Spring is approaching, but that doesn't always make for a happy time! It can be a challenging time for many dogs, as pollen season begins and pet allergies can occur. It's important to pay attention to possible symptoms like itching, sneezing, or skin irritations and, if necessary, consult a veterinarian to find the best treatment for your four-legged friend.
Let's go through this blog post together to understand how you can help your dog.
How does a pollen allergy develop in dogs?
An allergy in dogs is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to otherwise harmless substances. When allergens such as grass, flowers, pollen, but also house dust mites or certain proteins in food enter your four-legged friend's body through the mucous and respiratory tract or the skin, the immune system mistakenly recognizes them as a threat. This misreaction leads to the release of histamine from mast cells, which in turn triggers many of the well-known allergic symptoms, such as itching, swelling, skin redness, sneezing, and more.
Cross-allergy in dogs
Similar to humans, your dog can develop a hypersensitivity to other substances after experiencing an allergic reaction. This is known as a cross-allergy . This means that an allergy to a certain substance is often associated with an allergy to a similar substance. The allergens to which a dog can react are divided into groups. If your dog has reacted to an allergen once, it is likely that he will also react to other substances in the same group. So, if your dog shows allergic symptoms near a grain field, for example, it is advisable not to feed him food that contains grains or grasses .
Symptoms of pollen allergy in dogs
The culprits behind spring allergies are primarily pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds. Pollen from plants such as birch, alder, hazel, and various grass species is particularly common.
Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Severe itching that leads to excessive scratching, licking, or rubbing
- Rashes or redness, especially on the paws, face, or lower abdomen
- Sneezing, coughing or runny nose
- Inflamed or watery eyes
However, every dog reacts differently, so it's important to identify the specific triggers for your dog. These symptoms can be uncomfortable for your dog, so it's important to recognize them early.
How is a dog allergy diagnosed?
If an allergy is suspected, the vet will conduct special tests on your dog, similar to those used for humans. First, however, other diseases that could cause the same symptoms must be ruled out. Then the actual testing begins: Your dog will be carefully exposed to small amounts of different allergens. The vet can either take a blood sample or directly observe how your dog's skin reacts to the allergen. Interestingly, a wide range of allergens are often tested, even ones your dog may have never encountered before. This comprehensive approach helps determine which substances trigger allergic reactions so that you and your dog can better manage the allergy.
Treatment and prevention of allergies
Fortunately, there are several ways to provide relief and minimize the effects of pollen allergies for your dog. The first steps in allergy treatment aim to keep your dog away from the allergen as much as possible while simultaneously alleviating symptoms.
- Medication : Antihistamines or, if necessary, specific immunotherapy can be prescribed after consultation with a veterinarian.
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Hyposensitization : Hyposensitization gradually reduces your dog's allergy sensitivity through regular injections of a special vaccine. This vaccine teaches the immune system to view allergens as harmless, allowing allergic symptoms to diminish or disappear over time.
The treatment itself consists of two phases: - Initial phase (induction phase): During this phase, the dog receives regular (usually weekly) injections of increasingly higher doses of the allergen vaccine. This phase typically lasts several weeks to months.
- Maintenance phase: Once the dog has reached the maximum dose without experiencing severe allergic reactions, the injections are continued at longer intervals (usually monthly). This phase can last for years.
- Black seed oil : This oil can have a balancing effect on dogs with allergies and respiratory problems. The essential oil thymoquinone reduces histamine release and can naturally minimize the frequency of seizures.
- Hygiene measures : Regular bathing and cleaning the paws with paw pads after walks help remove pollen. Also, keep your dog's sleeping areas clean.
- Adjust your walks : Check the pollen forecast and try to limit outdoor activities on days with high pollen counts. Morning or evening walks can help.
Pollen calendar for dogs
It's often a challenge to keep your dog completely away from pollen and grasses, as regular exercise remains important. Depending on the type of pollen, it's not always possible to completely avoid contact with the plant. But there are some things you can do for your dog.
Using a pollen calendar , you can find out which months of the year your dog is most likely to experience an allergic reaction. This will help you prepare for the upcoming season and take preventative measures.
Conclusion on pollen allergy in dogs
Managing your dog's pollen allergy requires a bit of attention and care, but with the right measures, you can help them experience the spring season much more pleasantly. If you're unsure or if symptoms persist, don't hesitate to consult a veterinarian. Remember, grooming your dog also plays a major role in allergy prevention—a topic you'll also find on our blog. Furthermore, the symptoms mentioned above could also indicate a cold in your dog .
Armed with these tips, we wish you and your dog a wonderful and largely allergy-free spring season!
Let's remember that our dogs depend on us for their well-being. By staying informed and being proactive, we can help them enjoy a happier and healthier time—even during pollen season.
