Ville Magazine l Insider Access for City Lifestyle May/Jun 2016 / Health & Fitness Issue | Page 14

ANIMAL INSTINCT

Sick as a dog
Written by: Lori Bellina / Photo: Shutterstock

Spring is the best time to get our pups outside to enjoy those new sunny days after being cooped inside during the dreary
winter months. See their happy feet running through the grassy knolls of Seattle’s parks and sniffing the fresh beautiful
Seattle scenery as it’s coming to back to life. Spring is also high season for allergies caused by the dreaded pollen floating
through the air that not only affect us humans, but our cute pups as well.

‘TIS THE SEASON

Atopy, the most common form of allergy, is often seasonal showing signs in April and May. Just like humans, dogs
can suffer from a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and water eyes. Our four-legged friends who experience seasonal
allergies can also develop sinusitis and bronchitis. Generally, redness is the most obvious and apparent sign of dog
allergies- red chin, eyes, and paws to name a few. Other signs can include rubbing of the face, chewing at the feet,
itchy, or inflamed ears.

THICK SKIN

Dogs can also experience topical allergies. It’s hard not to giggle and think “oh how cute” when your dog is wiggling
on its back or rubbing against walls and furniture. However, this could be a sign of allergic dermatitis; a condition
where their skin becomes itchy dry, red, and swollen. Some more serious signs are hot spots, open or scabbing sores
and hair loss. Frequent baths with a mild and oatmeal-based shampoo and paw soaking can help with this condition
immensely. There are also natural vitamin supplements and oils that will help keep their skin moist and itch free.
Taking them to the vet to get checked out is always the best solution to confirm seasonal allergies and rule out a
more serious condition.

14 l VILLE l HEALTH & FITNESS ISSUE