5 Tips to Stop the Summer Itch
Seasonal allergies are no joke, and all of us who have experienced hayfever can sympathise with our itchy pets! There are around 30 different types of pollen that can trigger the summer itch, and these are dependent on the time of year and the area that you live in.
Tree pollen is released in spring, grass allergies are most common in late spring to early summer, and weed pollen can be released as late as autumn. These few months can be a struggle to keep itching under control, and we have multiple customers a day asking for our help managing their pet’s symptoms.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix, but over the years we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Read on for our 5 tips to stop summer itching:
Be smart with walks
Location, location, location! Avoiding long grassy areas, especially when it’s dry and breezy, will reduce the amount of pollen your dog comes into contact with. Timing’s important too- early morning and late evening are when pollen is highest. Summer walks will become a careful juggling act of heat vs pollen!
Pollen is a physical thing that will stick to your dog. Use Rash Vests or Cooling Coats to protect them from pollen (and the sun) and to keep them cool. Wiping your dog down after a walk will remove any residual pollen from their coat. We love the Beco Bamboo Wipes, ideal for freshening up without drying out the skin.
Use supplements to your advantage
There are some powerful herbal remedies you can use to soothe the symptoms of summer itching. All dogs are different, so you may need a trial-and-error approach to figure out the magic combination that works! The key is to monitor progress and avoid overuse. You’ll find little success with just flinging in everything to see what sticks- one or two targeted specialist remedies can work wonders. If you’re not sure what could work for your dog, why not chat to us or use our Online Consultation Service?
Soothe the existing itch
Supplements soothe internally, but external remedies can also pack a punch to pollen. Neem will be one of the most powerful tools in your kit, as it stops itching on contact. Groom your dog daily to remove dead fur build-up and wash them with a neem-based shampoo no more than once a week. Neem Shield Spray alleviates itching between baths and (as a handy bonus!) repels fleas and ticks on walks. For problem areas such as dry skin or nibbled paws, try Neem Oil Salve.
Don’t dismiss diet
Did you know that histamine develops over time with exposure to oxygen, and that fresh foods contain much lower levels? Environmental allergies should be treated differently from food intolerances and general ‘itchiness’. For example, dogs with dry skin can thrive on the Omega-3s from tinned mackerel once a week, whereas this could make a dog with seasonal allergies much worse! Be careful with fermented foods as well- we’ve seen a rise in pet parents feeding kefir to their dogs. While it has multiple benefits to the gut, it is high in histamines and not suited to dogs with seasonal allergies!
Knowing which diet is best for your dog can be a minefield. Our team of trained consultants have years of knowledge and experience- come and chat to us or get in touch online to see how we can help.
Keep itchy dogs busy
Constant itchiness can be very frustrating and distressing for dogs. To give them an outlet for these feelings and prevent scratching from becoming habitual, make sure they’re occupied.
A good tough chew like a camel roll or an ostrich tendon will help them burn some energy off, and release happy hormones as they’re chewing. Enrichment activity toys and games will also keep them distracted, and can be a lifesaver on the days when it’s too hot to walk. We’ve curated our range into Easy, Medium, and Hard to suit beginners and experts alike.
Our secret number 6 tip is one of the most important: give yourself a break. Managing an itchy dog is a big challenge, and it can be disheartening if you aren’t quite getting the results you’d hoped for. We always advocate a natural approach, but there is no guilt in using veterinary treatments when needed to give your dog (and yourself) a break. Remember, there is no cure for seasonal allergies; we just have to do the best we can holistically.
Is your dog even itchier in the recent heatwave? Shop our Summer Range here to keep them cool and protected.
