • Urticaria: This is the least severe type of allergic reaction, but it’s still no walk in the park for your dog. If your pet experiences an Urticaria reaction, he’ll likely have some skin issues, get very itchy and be overall pretty uncomfortable. 
    • Angioedema: This is a moderate reaction that requires Vet intervention. If your dog reacts to allergens in this way, he’ll likely start to get swollen and it’s usually most obvious in his face. Your pup will likely be quite uncomfortable. And it’s crucial to keep a close watch on your dog during this time, since Angioedema can escalate to an allergic reaction, as well. 
    • Anaphylaxis: This is the most severe type of allergic reaction your dog can experience and it requires you to get immediate help for your pet. If Fido has an Anaphylactic reaction, his body continues to swell and get inflamed -- which can block his airway and cause incredible harm. Get your pup into the emergency Vet, and fast, if this is the type of allergic reaction he is experiencing! 

    All dogs react to allergies differently -- some are only slightly bothered by the pollen floating around in the air during fall, while others might escalate and have a serious reaction. It’s important you keep a close eye on your pet and keep tabs on any changes you notice to his behavior or appearance if you suspect he is experiencing seasonal allergies. 

    How To Help Your Pet Manage Seasonal Allergies Naturally

    Some dogs are born with fall allergies while others develop them as they get older. Treatment for an allergic reaction often requires Vet intervention and a little help from pharmaceuticals. But, in addition to the treatment plan your dog’s Vet recommends, there are some things you can do to support your allergy dog at home, too. Here are some natural ways to help your pet find seasonal allergy relief: 


    • Try a soothing bath treatment: Pick up a soak that includes soothing ingredients for your dog or DIY your own. Ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera can do wonders for your dog’s irritate and itchy skin and adding some to bathwater can make for a relaxing bath your dog can dip into. Also, consider medicated shampoo for a totally calming bath that can help your dog find immediate itch relief when he’s experiencing an allergic reaction.

    • Explore essential oils: While there is a lot of conflicting information out there about essential oils and dogs, the fact is some scents are completely safe for Fido and can offer incredible health benefits for your pet. Try diluting some in a carrier oil and applying it to your dog’s itchiest areas or diffuse some before bedtime to help him find relief while he’s resting and recovering from an allergic reaction.

    • Try a topical treatment: If your dog is itching like crazy, check out the selection of topical treatments at your local pet store. There are a variety of products out there all designed to help your dog with his seasonal allergies by treating his skin from the outside, in! Pick up a soothing spray, an itch-relief cream, or another balm that can offer relief for your dog. Or DIY your own. Coconut oil, aloe vera, and hemp seed oil are all incredible ingredients that support your dog’s skin health during an allergic reaction.

    • Supplement with health ingredients: Add allergy relief supplements to your dog’s diet for even more allergy support. They don’t work quite as quickly as a soothing bath will, but they’ll help your dog’s body recover from an allergic reaction a little faster, by providing his immune system with support. Look for ingredients like Omega Fatty Acids, antioxidant-rich foods, and natural allergy-relievers for the best results. 

    PetHonesty Products To Help With Fall Allergies

    When you’re ready to reach for allergy support for your dog this fall, try Allergy Support+ Chews. They’re soft, chewy, Vet-recommended, and seriously supportive for your pet thanks to a blend of ingredients that help out your dog’s immune system. They include foods like Colostrum, probiotics, Quercetin, and more all designed to work together to help your pet with seasonal allergies. Or choose Hemp Allergy SkinHealth Chews. They contain an ingredients list that’s packed with skin-supportive ingredients, including hemp, which is incredibly helpful for supporting your itching, allergy dog. 


    Sources:

    https://www.dogtipper.com/tip/2019/10/fall-dog-allergies.html

    https://wagwalking.com/condition/fall-season-allergies

    ​​https://www.dogtopia.com/blog/dog-seasonal-allergies/

    https://dogtime.com/dog-health/50789-natural-remedies-dogs-seasonal-allergies#4

    https://1stpetvet.com/5-facts-dog-owners-should-know-about-canine-allergies/



    ← Older Post Newer Post →