Hi Green Spotters! It’s winter still, why are we talking about Spring allergies?!? The time to support your dog’s body against Spring allergies is NOW. If your dog suffers from seasonal Spring allergies, here are some actions to take now to prep your dog’s body for the Spring season…
(If your dog suffers from allergies in the Autumn, now is a great time to start on some of the supplements listed below as well!)
Probiotics and a Healthy Gut Biome
A healthy gut biome is key to building a rockstar immune system! Adding probiotics to your dog’s daily regimen NOW will give your dog’s body time to build a healthy gut, before the Spring Allergy season starts. When the gut is healthy and balanced with good bacteria, the immune system is boosted. When the gut and immune system are in good shape, your dog’s body can better deal with inflammatory reactions – like Spring allergens. Some of our favorite probiotics are from Adored Beast, Carna4 Flora4, Vet Worthy, Animal Essentials, and Optagest. Raw goats milk is also a good source of probiotics.
Immune System Boosts
Supplements such greens blends and mushrooms help boost the immune system, which helps with natural inflammatory processes when allergy season hits. These supplements can be beneficial when started before allergy season hits, and during allergy season. (they’re great for your pup year-round, but we’re focusing on allergy season here!) Some of our favorite immune-system boosting supplements are: Four Leaf Rover Bovine Colostrum (ethically sourced), Green Juju Just Greens and Bailey’s Blend, Primal Power Greens, Super Snouts Super Shrooms, Austin and Kat Mushroom Medley, Bixbi Immunity, Steve’s Gut Boosting Protein Bites, and Open Farm Immune Supplement Chews.
Add Omega-3s
Omega-3s have incredible anti-inflammatory properties that many dogs need during allergy season. Their anti-inflammatory properties help when those Spring allergens begin to affect your dog. Some of our favorite Omega-3 sources are: Carna4 Flora4, Primal Omega Mussels Topper, Ultra Oil Skin and Coat, Nature's Logic Salmon and Cod oils, and Plato Salmon Oil.
Support and Tips for the Spring Allergy Season
• Continue probiotics and immune system-boosting supplements
• Supplement with Quercetin (nature’s “Benadryl”) such as in Open Farm’s Immune Supplement Chews or InClover's Allergy Supplement
• Use a Probiotic cleaner or gentle natural ear cleaner if your dog reacts to allergens with inflamed ears
• Topical probiotic spray and anti-itch sprays or lotion can be used to reduce licking and itching of inflamed areas. Probiotic shampoos or natural shampoo bars with soothing ingredients can help relieve itchiness too.
• Use unscented wipes to wipe away allergens when returning inside or after walking through tall grass, if your dog suffers from itchy paws, legs, or undercarriage.
• Trim excess hair from your dog’s paws (or ask a groomer to). If your dog tends to lick their paws due to allergies, removing excess hair will increase airflow to help prevent and reduce yeasty paws.
• Give your dog something else to lick! Licking due to itchy skin can become a behavior of it’s own! The more you can displace this behavior and redirect it to something you want your dog to lick, the better your dog’s skin will feel. Extra licking of skin = more inflammation or even infection. Frozen Licki Mats, food toys, or the Soothing Saucer are great ways to redirect your dog’s licking behavior.
• Keep stress to a minimum when possible. Stress leads to inflammation in the body. Calming supplements can assist with stress relief for anxious pups.
We're Here for You!
Helping your pup be comfortable during allergy season usually requires a multi-angle approach. Immune system support starts from within, and there are many options for topical relief too! By boosting the immune system and encouraging normal inflammatory response, we can reduce or eliminate symptoms related to Spring Allergies. Come by the store, and ask one of our knowledgeable team members to help you find the supplements, products, and regimen that works best for your pup during the Spring allergy season.