Help Needed for Seasonal Allergies

Most everyone loves spring. The grass greens, the flowers burst into bloom, and brilliant color dots the landscape. Such a sight can't help but brighten both the scenery and the soul. After a cold, damp and gray winter, what's not to like about spring?

How about seasonal allergies?

Perhaps due to the excessive rain, you've probably noticed that pollen is everywhere. Even after only 24 hours, if you wipe an outside table you'll see just how quickly and heavily the pollen has collected. As a result, there's an epidemic of sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.

Critters have problems with allergies, too. While some dogs have symptoms similar to humans, my son's dog is the prime example of allergies that manifest as skin problems. Brady has always tended to be itchy, but in the spring, his troubles go far beyond the ordinary.

Here's how the poor guy looked on Mother's Day.

He's licked and chewed each side of himself literally bald.  And when not licking his sides, he rubs his eyes raw against the carpet. Fortunately, Brady's doing better now with the help of antihistamines and steroids prescribed by his vet. A few years ago, Brady went to a doggie dermatologist for a while, but the array of injections, medications, and weekly appointments soon became cost prohibitive.

Many Critter Alley readers are experienced dog people. Does anyone know of a natural, effective treatment for spring skin allergies for dogs that won't break the bank?

 We're itching to find an answer!