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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 responses.
Keep a daily journal of pollen counts.
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. Consult
www.pollen.com for daily pollen counts.
- 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. Use medicated shampoo.
- 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.
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