August Allergies: Seasonal Irritants Your Dog Might Encounter on the Trail
August brings five key allergens for hiking dogs: ragweed pollen, foxtails/grass seeds, mold spores, aggressive insects, and trail dust. Dogs collect these on their fur and paws, with symptoms appearing hours later. Post-hike inspection and cleaning prevent most problems, but know emergency warning signs for serious reactions.
- Check paws, ears, armpits, and under the tail after every hike for foxtails and grass seeds that can migrate into the body.
- Rinse and wipe down your dog post-hike to remove allergens before they cause irritation.
- Seek immediate veterinary care for facial swelling, breathing trouble, or persistent scratching that creates open sores.
- Match symptoms to timing: sudden discomfort suggests foxtails, delayed symptoms indicate pollen, issues after damp trails point to mold.
