If after testing, owners discover that their PON reacts to airborne pollen,they should try and keep their PON indoors during heavy-pollen days (consult pollen.com and similar sites for pollen counts).  On windy days, it is best to avoid opening windows to reduce the amount of incoming pollen. Owners should make sure to thoroughly brush their PON's coat after short walks in order to remove any pollen which may have fallen on fur.

As owners are aware, allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system, which overreacts to exposure to substances called allergens.  The result of this over reaction is inflammation. How can owners control inflammation before it becomes a major health issue ?

Studies have indicated that the inflammation process can effectively be controlled by using natural supplements such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These are the 'good' type of fats found in oily fish, flax seed oil and perilla oil, and also in capsule form. One of the best known of these anti-allergic and inflammation fighters is Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). This belongs to the omega-6 family.

Magnesium is also an essential mineral that plays a part in reducing the allergic reaction and minimizing the effects of inflammation. Allergy sufferers have found that using magnesium supplements may reduce their symptoms (J. Royal Soc. Med. 1995,88(8):441-445). Please consult your veterinarian for exact dosage.

Certain antioxidants, such as grape seed extracts, vitamin C  can be used to fortify the immune system and make it better able to cope with the onslaught of allergens (Thorax 1997,52(2):166-170). Vitamin C is believed to be a natural antihistamine agent if used at appropriate doses.Grape seed extracts contain natural plant chemicals called bioflavonoids, which work together with vitamin C to reduce the allergic reaction. Your vet will be best able to advise on amounts of dosage.

Additional alternative remedies include acupuncture, stinging nettle, organic local honey and organic apple cider vinegar. Clearly, there are NO instant snake oil type treatments for coping with canine allergies. All remedies take time to be effective and professional veterinary advice should be sought by responsible PON owners.

Although antihistamines and steroids are often used to treat canine allergies, the simplest way to eliminate the problem is to remove the allergy trigger. It is therefore important to keep your PON's living area as pollen-free as possible. Owners are encouraged to  buy vacuum cleaners with a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter to trap dust mites and other allergens.