If you have a pet dog, you know there is much more to the experience than pretty dog walks and funny Instagram reels. Yes, they are a world of joy. And yes, we completely understand why John Wick was ready to take on the world to avenge his dog. But we also know that they require constant care, so they don’t develop yet another disease that causes them discomfort.
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One of the most common illnesses experienced by dogs is allergies. Although it is difficult to be completely sure about it, experts estimate around 20% of dogs develop allergies at some point during their lifetime. But there are ways for you to minimize the risk of allergies in your dog and be better prepared if that does happen. Let’s begin.
Try Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses injections to help your immune system get used to allergens. Over time, your body builds up a tolerance to the allergen and your symptoms decrease.
So how does it work? Immunotherapy can be given through an injection or through drops under the tongue. The allergen, like pollen, is injected into the skin over a period of months or years. That’s why it’s important to stick with your doctor’s schedule.
Vetderm Clinic reports that about 70% of dogs that go through immunotherapy for allergies respond positively to it. This treatment has been around for a long time now and still manages to stand the test of time. Therefore, if you know your dog suffers from a specific form of allergy, immunotherapy can definitely be on the table as a preventative treatment.
Keep Necessary Medicines Handy
Much like humans, you need to keep some emergency medications handy for your dog.
If your dog is on any kind of regular medication, such as insulin or heartworm prevention, make sure that there’s an easily accessible place where their meds are stored. You can do the same if your dog has allergies. There are several over-the-counter medicines available for dogs that might help you in this regard.
However, if the allergies were to become serious, you need to immediately contact a vet. They will prescribe medications like apoquel for dogs, corticosteroids, or some antihistamines based on the need. When it comes to allergies, do your best to be prepared, but do not hesitate to contact a vet whenever you feel necessary.
Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Bathing your dog regularly is one of the most effective ways to reduce allergens in the house. The more often you bathe your pet, the less dander will be on its fur and in your home. You can buy shampoo at any pet store, but make sure that it’s specially formulated for dogs with allergies.
Make sure that you rinse thoroughly after each bath. Otherwise, you’ll only have clean-looking fur, and there won’t be a reduction in allergens or dander production. After bathing, dry off your dog with a towel and let it air out indoors until it’s dry before putting it back into the cage or pen.
Keep Your Flower Pots Away From Your Dog
The last thing you want to do is get rid of your plant collection. But if you have a dog that’s sensitive to pollen, then it’s important to keep them out of the room where those plants are kept.
If you can’t get rid of the plants, then consider putting them in a separate room and closing the door. In this way, your dog can still enjoy being around other parts of the house without having access to these specific areas.
An important thing to notice about pollen or other such environmental allergies in dogs is that they tend to be seasonal. As American Kennel Club reports, you might only see your dog suffering from these allergies at a specific time of the year. Therefore, don’t go easy as soon as the allergies disappear. The underlying cause might still be there.
Try Hypoallergenic Beds
Dust mites are a common cause of allergies in dogs. According to Mayo Clinic, dust mites are close kins of spiders and ticks. They eat dead skin cells shed by people and thrive in warm and humid environments. But the worst thing about them? They are too small to see with the naked eye. You need to regularly clean your dog’s bedding to make sure they aren’t nesting there.
But if you’re really feeling fancy, go for a hypoallergenic bed. This means the bed has less than 0.5 percent of the five most common allergens in its materials. But not only do the materials reduce the chance of an allergic reaction, but they also ward or mites and molds, and other such allergens that your dog might be susceptible to.
If you’re not sure how to find one, look online or ask your vet or pet store staff to help out. You can also ask if they have any recommendations based on their experience with different brands of beds.
We hope you find these tips helpful for your dog. After all, it’s essential to show the same love and care for your companion as it shows for you.
