Does your dog have winter allergies?
FIND SOLUTIONSCOMMON WINTER ALLERGENS
Leaves (even the ones under snow) trap moisture, which causes mold and mildew to grow, thrive, and cause allergy symptoms in your dog.
Indoor allergens (think dust mites and mold) become more problematic in the winter with closed windows, less sun, and a circulating heating system.
Food allergies arise year-round, although most cases occur during the wintertime due to the introduction of new treats and lower immune systems.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- - Itching or irritated skin
- - Paw licking
- - Watery eyes
- - Runny nose
- - Coughing
- - Sneezing
- - Reverse sneezing
There are two main allergy tests dogs can undergo: blood and skin. Vets also commonly introduce an elimination diet for suspected food allergies, where you switch your dog to a hypoallergenic food then start adding in items one by one to detect the culprit.
TREATMENTS + SOLUTIONS
Veterinary professionals will often treat the allergies as a whole with steroids that stop the immune system from overreacting to allergen exposure. But they might also try to treat symptoms one by one, like a medicated bath for irritated skin.
You can also take some pre-emptive measures on your own, like feeding your dog with a hypoallergenic food rich in antioxidants and vitamins to boost their immune system and strengthen their skin and coat!