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Dog allergic to pollen: symptoms and treatments

Dog and cat hair allergies affect 10-20% of the world population, but do you know that even the dog allergic to pollen exists?

Pollen allergy can develop at any time in life. There are factors predisposing to this condition, such as race o l’environment in which he lives.

Why does a dog have a pollen allergy?

Pollen allergy in dogs is due to aexcessive response by the immune system against this substance.

The first contact between the organism and the pollen causes them to generate specific antibodies (Immunoglobulin IgE), which will be ready to “unleash” at the next contact.

From that moment on, every contact will cause the release of some substances including thehistamine, capable of triggering symptoms linked to the tissue in which the exposure took place. In this case the reactions will be charged to:

What is the time of year when allergies are most common?

Spring of course, but not only. Some types of pollen are present in large quantities in the air even during the summer and early autumn. This is because allergy-causing pollens come from a huge variety of plants.

Allergy can happen for contact or for inhalation of these small particles.

Which dogs are most at risk of pollen allergy?

Any four-legged friend can suddenly become allergic, although pollen allergies rarely show up in puppies by 1 year of age.

Gender and color

Several studies have shown that the females they are more affected than males and the color of the coat can also influence: a white or light coat seems to predispose the development of skin allergies.

What are the most predisposed breeds?

Here are some breeds particularly predisposed to pollen allergies:

What symptoms does a dog with pollen allergy have?

Pollen is the main allergen responsible for allergies in dogs and cats. Could we advise you not to bring your dog with you on a naturalistic excursion? Of course not! The important thing is to use the right precautions and know how to recognize some typical aspects of allergies, to enjoy a walk with Fido.

A dog allergic to pollen has some symptoms including:

How to prevent pollen allergies?

If you take Fido for a walk in particularly dense vegetation, it is useful to implement some precautions to prevent and reduce the effects of pollen allergies.

  • Before the walk: spray the dog’s coat with a specially formulated spray (based on aloe vera and oatmeal).
  • After the walk: remove any pollen residues from Fido’s paws and hair using a clean cloth.
  • To relieve a mild allergic reaction it is possible to use hypo-allergenic shampoos for irritated scalps.

Treatment and natural remedies for dog pollen allergy

Before taking the initiative, it is essential to contact the veterinarian in case an allergic reaction is suspected: whether it is due to food or contact allergies, it is important that other possible causes are excluded before proceeding with any therapy.

Treatment

Milder allergies can be kept under control by using specific products for the care of the coat such as wipes, shampoos, soaps or special brushes: all with low allergenic power and with a soothing function.

L’immunotherapy it is a practice that today gives good results in the treatment of these allergies: it consists in desensitizing the immune response towards a specific allergen, pollen in this case. It takes a few months for significant progress to be made, after which your dog may develop complete immunity to pollen!

Antihistamines

More severe allergies should be treated with antihistamines, such as cortisone. A dog allergic to pollen can receive various types of remedies, with specific functions:

  • Physiological antagonists: act with opposite physiological effects to histamine (e.g. adrenaline, ephedrine, xanthine)
  • Histamine release inhibitors (e.g. ketotifen or sodium cromoglycate)
  • Competitive pharmacological antagonists or antihistamines.

The most used for the treatment of the dog are:

  • Benadryl;
  • Chlorpheniramine;
  • Zirtec;
  • Atarax.

Dosages vary based on size and type of allergy.

Natural remedies

The most used natural remedies for a dog allergic to pollen are based on:

  • Coconut oil. Known for its antibacterial properties, it reduces the sensation of skin itching. Combined with fish oil it helps to reduce the allergic response.
  • Apple cider vinegar. Great for cleaning paws and fur. Apply a small amount on a cloth: your dog’s hair will be clean and shiny again!
  • Gel aloe vera. Its anti-inflammatory properties are now well known: they will soothe the redness and itching of flaky skin
  • Thyme infusion. Useful against skin infections, it should be dabbed on the most damaged areas of the skin.
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