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Swimmers itch dogs6/29/2023 ![]() ![]() Some dogs will show improvement within 4 weeks of a food trial, but 12 weeks of strict adherence to the new food are required to determine a true response. The most common culprits of food allergies are the protein source in dog food, not gluten or grain as many claim. Your vet will recommend a diet change, or a “food trial,” if he suspects a food allergy, and no other types of food or treats can be fed during this time. Every other household animal, including indoor cats, must be on regular flea prevention as well.įood allergies can also cause symptoms, and treating them is a process of trial and error. Flea prevention should be given year-round at the dosage and dates recommended by your veterinarian. All itchy dogs, regardless of the allergy, should be on an oral flea preventative like Comfortis, Nexguard, Bravecto, or Trifexis. Many older topical flea preventatives don’t work as quickly as they used to and they lose efficacy when dogs swim or get bathed frequently. For affected dogs, one fleabite can set off the allergic reaction. If the underlying cause can be addressed, then itchiness can be reduced.Īllergies are categorized into three major groups, and most dogs with allergies are affected to a varying degree by all three: fleas, food, and environmental/seasonal allergens.įleas are the most common cause of allergies and the easiest to address. They can be very itchy, shake their heads, scratch their ears, lick their feet excessively, or scoot along their rear ends. Dogs may manifest allergies in the skin, such as frequent ear infections, skin and lip fold infections, or anal gland impactions. Humans sneeze, get runny eyes, or a scratchy throat. ![]() Many dogs are prone to allergies, and symptoms are not necessarily the same as a person’s. With some motivation, tackling these concerns and setting up your yard before the summer months leaves more time for fun in the sun with your pup! Time to get those paws wet and max out on all the benefits and great memories just waiting to be had.Yellow Labrador puppy sits in grass and scratches at his green collar. Planning ahead makes for a perfect time to check for any early-season deals. If an infection arises, always go to the vet for proper antibiotic treatment. ![]() Speak to your vet about whether a cone would assist in the healing process while treating an infection. ![]() The affected area could also be red and warm to the touch with a bad odor. Some pets will try and scratch deep in their ears when they are bothering them or will consistently shake their heads. Though just in case it does seem like a possibility it’s good to know what to look for. Regular ear washes and using something soft such as a cotton ball to dab excess water from the ears can be used to protect against doggy swimmers’ ears. The dog’s ear does not drain as well as a human’s, so unfortunately ear infections can be a fairly common issue. Our dogs can suffer from ear infections when water gets stuck in their ears and bacteria begin to thrive. Swimmer’s ear is unfortunately not just a concern for humans. If you’re questioning whether your breed might do well here’s a list of some popular strong and weak swimmers. This can be due to size/anatomy, coat, or simply lack of interest. There are dog breeds that are better equipped for swimming and some that should maybe stick to the kiddie pools. Always keep a fresh source of water full for your furry friend, a cool/shady place for them to rest. While it is a highly recommended activity, it is still a tiring activity so always keep an eye on your pup in the pool to avoid any accidental problems such as overexertion and dehydration. Not to mention it can switch up the everyday routine in a fun way. The low-impact activity allows for a full range of motion without the normal pain certain exercises may cause. Swimming is a popular substitute for walking for dogs that are getting older and/or experiencing pains such as arthritis. If you’d like more info on training to help your dog swim in your pool, check out our other blog post! General etiquette training sometimes included.Supervised pool time up to 30 minutes a day.The average offerings with most local options include: This is a great alternative to home training and offers an opportunity for new dog friends. For specialized instruction, consider enrolling in swimming lessons. At-home training can include things such as life jackets and shallower pools to assist in training. Make sure your dog is having a good time in the pool too! If they happen to be a little apprehensive at first, treats are the tried and true way to get those paws wet. ![]()
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