Not only in summer can your dog have allergies! It’s also a common occurrence in cold seasons

Allergies can occur in dogs not only during the spring to autumn period. Some dogs may be allergic throughout the entire year. The heating season, in particular, exacerbates the situation.

If your dog tends to scratch more often, especially at the end of autumn and during winter (and is not infested with fleas or suffering from a skin condition), it may be allergic. Indeed, allergies don’t completely disappear with the onset of cold weather. But why do they appear in winter?

What are allergies?

Allergy is the immune system’s exaggerated response to some environmental factor, known as an allergen. Often, we might not realize it, but dogs can be just as allergic as humans. Many things can trigger this, with pollen posing a threat mainly from spring to autumn. Additionally, some dogs can be sensitive to certain foods.

What causes winter allergies?

Since the majority of allergenic plants no longer bloom at the end of autumn, pollen allergies pose less of a threat. As winter approaches, everyone likes to snugly retreat into heated homes. This, however, is precisely the source of the problem.

During winter, dogs are most commonly allergic to dust mites, mold, and fungi present indoors. Heating increases the concentration of dust in the air, and the air becomes significantly drier. The abundance of dust gets absorbed into carpets, blankets, curtains, your pet’s bed. Since dogs are in close proximity to these elements, they become more sensitive. Spending more time indoors during this season also elevates the risk of irritation, as allergens are confined for longer periods in the enclosed space, even without heating.

What can be done?

Turning off the heating is not an ideal solution, of course. However, more frequent cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming can help. Additionally, it’s advisable to wash your pet’s bedding and blankets more often. Regular ventilation can also be beneficial. Using a humidifier or an air purifier can be a good solution to address the issue.

Excessive humidity is not good either!

In houses with gardens, there’s a higher likelihood of the issue where the walls of the rooms may develop mold. This also requires increased attention, as it is detrimental not only to your pet but also to you. In such cases, it’s advisable to place a dehumidifier near the affected area and eliminate the mold from the walls. Allergic symptoms typical in humans rarely manifest in dogs. So, it’s unlikely that they will cough, sneeze, or experience difficulty breathing. In most cases, the changes occur on their skin, so it’s crucial to pay attention to that aspect.

It may not be an allergy!

During the heating season, you’ve likely noticed that your skin is more prone to dryness. The skin of your four-legged companion can also become drier, leading to increased scratching. Itchiness is indeed one of the most common symptoms of winter allergies. If your pet’s skin becomes reddish, develops crusts, or starts losing fur, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian.