Itch less, adventure more

You know the sounds... that dreaded scratching, head shaking, paw licking.

Allergies.

Spring and summer are usually the worst months for dogs with environmental allergies. As the weather warms up and plants start blooming, pollen fills the air — and suddenly your dog is sneezing more. Their eyes are watery and irritated. They won't stop licking their paws. 

Many dog owners don't realize that dogs are often allergic to many of the same environmental triggers that humans are, and they're also often allergic to things we don't even think about. 

Food vs. environmental allergies

Food allergies are common in dogs, but environmental allergies are just as — if not more — common. And those allergies are often elevated right around the same time of year that we all want to get outside more. 

Ruby is an allergic dog. She's sensitive to dust, pollen, and many other allergens that we encounter on a daily basis. Because her allergies are unavoidable, we've developed a robust regimen of natural and prescribed remedies to help her battle the itch, so that we can keep exploring freely.

One size does not fit all

Every dog is different. Their allergies have different roots, and the itching presents differently on the surface. Some dogs lick their paws, some chew on their hindquarters, some shake their heads, and yet others rub at their eyes. 

Many of the symptoms that we see are actually secondary inflammation or even infections, oftentimes from bacteria or yeast. For instance, ear infections are very common with dogs who have allergies. As are red, irritated paws, which can lead to bacterial and yeast infections as well.

Start from the inside out

The most important thing to start with for an itchy dog is a balanced diet. Armed with clean, simple, natural ingredients, their immune systems can operate better, and this will create the foundation needed to fight the itch. (Disclaimer: I'm not a vet or canine nutritionist. I'm just a dog mom who has cared for many dogs with severe allergies. Please always do your own research and consult vets and dermatologists for the best regimen for your dog.)

Since a significant portion of a dog's immune system lives in their gut, it's important to support their microbiome. By doing so, we can directly influence their immune regulation and reduce the severity of immune overreactions. In addition to a clean and balanced diet, natural supplements can help. 

Gut/immune support for dogs includes, but is not limited to:

• Limited ingredient, whole food diet to reduce their inflammatory load
• High quality probiotics to balance the microbiome
• Prebiotic fiber to feed "good" bacteria
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids to fight inflammation and boost their skin barrier: fish oil is the most bio-available source for dogs
• Less synthetic ingredients and limited carbohydrates to avoid feeding yeast or "bad" bacteria 
• Only using antibiotics when needed (please always consult a vet before making medication decisions), and if they are needed, pair them with probiotics taken a few hours apart

In addition to the internal support, external skin barrier support is also helpful. Bathing with gentle shampoo and wiping off their paws, faces, and ears after hiking can help reduce the allergens on their skin.

Bug off

Fleas and biting insects are also a common cause for itching — many dogs are actually allergic to flea saliva. The intense allergic reaction from just one flea bite can cause them to lick and scratch excessively, creating hot spots and fur loss. So, proper prevention is also important to keep those pesky insects from ruining your outdoor adventures. 

A balanced approach

If your dog is extremely itchy and struggling while you find a long-term maintenance routine, prescription medication may be necessary. Ruby's routine involves a combination of all of the above, plus an allergy shot (Cytopoint) during the worst seasons. She also sometimes takes oral medications, and we often use topical medicated wipes. 

Raising a dog with allergies is no small feat. It can be challenging and draining on your energy, time, and wallet. But with the right foundations, patience, and consistent support, your itchy dog can enjoy the outdoors just as much as any other. 

Do you have a dog with allergies? What has worked — or not worked — for you? Let us know in the comments!