If your dog only has seasonal allergies, you have a good chance at being able to control them. You can give your pup relief with a few safe and simple methods.
It’s as easy as simply brushing your dog thoroughly after being outside to remove most of the pollens and spores that are causing the problems. Follow this activity with wiping their face and inside their ears with a clean cloth and warm water.
You can also give your dog more frequent baths with a soothing shampoo, being sure to rinse very well. It might be all that's necessary to keep allergic reactions at bay. There's nothing wrong with simple avoidance, either. Pollens are worse in the morning hours, usually between 5 and 10 a.m. Avoid unmowed grass and tall weeds, and take advantage of walks after a rain when everything is pinned down to the ground instead of flying around.
Herbs are also worth a try. Dandelion and yellow dock are safe for most dogs and are effective for removing toxins -- including pollens and molds -- from the blood and filtering organs. Antioxidants also remove toxins from their system, and probiotics help regulate the beneficial flora in their intestines.
Sweet as honey
An old remedy that works well for many people and their dogs is raw honey. Try eating a tablespoon a day yourself, and try to gauge how much to give your dog accordingly. The object is to gradually desensitize yourself and your dog to the local pollens.
Honey is also full of vitamins and other nutrients. The only care that needs to be taken is to avoid giving it to puppies and babies. There's a bacterium in raw honey that, while our bodies pay no attention to it, young ones haven't had enough gradual exposure to build up immunity yet.
Not up to scratch?
If your dog continues to scratch over an extended period of time or if your dog experiences a severe allergic reaction, contact your vet immediately.
Is your dog experiencing any allergic reactions? Do you need help finding a vet? Please give us a bell in store on 09 448 2227