READER’S REQUEST SERIES (2): Battling with French Bulldog Pollen Allergies?

French Bulldog, just like all dog breeds can develop a pollen allergy. As temperatures rise, the presence of pollen in the atmosphere also increases. So make sure to learn all you need to know about French Bulldog Pollen Allergy and how to protect your pet from it.

Pollen allergy is a kind of allergic reaction (also known as hay fever) to the fine powder that comes from the stamen of flowering plants, caused when pollen is dispersed through the air. Because of the texture of pollen, the air can carry it to a very far distance, and it can be inhaled by your Frenchie as it comes in contact with his/her nose, mouth, and nasal passages. Pollen allergies. The dog may also have direct contact with the allergen from pollen by simply touching those specific plants with their face or feet. Either way, generally, pollen allergies are a consequence of an overreactive immune system reaction.

French Bulldog pollen allergy is at its highest during the spring and summer seasons. Sometimes it may continue into the beginning of Autumn. 

Apart from French Bulldog, other dog breeds which are susceptible to contracting pollen allergy are; pugs, German Shepherds, Shar Pei, labs and Golden Retrievers, Setters, and Terriers.

Symptoms of French Bulldog Pollen Allergy

The following are some of the symptoms of French Bulldog pollen allergy:

1. Redness of the nose
2. Itchy skin
3. Eyes or nose licking
4. Dop rubbing against furniture, carpet or walls
5. Excessive rubbing or licking of the affected parts
6. Hair loss
7. Inflamed areas of the skin
8. Swollen paws
9. Ear infections

How to Prevent French Bulldog Pollen Allergies

As they say, "Prevention is better than cure", below are some of the ways you can prevent your French Bulldog from having Pollen Allergy.

1. Protect your dog's fur with a special spray containing oatmeal and aloe vera before going for a walk.
2. When you return your outdoor exercise, make sure to remove possible pollen from your dog's paws with a clean cloth.
3. Give your Frenchie a bath with a special hypo-allergenic shampoo for irritated skin parts to immediately calm down any initial inflammation.
4. Ensure that you remove dirty or clamped hair from your dog.

If your French Bulldog already has the pollen allergy, all hope is not lost as there are still some treatment measures you can take to make him/her get better. 

How to Help Your French Bulldog With Pollen Allergies

1. Two essential steps in managing your Frenchies condition are regular foot soaks and baths during the warmer months when all those triggers are in bloom.

2. Dermatologists recommend this common sense approach for human allergy sufferers. If you have hypersensitivities, your doctor will tell you to shower at night and in the morning to remove allergens from the surface of your body. I recommend you do the same for your dog.

3. Keep the areas of your home where your pet spends most of her time as allergen-free as possible. Vacuum and clean floors and pet bedding frequently using simple, non-toxic cleaning agents rather than household cleaners containing chemicals.

4. Because allergies are an immune system response, it's important to keep your pet's immune function optimal. This means avoiding unnecessary vaccinations and drugs. And I do not recommend you vaccinate your pet during a systemic inflammatory response. Vaccines stimulate the immune system, which is the last thing your pet with seasonal environmental allergies needs. Talk to your holistic vet about titers to measure your pet's immunity to core diseases as an alternative to automatically vaccinating.

5. If you haven't already, move your pet to an anti-inflammatory diet. Foods that create or worsen inflammation are high in carbohydrates. Your allergic pet's diet should be very low in grain content.

6. Administer allergy medication like Benadryl - but make sure you do this under the counsel of a vet as the doses for humans are different than the doses for pets.

7. Also, treat your Frenchie to some allergy-fighting supplements such as Quercetin, Bromelain and Papain, Omega-3 Fatty acids, and Coconut oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Thyme infusion.