How To Manage Summer Parasites And Allergens In Your Dog

by Sarah

The summer means more outdoor time for you and your dog, and this can increase the risk of irritations and allergies. Here’s a look at some of the hidden challenges in the environment for dogs, and how regular grooming at our Chiswick dog care centre can help.   

Managing pollen sensitivities

Pets can be sensitive to pollen, just as some humans are. Check for signs of allergies after your dog has been outside, such as scratching, rubbing their ears or muzzle, head shaking, tiredness or lethargy, and red sore skin around the eyes, ears, or between their paws. They may also frequently lick or chew their paws. 

If your dog appears to be in a lot of discomfort, take them to the vet for advice about the best treatment options. Regular bathing with a mild hypoallergenic shampoo and brushing will help to remove pollen particles from their coat and soothe any skin irritation. 

Walking your dog early in the morning or in the early evening can help, as the pollen count is lower at these times of the day. If your dog likes to run through or roll in long grass, keep them on a lead. When you get home, wipe down their paws and muzzle with a damp cloth. 

Keeping control of parasites

The warmer summer weather means it is peak season for parasites such as fleas and ticks, which can be picked up by your dog as they walk or run through long grass in parks and country trails. It’s important to use treatments such as tablets or spot on products to manage fleas and ticks, otherwise they could cause skin irritations and even serious health problems. 

Frequent grooming will make it easier to spot signs of parasites in your dog’s coat. Flea eggs are like tiny off-white worms, and they can spread from your pet to carpets and cracks in flooring or furniture. Ticks may be visible as small bumps on the skin, which grow larger as they feed on the dog’s blood. 

Ticks should be removed by twisting them to ensure that the head is not left in the skin. Use gloves or a specialist tick removal device, or ask your vet for advice if you do not feel confident about dealing with the tick yourself. 

Spotting grass seeds

Grass seeds are plentiful in the summer, especially in meadows and woodland areas. They have sharp ends that can get lodged in dogs’ paws, skin, or even their ears, eyes and nose. This can be very painful and may even lead to infections. 

If your dog has a grass seed in their skin, you might notice that they chew or lick the affected area repeatedly, or have swelling between their toes. If you find a seed, remove it with tweezers. 

Inspect your dog’s coat after they have been walking in grass, and keep the hair around their ears and paws well trimmed to minimise the risk of them picking up grass seeds.