Living with Pets and Allergies

Spring time in Charleston usually means our traditional yellow snow, also known as pollen. Covering cars, people and pets, pollen is no respecter of, well, anything. When the trees and plants start shedding so do our dogs, and those with allergies know exactly what this means. Dry eyes, scratchy throat and runny noses are made worse each passing day and our pets fur can only add to the conundrum. There are a few things we can do to cut down on some of these allergens.

 Diet

“Helps reduce shedding.” This is a key phrase branded on many dog food bags these days because the manufacturers know how important it is for people with allergies. High quality foods naturally promote a shiny coat and less shedding due to the ingredients used. Making sure that your pup is consuming a high quality diet fit for the breed, will help with reducing the shedding. Avoid dog foods with fillers and by-products.

Supplements are also a good way to reduce shedding and dander. Fish oils and vitamin E help keep human skin moist, so why wouldn’t it do the same for dogs? Visit your local pet retailer after gathering the approval of your veterinarian and start your dog on a supplement regiment that will reduce the dryness of their skin. Keeping the skin moist will prevent scratching thus reducing the amount of dander and pet hair released.

Care

Regular grooming also cuts down (pun intended) on the amount of hair that will eventually be tumble weeding around your home. Make sure you get a professional groomer to tailor a schedule for your dog as some dogs have delicate undercoats which need to be maintained otherwise matting and knotting may occur. Keeping the hair free-flowing will keep your pooch cooler during the summer.

In between grooming sessions, keeping your dog brushed, at least 3 times a week, can help control the hair removal process. Regular baths can also keep the hair from getting oily, heavy and matted. The trick with bathing is to make sure you are using a non-drying shampoo and do not bathe too often. Bathing once every other week, unless absolutely necessary, will keep the skin from drying out and releasing dander. If smell is a concern for you, there are plenty of products that help remove odors as well as keep the skin moist.

Nature already does enough to aggravate your allergies; keep your dog groomed and on a high quality diet to avoid adding to the issue. For a list of pet stores in the Charleston area who can help provide the necessary tools and treats to reduce the allergen buildup, visit Lowcountry Dog's list of Bark Friendly Business Listings.