In Onalaska, WI the grass is getting greener, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the allergies are on the prowl. Humans and animals alike want nothing more than to enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors during this time of year, but dogs in Onalaska, WI can also suffer from allergies.
With pollens and atopic allergies (non insect allergies), your animal may benefit from more frequent bathing, oatmeal baths, medicated shampoos or topical sprays, antihistamines, or steroids, depending on the severity. You may want to invest in a HEPA air filter system, particularly in the room where they spend most of their time.
Fleas will need to be treated on your dog as well as your home. As with pollen, your dog may also benefit from antibiotics, steroids to give short-term relief, antihistamines, supplements, and medicated shampoos.
If your dog has severe allergies to bees, wasps or other stinging insects, you may want to talk to the veterinary staff about getting an “epi-pen” for your dog. The staff can train you how and when the pen should be used. In many cases benadryl may also be suggested until you can get your dog into an emergency facility.
Early tick removal is key to keeping your dog well when they are bitten. Make sure that you use tweezers or a special tick removal tool and that you remove the tick by the head making sure not to leave the mouth or head. Do not squeeze the tick and if at all possible save the tick in rubbing alcohol to take to the veterinary practice if your animal shows any signs of infection in the days following the removal.
For fleas and ticks, talk to us about what prevention method may be best for your animal. If your dog is prone to allergies, not all collars or prevention medications are viable.