There are several natural hayfever remedies for dogs that can help ease your pet's suffering. Hayfever is also known as atopy in dogs and it is a genetic condition that's more prevalent in breeds such as the Lhasa apso, Irish setters and Labrador retrievers. Miniature poodles, golden retrievers and Boston terriers are other breeds that are at risk of developing hayfever.
Hayfever in Dogs
Hayfever is fairly common in dogs. Animals with this condition become sensitized to allergens and suffer an allergic reaction when exposed to them. Most of these allergens are present in the environment and can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Allergens Include:
- Dust mites
- Pollens from trees, grasses and weeds
- Feathers
- Human dander
- Molds
Symptoms of Canine Atopy:
- Itchiness
- Nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
Management of Hayfever
It's best to prevent the dog from going outdoors in the mornings and evenings, as there are greater amounts of pollen in the environment at such times. Similarly, keep your pet indoors on windy spring and summer days. You should bathe your pet frequently to remove pollens or dander that stick to his body. Clip his coat periodically because long hair can house allergens. Vacuum the carpets, the curtains and the upholstery in your house regularly to remove any dust mites or pollens that stick to them. Let your pet sleep on uncarpeted bare floors to minimize contact with allergens. If you have pets living in your household it's best to use air filtering devices and keep your pet away from irritants such as cigarette smoke.
Natural Remedies for Canine Atopy
You can apply a poultice if a small area of the skin is involved. A poultice is a moist vegetable-based remedy that soothes the skin when applied. A paste made of lime juice and ground sandalwood is also very effective and can provide quick relief to your pet. Alternatively, use a paste of almond leaves in water.
Several pet owners use crushed poppy seeds mixed with lime juice and water to bring relief. Freshly squeezed juices of lime, orange and lemon are also beneficial because of their acidity and high vitamin content. Your pet may also be given Vitamin E supplements, because these help to heal the skin that has been damaged by an allergic reaction.
More Home Relief
Bathing the affected area in cool water helps to soothe the itchiness. Only use cool water, because warm water can aggravate the itchiness. Oatmeal may be added to the water and the dog should be soaked in this mixture for a while. If you decide to use oatmeal, use colloidal oatmeal like Aveeno, rather than any other ordinary oatmeal. If you notice that the dog is biting his paws frequently, soak them in a mild Epsom salt solution to soothe the itch.
Identification of the Allergen
A skin allergy test can identify the specific allergens that are causing discomfort to your pet. Immunotherapy shots administered in small doses can help build up immunity and lessen the pet's sensitivity to the allergen.
Medications
Prescription medications can help reduce your pet's sensitivity to different allergens. Antihistamines provide short term relief but aren't recommended for use over an extended period of time. The vet may also recommend hydrocortisone creams, but the use of these isn't without risk. Care has to be taken to prevent the dog from licking and ingesting topical treatments.
Hayfever can cause a lot of discomfort to your pet and you should try the above remedies to alleviate symptoms.