Thankfully we’ve had some Spring weather in Vancouver, however, you need to watch your pet for allergies – just like you would for a human. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the things you can do to eliminate allergens in the air which will get to the root cause of the problem and not cure the symptoms.

Even though allergens are common in Vancouver and harmless to most animals, there is the rare occasion when a pet will have an extreme reaction and you’ll have to rush to the vet. Allergens can also be problematic when inhaled, ingested or contact a dog’s skin. As your pet’s body tries to rid itself of these substances, a variety of skin, digestive and respiratory symptoms may appear.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs?

Since your pet can’t tell you about his or her allergies, you should be vigilant and always pay close attention to symptoms and how they act. Here are some common ones:

  • Itchy, runny eyes
  • ear infections
  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Snoring caused by an inflamed throat
  • Paw chewing/swollen paws
  • Constant licking

If you see your pet with any of these symptoms take them to the vet immediately.

 

Ways to Tackle Your Dog’s Allergies

Once you’ve identified the symptoms, it’s important to address what is actually causing them.

 

Minimize Exposure to Airborne Allergens

Runny nose, sneezing, swollen eyes and reverse sneezing in dogs can all be caused by exposure to allergens including dust and pollen. If your dog’s allergies are bad, you might consider keeping them indoors when there is too much pollen.

However, if your pet’s allergies stem from indoor dust think about using an air filter and wiping the dusty surfaces with a wet rag. You should also be vacuuming as often as possible using a HEPA filter.

 

Eliminate Fleas In Your Home

Fleas are a major cause of hives and dermatitis for hundreds of dogs in Vancouver, and they can be difficult to get rid of. In addition to killing the fleas living and breeding on your dog, you need to destroy the eggs waiting to hatch around your home.

You can either call the exterminator or do a chemical treatment yourself. If you want to avoid an infestation, you’ll need to be persistent and vigilant because flea control can take a lot of work, even after you spray. Eggs and larva can stay dormant up to three months and can hatch after conditions become more optimal.

To remove eggs and prevent re-infestation, vacuum floors thoroughly every day and empty the bag or dust container into your outdoor garbage can as soon as you’re done. Mop floors with hot, soapy water containing insecticidal essential oil like eucalyptus, pine or thyme.

We hope this helps you prevent allergies for your dog this year. If none of these remedies work or your pet’s allergies worsen, book an appointment with us by clicking on the link HERE