If your dog seems to be experiencing new or sneezing a little extra between the months of July through September, it may be possible your dog is showing signs of allergies. One of the main causes of allergies seen in dogs is known as ragweed. Ragweed pollen counts are highest during peak allergy months.

What are the most common seasonal allergies for dogs?

The term atopic dermatitis in the dog is often used as a synonym for atopy. The main allergens are tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed), molds, mildew, and house dust mites. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens.

What time of year is dog dander worse?

Dogs and cats may be your best friends, but, if you have allergies, they could be your worst enemy, especially in the winter. As the weather gets colder and dogs and cats spend more time inside, the level of animal dander rises in the home.

Are dog allergies worse in the fall?

Dogs that suffer from allergies in the fall usually react to plants such as sagebrush, pigweed, goldenrod, lamb's quarters, curly dock, and other similar plants and pollen. In addition, ragweed and mold are common triggers of fall season allergies in dogs.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs?

Causes of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and How To Treat Them

How do you treat seasonal allergies in dogs?

Can I give my dog anything for seasonal allergies?

Try an allergy pill

You can safely give your pet an over-the-counter anti-histamine to relieve their symptoms. The dosage depends on your pet's unique needs and their weight. So, before stuffing any allergy medication into their mouth, check with your veterinarian.

How long do dog seasonal allergies last?

In contrast, dogs with year-round allergies will have skin issues all year long. Most dogs with seasonal allergies have symptoms during the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), but this can vary based on weather and location.

Can I give Benadryl to my dog for itching?

In summary, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be a helpful and safe medication for treating mild itching, to be used as a mild sedative, and to prevent acute allergic reactions in dogs. Common side effects of Benadryl in dogs include sleepiness and gastrointestinal symptoms but most dogs will tolerate the medication well.

What is the best medicine for allergies to dogs?

Treating Dog Allergies

Your doctor might recommend: Antihistamines, which block the effects of a chemical that triggers dog allergy symptoms; they're sold over the counter -- like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) -- or by prescription.

Does washing a dog reduce dander?

Conclusions: Washing the dog reduces recoverable allergen from dog hair and dander. The dog needs to be washed at least twice a week to maintain the reduction in recoverable Can f 1 from its hair.

Do dog allergies get worse as they age?

While humans often outgrow allergies, allergies in dogs tend to worsen as they get older.

Can dog allergies go away?

With allergy shots, you can safely build up immunity to dog allergies. However, simply having dogs and dander around will not improve immunity over time. Being miserable is not a solution to hopefully improve immunity. Over time, you may find yourself getting sick often and harm your health.

Is Benadryl or Zyrtec better for dogs?

The most common side effects of antihistamines in dogs include sedation and drowsiness. This is more commonly noticed with first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). Newer generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec® or Reactine®) have less of a sedating effect.

What is the biggest cause of allergies in dogs?

The term atopic dermatitis in the dog is often used as a synonym for atopy. The main allergens are tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed), molds, mildew, and house dust mites. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens.

Can I give my dog Benadryl every day?

It is generally safe to give your dog Benadryl daily for short periods, as directed by your veterinarian. However, if you plan to give your dog Benadryl for longer than a few days, you should consult your vet to discuss potential risks or concerns.

How much Benadryl should I give my dog for itchy skin?

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl^® is 2–4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9–1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl^® per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl^® per pound of your dog's weight, given two to three times a day.

Is it better to give dogs Benadryl or human Benadryl?

Getting the dosage right is important because most Benadryl tablets are intended for humans. Some dogs can be quite small, so they need less Benadryl than a person. Dogs also metabolize Benadryl differently, so it's not a good idea to rely on human dosing guidelines.

Why is Benadryl not working on dogs with allergies?

If your dog has underlying allergy issues, antihistamines cannot control the cytokines present in their body that cause inflammation and itch.

Do dog allergies get worse before they get better?

Environmental & Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Usually, symptoms occur due to inhaling these allergens, but direct skin contact with allergens can also cause symptoms. Just like environmental allergies in humans, symptoms tend to be seasonal. But symptoms may worsen and become year-round over time.

What are the symptoms of pollen allergies in dogs?

What does a grass allergy look like on a dog?

If your dog appears to be itching more than normal, is scratching its skin to the point of causing injury, is suffering from fur loss and is gnawing at its fur, skin, or paws, it may be suffering from a grass allergy. A dog with grass allergies may also sneeze a lot, or have red, irritated, or weepy eyes.

What not to give dogs with allergies?

The most common proteins dogs are allergic to are beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat. Other less common causes of dog food allergies include soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.

Does Benadryl help dogs with seasonal allergies?

Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to bites from snakes and insects all respond to Benadryl in most cases.

Does Zyrtec help with pet allergies?

Pet allergy relief

When you can't live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC^® starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms. Learn more about ZYRTEC^®.

---