Causes of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and How To Treat Them

Sneezing? Red eyes? Scratching the body and chewing the paws? Maybe your dog is allergic to Mother Nature. Learn about the causes and treatments for seasonal allergies.
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I'm Dr. Cliff Redford and I'm the owner and hospital director - Wellington Vet Hospital. You can follow me by subscribing to my KZbin channel or on Instagram at / drcliffworldwidevet
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[@cheryljones3988]

Thanks for the information! Some of it I've never heard. I have two dogs that are sisters and both have the itchy skin though one is worse.

[@calgram]

This was a good general cover of dog allergies and it's so helpful to find, as those of us with pet allergy sufferers feel desperate to help them. For those on strict budgets it's especially challenging as Apoquel is VERY pricy, especially when your pet needs it nearly year-round, as mine does. My American Akita (blk and whi) began to show symptoms at age 2. Initially the vet recommended Dechra Miconohex shampoo, as well as Miconohex spray or wipes to apply to skin bumps/lesions. We had to bathe him every week during worst of allergy season. Over time we had to put him on Apoquel and now bathe him monthly, of course wash his bedding weekly, and we learned it's very helpful to wipe off his feet with pet wipes after coming in from outdoors. This minimizes the allergens he might track into the house and so keeps it a safe zone for him. Don't overlook food as a possibility that adds to your pet's allergies. We did elimination diet testing on our own and found eliminating chicken (which is the protein in a majority of dog foods) helped a lot. We now feed kibble with a single unique protein, and rotate every 3 months: turkey, then venison, then rabbit, etc. Turkey is pretty inexpensive since that's common, but the others can be pricey. We also found that manufacturers, in an effort to keep their costs down while appealing to pet owners, advertise 'no grain' dog food, but look at the nutrition label and now, often find potatoes and/or legumes (beans,peas) as another cheap filler to replace the wheat previously used. My dog did NOT do well with any of these. Finding good foods, now he's in a pretty comfortable balance with his allergies; always has a wet, slightly runny nose, often itchy ears and dry eyes. We have been giving him Omega 3 supplements for most of his life. We stopped giving the salmon oils-they always smelled bad/rotten, and my research confirmed to stay away from that. Although pricey, we give pills in his food-same brand as I take, but for dogs: Nordic Naturals. Our vet okayed giving him preservative-free Natural Tears type eye drops (same ones I use for myself). On my own I found Zymox Otic Ear Solution with Hydrocortizone to work wonders for his ear comfort and his vet okayed that too. A naturopathic vet here on KZbin talked about using an OTC anti-fungal, Clotrimazol to rub around the inside of cleaned ears. That was a game changer for when our dog's ears got really bad: first apply the Zymox followed by massaging in the Clotrimazol. We did it twice a day for several days, then once daily for at least a week, then just monitored and applied as needed. Miconohex spray rubbed into fur on the exterior of his ears, and the other stuff inside made all the difference. I'm sharing my experience in case any of this can be helpful to other worried and frustrated pet parents. I remember being worried sick over my dog when we didn't have a clue how to help him and I'm so grateful to finding help from vets and other pet parent's sharing their experience. Good luck to all.

[@peewee6187]

What brand of turkey & rabbit dog food do you give your pet.

[@southlondon63]

I’ve watched loads of posts on this subject as Lily my Jack Russell has just flared up with an allergy issue on her legs, she is just over 2 the age you said when this can start to happen. She has seen the vet who prescribed Apoquel and told me to get a special shampoo from Amazon but l am always looking for other options. Have to say that this is the best post l have seen and it was better explained to me more than the vet did, well done mate👍

[@micheles.2151]

Please try an alternative to Apoquel. It's not a safe medication.

[@southlondon63]

@@micheles.2151 Thanks, other people have told me that as well so l stopped using it a while ago. Didn’t notice any difference without it , having been giving her regularly baths with Tropiclean oatmeal shampoo instead.

[@TheAirWizard]

Thank you for sharing this information. My pitbull terrier is having horrible difficulty with his paws right now.

[@abirdietoldme4102]

Thank you for explaining. My Jack Russell mix has allergies. I had up until today thought it was just caused by him touching grass etc. that gave him the itchiness.

[@kels8901]

My fur baby is a Border Collie/Lab mix. During the summer she gets such itchy skin from the heat. I put hydrocortisone lotion on it and give her Benadryl from time to time.

[@abcd-nd2he]

Thank you so much.. It's really very informative and helpful for pet owners.

[@mikegogel381]

Which brand of omega fatty acids do you recommend to put on dog food?

[@CatherineLacharite]

Thank you at least I have ideas about what to do with our dog.

[@VaughnB711]

My pup has hives really bad. I’ve given her Benadryl. When that didn’t help I took her to the vet and they gave her prednisone. Still didn’t help so I’m looking for help.

[@andielliott7721]

Same here so I have found that giving Fish Oil and Benedryl orally and Hydrocortisone Cream (rub it on the places) and I also have Prednisone tabs that I give her if the other doesn't hold.

[@marysinclair897]

A vet dermatologist is on an 8-month to 1 yr wait list. It's crazy here in Ontario.

[@elenadoytchinova5168]

Do you know one you can recommend by any chance?

[@stevejones5303]

Long wait time where I live too, but my vet got me an appointment at the veterinary school, Mississippi state university school of veterinary science.

[@lifewithjaneece]

Do you take virtual clients? Lol. Thank you so much for posting this video. We have an adopted white mixed breed (staffie possibly - not confirmed) and his ears are our biggest culprit this time of year (Atlanta residents) his skin issues are pretty much gone but the ears keep reoccurring. We feel as though mometamax doesn’t work-Any other ideas that I can ask my vet?

[@DrCliff]

hey Janeecey, sorry for the slow reply. A video is coming out soon re me undergoing the knife...so I have been preoccupied. Stay tuned for that. 75% of all dogs with chronic ear conditions have food allergies. Airborne allergies rarely cause ear problems. I would be recommending a hypoallergenic food trial to your Staffie...10-12 weeks of only that food. Hmmm maybe that would be a good video?

[@irishrhodes4370]

Just found this awesome doctor.

[@Bababui69]

Shipley's MTG gets the rash out. Also get a tub of cortisone. Start with .5. Also some horse hair products for hair conditioner.

[@andielliott7721]

It last for months longer here in Arkansas. Cytopoint and Apoquel just don't help my dog. My vet told me to use Benedryl and my other vet said Zyrtec. I'm using the natural supplements/skin and coat. Hydrocortizone Cream 1% is works if I rub it into her feet/between paws, on her legs for about ten minutes and that seems to really help. Takes about 10 minutes to kick i n and In addition to Benedryl/Zyrtec...three of my vets recommend them. I just keep trying things to see what helps her.

[@itsjoannaslife5213]

My dog has allergies! My dog’s skin does get itchy but his eyes also get pink puffy and watery!

[@techniquephysique]

My dog has red watery eyes. Did you find a good treatment?

[@christiedriscoll8921]

Same! My dog has red-ish watery eyes, seasonally. Any advice?

[@GermanShepherdDaphne]

German Shepherd just turned 3 back in October and she has allergies now. It’s been going on since late November pretty bad. Itchy ears, lil bumps in ears and tips of ears has hair loss with crusties. She’s taken Nexgard for two months now just in case of mites. It’s helped a small amount, but her eyes look puffy still and she still scratches behind ears, on front hocks. She was and had Crusties on her rear above tail I was able to get rid of that with baths and coconut oil. Ps. I have changed food and give her allergy vitamins. I’ve tried omega 3 and purina probiotics almost everything. It’s driving me nuts! Even apoquel. I don’t like the cytopoint it has to many issues

[@aditinair4287]

Just wondering if you found a solution? My golden retriever is suffering so badly - He's only 2

[@frankcheco7550]

Anything help?

[@andielliott7721]

I know....I am trying everything to help my dog. And I'm giving her multiple things simultaneously which gives her relief and she can sleep.

[@josieshepherd2483]

What about allergies that is causing itchy red eyes and watery eyes what helps best?

[@michaell7877]

Question. What is the over the counter spray for the itching of the paws? And itching?

[@pamcomorski1734]

nMy18 week Whippet puppy here in Eastern Pa has been having running nose and sneezing after we walk. He constanley runs in weeds,ragweed.

[@SL1CK1307]

I thought this was gonna have some natural at home remedies

[@cynthiastogden7000]

Why not cats? My white cat suffering terribly( skin itching, scabs). Also 4 year old small dog suffering but 8 year old Yorkie is fine. Fleas maybe a bit possibly. Spray coconut oil on the area, and also put stinging nettle powder in the food. ( antihistamines. ) from UK.

[@joycewedel9084]

Ty!

[@tammielarrison3455]

I have spent thousands of dollars on my dogs vet trying to help my baby. Nothing helped until last year cidopoint helped it was a miracle however it was not to last. This year the cidopoint did nothing now she has pretty much no hair and red skin hot skin please dear lord help

[@gordo8078]

cidopoint works up to months just have to keep getting it after 3-4 months

[@sinaroja]

Have you tried Quercetin with Bromelain? My bull terrier suffers from allergies and the cytopoint shot helped for 4 months. Spring is here so shes itchy and has bald spots again heavy licking and just un happy. I'm adding the quercetin to her food today and see how she does until her appointment.

[@tammielarrison3455]

@@sinaroja what is thar do I have to get a vet

[@stevejones5303]

I’m having similar issues with one of my dogs, let me know if you find a solution, thanks steven!

[@SharonWalters-m7o]

A Cytopoint injection only last for 2 months. Then they need another one. It’s not helping my white Havanese at all.😭😭😭

[@alisahopkinson6085]

Thank you this is very helpful with tips that I never have heard of before. Was told just to use Benadryl. I’ll purchase Omega 3 from pet store. Any contraindications with Omega 3? He doesn’t have any issues and isn’t on any meds so I assume it’s safe!

[@DrCliff]

generally no there arent any contraindications with OFAs but its always best to speak with your vet first.

[@terryshihtzumom]

My vet said Zyrtec is better and it really works for my shih tzu. I give him half a pill.

[@devineautoinformation6670]

thank you

[@MyKeisha12]

I have a 15 week old American Bully with really awful allergies. It has now been over a month and several vet visits later and he is not getting any better. He is now making his paws bleed and can’t sleep through the night. 😢

[@denaliaguilar4796]

How has he been? I also have an American bully with allergies. Maybe you can recommend something

[@JepoyIgana]

Same. My poor bully is so uncomfortable with the licking of paws. Im getting ready to bring him to the vet. What did you do to treat your dog?

[@frankcheco7550]

American Bulldog with same problem. Anything help you guys?

[@rebe41]

Has anyone ever considered the food you feed your dogs can cause the allergies? I took my dog off all kibble it was causing him to have dry and itchy skin.

[@sophiesays6610]

Is there a specific omega product you recommend?

[@Ingram-Construction]

Well said, however, I do not agree with the medicated shampoo

[@gailierunninglynx7310]

I like you! This new-to-me vid was funny and informative! 😅 BUT...😢 Why oh why doesn't anybody talk about ITCHY EARS???? Finally tho, I have found a natural medicine that I can even put in my German Shepherd's Food!! YAY!! No funky gunky ear gush for my Boy!! Crossing my fingers - it should be in my mail box any day now. Thanks tho! ~❤~

[@katimay493]

Hi can u please help us we have a pup who is one and she really needs help :(

[@sarahdealdama639]

What Omega 3 do you recommend?

[@RedFordMustang71]

Hey! Your the vet doc from Global News!!

[@DrCliff]

yep, thats me.

[@brantwilson8374]

My 2yr old pit bull has severe red puffy feet feet bleed, nothing seems to work Had shots changed foodHelp!,

[@jackieo7113]

Any recommendations on the Omega dog fatty stuff? My dog is in AGONY and nothing is working - vet keeps telling its "just allergy"

[@coastalcoyote]

OH, and ask your vet about flea allergy and scraping for mites, if you guys haven't gone down those trails already

[@normavelasquez8988]

My Shih tzu has bad scab’s all over ! He itches 😢a lot

[@tammielarrison3455]

Mine to and has lost most of her hair

[@joyfuljourney6854]

🇨🇦!!!

[@ieatpancreas2005]

👍

[@abenawilliams6623]

I just noticed my dog has a milky eyes what should I do.

[@FitLikeaPhoenix]

Take your dog to a vet!

[@jakiesarmiento]

Woah…Benadryl not safe for dogs but my vet is telling me that’s the only thing I can give her?? 😢

[@MyKeisha12]

My vet told me to give my puppy Benadryl as well. Is allergies are so bad. 😢

[@abdulkamau2862]

​@@MyKeisha12try zyrtec

[@MjMonroe84]

It does wonders for my dog.

[@abdulkamau2862]

@@MjMonroe84 Benadryl ?

[@MjMonroe84]

@@abdulkamau2862 Yes.

[@justtere]

I can’t see well enough to put on makeup. But, I have an addiction to TEMUʼs kitchen area. The biggest problem I have found I HAVE TO MEASURE!! I have an app that converts cm to inches. Then I verify with a metal measuring tape. (Who knew cloth measuring tape can stretch if rolled up?) Their return policy is second to none. Yes, I have had to use it a few times. Almost instantly. But only if you put it on credit. My best buys so far: rugs, kitchen items, and plastic containers. MEASURE!!!!!

[@elainewright3555]

Vet told me piriton

[@CarlosPacheco]

Ryobi... really Doc?

[@DrCliff]

yep...battery powered equipment are the best for the environment...other than push blade mowers or goats.

[@CEBGRACE]

Too much money 😂😂😂

[@edesjar]

You lost me at a $2000 a year 😮