Just as humans can suffer from seasonal allergies, so can dogs. Between itchy eyes, sneezing, runny noses, itchy skin, and more, allergies can be miserable. There are things you can do to help relieve your own allergies and, thankfully, there are some things you can do for your dog too. Here are a few ways to help your dog survive seasonal allergies:

1. Start With the Vet

Although antihistamine is one of the over-the-counter medications that are safe for dogs, you don’t want to give your dog anything without talking to your vet first. There can be many reasons why your dog is itchy, sneezing, etc., and seasonal allergies can be one of them.

Allergy symptoms often overlap with symptoms common to other health issues. Going to the vet will help narrow down what’s going on and, if it is allergies, you’ll walk away with a personalized plan to help your dog. Depending on the severity of your dog’s allergies, they may recommend giving a certain dosage of OTC antihistamine, could prescribe something stronger, administer steroids, etc.

Even if you’ve talked to your vet before about your dog’s seasonal allergies and already have a plan, it’s a good idea to stop in for another visit. This helps to make sure nothing else is going on in addition to your dog’s seasonal allergies and also that your current treatment plan is still the best approach.

2. Clean Everything Regularly

Allergens build up around your home and can irritate both you and your dog. One way to help provide some relief is to clean everything regularly to help reduce allergens overall in your home.

Dusting and wiping down surfaces and sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping floors can help remove allergens sitting on them or trapped inside them. You can also vacuum and clean the upholstery on your furniture. Don’t forget to clean curtains, area rugs, and indoor welcome mats as these areas are notorious for collecting allergens.

Changing and washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets more often can also help. This includes your dog’s bedding as well! Making sure both you and your dog have clean bedding can make a big difference in the battle against seasonal allergies. You can also clean your dog’s toys to reduce the allergens on them too.

3. Wipe Down Your Dog When They Come Inside

Invest in some gentle, dog-friendly pet wipes to keep by the door or put a damp towel by the door before you leave for a walk. Wiping down your dog, including their paws, every time they come inside can help remove allergens from their coat and can reduce irritation from their allergies. Just as changing your clothes and showering after coming inside can sometimes help alleviate your allergies, doing something similar for your dog can help them.

Brushing and bathing your dog more often can also help provide some allergy relief, especially if you’re using a hypoallergenic, anti-itch shampoo and conditioner for dogs. However, you do want to be careful with bathing as doing it too often can cause dry, itchy skin and other skin irritations. Asking your vet about the right bathing frequency for your dog can help give you an idea of how often to bathe them during allergy season.

4. Change Air Filters and Use the Air Conditioner

Make sure you are checking your air filters and cleaning or changing them as needed during allergy season. This can help cut down on allergens in the air. You can also use your air conditioner instead of opening the windows to reduce allergens inside your home. Your energy bill may not thank you, but you and your dog’s noses will.

Seasonal allergies are one of the reasons why dogs rub their faces and they can be miserable and frustrating to deal with for both you and your dog. If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, use these ways to help your dog survive seasonal allergies. With these tips, both you and your dog can make it through allergy season with your sanity intact.