z Raju Zimy - Netherlands

 

Fall allergies and your PON

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Ragweed is the most common fall allergen, according to scientific studies. Those living in the Northeast, Midwest and South are most likely to encounter ragweed, a yellow flowering plant.

Avoiding ragweed is extremely difficult for canines and their owners. Each ragweed plant produces 1 billion grains of pollen throughout its lifetime. Pollen is the small, powdery substance of a flowering plant involved in fertilization. Grains are so lightweight that they can travel up to 400 miles. A canine or/and owner in Kansas City may have a single ragweed plant in Peoria, Illinois, to trigger responces.

Other weeds that may cause fall allergies include:

  • Amaranth
  • Cockleweed
  • Dock
  • Mugwort
  • Pigweed
  • Tumbleweed
  • Sagebrush

Outdoor molds are another frequent source of fall allergies. They are found in places such as fallen leaves, soil, rotted wood and rain gutters. Regions with damp falls also are susceptible to the growth of mold inside the home, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and carpets. Like pollen, mold spores easily travel through the air.

Reducing Exposure

You can significantly reduce your own and your PON's exposure to these fall allergens by taking certain precautions. For example, keeping your yard free of fallen leaves can help prevent molds from forming. Pollen and mold reports can alert you to when these counts are highest. If  symptoms are related to plant pollens, stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high. Pollen counts typically are highest during the early morning.If molds trigger most  symptoms, stay indoors in the evenings or following heavy rains. Avoid walking your PONS during these times.

Important advice for reducing fall allergies include:

  • Try to stay indoors on dry, windy days. These conditions often cause pollen and mold spores to become airborne. Walk PONS only briefly during such days.

  • Keep windows closed at home and in the car.

  • Use an air filter in your home that removes allergens from the air.

  • Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in damp areas and change the water reservoir frequently.

  • Do not hang laundry outside to dry, as it can pick up pollen.

  • Wash PONS often to keep their coats allergen-free.

  • Leave shoes at the door when you return home. This prevents allergens from being disbursed throughout your home. Inspect and wash your PON's paws if necessary.

Local honey may help significantly with inhalant allergies under the guidance of your holistic vet.  For those who are uninformed, bees  take local pollen and convert it into something easily and pleasantly digestible. Eating local honey works on the same principle as immunization - a little now will help your PON respond to local pollen.