When spring or fall arrives, all of us begin to sneeze or itch our eyes—but did you know your dog has allergies too? While we exhibit allergy symptoms as sneezing, rubbing our eyes, etc., dogs manifest their allergies on the skin, ears, and paws.
If your dog is scratching, paw-licking, head-shaking, or smacking their face against the carpet all the time, it may not be a bad habit at all. These are typical indications of seasonal allergies to items such as pollen, grass, mold, or dust mites—particularly in such places as Las Vegas with unique environmental triggers.
The good news? Seasonal allergies in canine pets can be treated with minor adjustments, home remedies, and proper care. In this guide, we’ll assist you in recognizing the symptoms, alleviating your dog’s pain, and determining when it’s time to visit the vet.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Are Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?
Seasonal allergy symptoms in dogs are very different from what we humans go through. While you may have a runny nose and watery eyes, your dog’s immune system prefers to react via their skin. Imagine their body is giving you the big “I don’t like what’s in the air right now!”
The most common culprits behind dog seasonal allergy reactions include:
- Tree and grass pollen (especially during spring and fall)
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
- Weed pollen
- Yeast
Here in Nevada, we experience flare-ups most frequently in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), although this may fluctuate with weather patterns as well as individual allergens in our desert landscape.
How to Help Dog Allergies: Natural Remedies That Work
There are many things that you can do to make your furry companion feel better without first reaching for heavy medication. Let’s get into some dog seasonal allergies home remedies that we’ve found to do the trick with our customers at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming.
1. The Power of Regular Baths
This might seem obvious, but hear me out – it’s all about technique and frequency. During allergy season, bathing your dog at least once a week can remove allergens that get trapped in their fur and skin.
At our Las Vegas stores, we suggest oatmeal shampoos because they have anti-inflammatory properties. Oatmeal has compounds called avenanthramides that have a natural reducing effect on irritation and are also a mild cleanser without drying out your dog’s skin with oils.
Pro tip from our groomers: Soak your pup in the bath for 10 minutes – this allows the relaxing ingredients to have their way with them.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soaks
This one’s a real winner, particularly for those dogs that get outdoors time. Apple cider vinegar restores your dog’s natural pH balance in the skin and battles nasty bacteria and fungi.
Here’s what we recommend to our clients:
- Mix 2 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar
- Soak your dog’s paws for 2-3 minutes after walks
- Pat dry gently with a clean towel
Important: Never apply this to broken skin or open wounds, and always keep an eye on them to ensure that the pup doesn’t swallow copious amounts.
3. Coconut Oil Magic
Coconut oil has lauric acid in it, which battles bacteria and fungi and deeply moisturizes dry, irritated skin.
You can apply it directly to the affected areas or mix it into their meals (approximately 1 teaspoon per 25 pounds). Just remember, a little goes a long way, and it’s high in calories, so adjust their regular meals accordingly.
4. The Fish Oil Solution
Dog allergy supplements don’t have to be complicated. A high-quality fish oil with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids gets to work on the inside to battle inflammation and feed the skin from the inside out. We’ve witnessed dogs transition as early as instantly from scratching every second to having beautiful, shiny coats simply by incorporating this into their daily routine.
Ensure you use supplements developed specifically for dogs and adhere to the recommended dosage instructions based on your dog’s weight.
5. Aloe Vera for Immediate Relief
Apply pure, additive-free, pet-safe organic aloe vera gel (don’t apply too much) to affected areas one or twice a day for instant soothing relief. Watch your dog carefully, though, to avoid over-licking.
Environmental Management: Your Home Defense Strategy
Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. Here are some practical steps you can take around your home:
Timing Your Walks Strategically
Pollen counts are usually highest in the early morning and late afternoon. Attempt to schedule walks in midday when the counts tend to be lower, and shorten routes in major allergy months.
The Post-Walk Routine
When you return inside, wipe down your dog’s whole body with a wet cloth or hypoallergenic dog wipes. Be sure to focus on paws, face, and belly – these areas are likely to gather the most allergens.
Clean Living Environment
- Change air filters regularly
- Vacuum at least once weekly
- Wash your dog’s bedding in hot water weekly
- Consider using a dehumidifier to reduce mold growth
- Keep windows closed during high-pollen days
When to Seek Professional Help
While these home remedies are great for mild to moderate symptoms, there are occasions when you have to bring in the experts. Call your vet if you see:
- Persistent symptoms that don’t improve with home treatment
- Open sores, significant hair loss, or secondary infections
- Changes in appetite, energy, or behavior
- Unpleasant odors or discharge from the skin
Your veterinarian may suggest allergy testing to determine the specific cause, or medication with antihistamines, topical applications, or, in extreme cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Our Professional Grooming Approach
At Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Las Vegas, we know that seasonal allergies in dogs need special care. Our knowledgeable groomers handle allergen-sensitized dogs on a regular basis and can tailor treatments to your pet’s individual needs.
During allergy season, we often recommend:
- More frequent grooming appointments to keep allergens at bay
- Specialized hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners
- Gentle, thorough drying to prevent moisture retention that can worsen skin issues
- Nail trimming to reduce scratching damage
A Personal Note from Our Team
Being pet parents ourselves, we understand how devastating it is to see your furry family member struggle with allergies. The incessant scratching, the sleepless nights, the fear that you’re not doing enough – yes, we’ve been there.
Struggling with your dog’s seasonal allergies? Stop by Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Las Vegas at our Skye Canyon (702-396-0487) or Durango (702-462-9663) store locations. Our skilled groomers are experts in allergy-prone skin treatment and are happy to create a personalized treatment plan for your pet.