Activities For Dogs With Allergies
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Introduction
Allergies can be crippling for both humans and canines, which is why finding alternative activities to exercise during allergy season, especially if the allergy is environmental, is essential for good health! It's unfortunate, but dogs, like humans, can also be cursed with allergies.
There are a variety of allergens that dogs can react to, with different allergies affecting different aspects of your pup's life. Allergies can range from food allergies (allergies to certain proteins found in foods), allergies of the skin (such as allergies to flea saliva), or those in the environment (such as an allergy to pollen or a certain plant).
As a result of being exposed to an allergen, a dog can become ill. That's why it's important to determine what your pup is allergic to at a young age so you can come up with strategies and activities that allow you to avoid the allergen. Below, you'll find a variety of activities aimed to make exercise easy and accessible to pups with allergies.
Exercise Indoors
Though this may seem less exciting than exercising outdoors, indoor exercise can be just as entertaining for your pooch if you find ways to engage them. Depending on your home, you may want to try strategies like running the stairs, tug-of-war, and much more. Both of these activities require your pup to exert their strength and endurance.Â
Exercising indoors will prevent your pup from being exposed to any environmental allergens. If environmental allergens aren't a concern, you can modify these indoor activities by bringing them outdoors. Indoor exercise is ideal for all dogs, especially during those extremely cold days when playing outside just isn't "pawssible".
Walks
Walking your dog during the day is one way to increase your likelihood of running into their allergen if it's environmental. That's why we recommend that you walk your pup in the early morning or late at night. Typically, allergens are at their peak during the day.
Pollen is constantly on the move with the help of insects and the wind, and it's definitely more active during the daylight hours. Walking during the off-peak hours can prevent unwanted run-ins. These times are also optimal as it's cooler before sunrise and after sunset. This can allow for longer walks for dogs who have heavy coats and overheat easily. Walks are a convenient activity as they're free and easy to do -- with only a leash required!
Using a Treadmill
A treadmill can come in handy for pups with allergies. With a treadmill, you can adjust your dog’s exercise level by quickening or slowing down the pace within the range that the treadmill operates. Just like humans, dogs can learn to use a treadmill, though it will take some time, patience and practice.
Of course, you must have a treadmill to complete this activity. If you don't own one, it will be costly to purchase a new treadmill. Consider buying a secondhand machine or purchasing a new piece of equipment if you too are eager to use it. Treadmills are easy to fit inside of most homes and convenient for any dog owner, especially those who tend to hibernate indoors during the cold months!Â
More Fun Ideas...
Weekly Grooming
Pet Store Visit
Conclusion
Even though allergies can be a difficult condition to battle, there are plenty of ways for you to meet your pup’s needs if they have an allergy of their own. Whether the allergy is related to food or the environment, there are ways to easily avoid your pup's allergens.
For starters, determining what your pup is allergic to is necessary for planning your activities. Once you know what it is that's irritating them, you can effectively determine ways to avoid the allergen. Using strategies such as exercising inside with games like keep away, fetch and stair drills are one way to keep indoors when the environment is an issue.Â
Other activities, such as weekly grooming, can help prevent reactions from occurring. Try visiting your local pet shop for a brand new toy for your pup. You could also purchase a treadmill if you're concerned your pup isn't getting enough walking time during the day, but walking in the early morning and at night is another solution to this problem. Don't be discouraged if you learn your pup has an allergy; see it as a challenge that the two of you can overcome together with determination and teamwork.