Activities For Dogs With Allergies

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Introduction

Allergies can be crippling for both humans and canines, which is why finding alternative activities to exercise during allergy season, especially if the allergy is environmental, is essential for good health! It's unfortunate, but dogs, like humans, can also be cursed with allergies.

There are a variety of allergens that dogs can react to, with different allergies affecting different aspects of your pup's life. Allergies can range from food allergies (allergies to certain proteins found in foods), allergies of the skin (such as allergies to flea saliva), or those in the environment (such as an allergy to pollen or a certain plant).

As a result of being exposed to an allergen, a dog can become ill. That's why it's important to determine what your pup is allergic to at a young age so you can come up with strategies and activities that allow you to avoid the allergen. Below, you'll find a variety of activities aimed to make exercise easy and accessible to pups with allergies.

Exercise Indoors

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Activity description

Though this may seem less exciting than exercising outdoors, indoor exercise can be just as entertaining for your pooch if you find ways to engage them. Depending on your home, you may want to try strategies like running the stairs, tug-of-war, and much more. Both of these activities require your pup to exert their strength and endurance. 

Exercising indoors will prevent your pup from being exposed to any environmental allergens. If environmental allergens aren't a concern, you can modify these indoor activities by bringing them outdoors. Indoor exercise is ideal for all dogs, especially during those extremely cold days when playing outside just isn't "pawssible".

Step
1
Scoping out your home
Every home is different, which is why you should get started by first taking a tour of your own home. Scope out areas that are suitable for exercise. These areas could include large rooms, a basement, or the stairs. Accommodating your pooch by removing breakable objects or obstacles is essential to creating a safe space to exercise.
Step
2
Finding the best fit
Depending on your pooch's activity level, interests, and personality, you may need to try a variety of indoor games and activities before deciding upon the right fit. Tug-of-war requires a pull object for you and your pup to "fight" over. Weighted walks around the home are one way to exercise your dog in their natural environment. Stair climbing can be fun, depending on your pup's health condition and age. Scavenger hunts, hide-and-seek, and obstacle courses are all other options for you to explore together that activate the mind as well as the body.
Step
3
Keep-away and fetch
Two activities for you to try indoors that generally appeal to all breeds is keep-away and fetch. Ideally, these activities are done in a large room free of breakable objects. Both activities require a favorite toy. With keep-away, you merely hold your pup's favorite toy at a distance and get them moving to grab it. Playing keep-away with a soccer ball can be equally as fun, and depending on your dog, they may knock the ball around too! Fetch inside requires tossing the object and having your pup retrieve it. Throwing the toy quickly, but at short distances, is the optimal way to keep them moving.

Walks

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Waste Bags
Anti-Allergen Wipes
Water
Activity description

Walking your dog during the day is one way to increase your likelihood of running into their allergen if it's environmental. That's why we recommend that you walk your pup in the early morning or late at night. Typically, allergens are at their peak during the day.

Pollen is constantly on the move with the help of insects and the wind, and it's definitely more active during the daylight hours. Walking during the off-peak hours can prevent unwanted run-ins. These times are also optimal as it's cooler before sunrise and after sunset. This can allow for longer walks for dogs who have heavy coats and overheat easily. Walks are a convenient activity as they're free and easy to do -- with only a leash required!

Step
1
Make your schedule
The first step in prepping for your walks is planning the ideal time to go. The time may differ from dog to dog, depending on your pup's specific allergy. You'll also need to plan your walk around your work schedule and daily routine. Once you establish your walk times, adhere to them consistently to develop a routine with your pooch.
Step
2
Prep your walk
Prepping is necessary for pups with allergies, more so than dogs without. You may consider bringing along some form of anti-allergen wipes just in case, which can be purchased at pet stores or online. This will allow you to react quickly to remove the allergen, especially if you're far from home. Bringing refreshments and drinks is also a good idea.
Step
3
Always avoid allergens
Although it may seem like common sense, you must also be mindful of your pup’s allergens to avoid them successfully. Being aware of what the allergen is, where it’s commonly located, and what it looks like will help you avoid them. While you walk, avoid areas where the allergen is abundant, such as parks or open fields if your pup is allergic to pollen. Plan new routes to keep your walks engaging and get creative to find ways to get around your pup’s allergens!

Using a Treadmill

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Expensive
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Treadmill
Activity description

A treadmill can come in handy for pups with allergies. With a treadmill, you can adjust your dog’s exercise level by quickening or slowing down the pace within the range that the treadmill operates. Just like humans, dogs can learn to use a treadmill, though it will take some time, patience and practice.

Of course, you must have a treadmill to complete this activity. If you don't own one, it will be costly to purchase a new treadmill. Consider buying a secondhand machine or purchasing a new piece of equipment if you too are eager to use it. Treadmills are easy to fit inside of most homes and convenient for any dog owner, especially those who tend to hibernate indoors during the cold months! 

Step
1
Finding a treadmill
If you don't already own a treadmill, you will need to purchase one if you plan to complete this activity. The general price range for new treadmills ranges from $2,000 to $7,500 depending on the size, brand, and quality. You will want to consider a treadmill that can accommodate your pup’s size as well as your own if you plan to use it as well!
Step
2
Introducing the treadmill
Before you pup can hop on and use the equipment, they first need to get used to its presence and become comfortable with it. To do this, bring your pup to the treadmill and allow them to explore it. Make sure the treadmill is off at first. They may climb on top or sniff around. After they’ve seen it off, move them back and turn it on. You can jump on and do a slow walk to demonstrate to your pup precisely how to use it.
Step
3
Getting started
To get your pup to mount the treadmill, begin with it off. You may want to use a leash for this step to guide them on and to help direct them when you first turn on the machine. Be careful with a leash by always giving lots of slack, in case your pup falls and begins to pull. Reward your dog with praise every step of the way as they mount and start to walk on the treadmill. Begin at the slowest possible speed and give the command to "go" or "walk" when you finally turn it on.
Step
4
Mastering the task
Mastering the treadmill shouldn't take very long, as most pups catch on quite quickly. Though, this doesn't mean that all dogs will eventually be sprinting on the mill. Rather, once your pup can confidently use the machine, you can have them walk daily, increasing their distance and speed or just leaving it at the same pace. Take advantage of a treadmill during inclement weather and those hot days when allergens are most prevalent.

More Fun Ideas...

Weekly Grooming

Though it may be tedious, this activity is recommended for those with pups who have allergies. Regular grooming can remove any allergens from your pup's coat.

Pet Store Visit

One way to make the most of your time together inside is by getting your pup a new toy! Take some time to visit your local pet store together and let your pooch select a toy that interests them. Puzzle toys are excellent options for keeping your pup busy.

Conclusion

Even though allergies can be a difficult condition to battle, there are plenty of ways for you to meet your pup’s needs if they have an allergy of their own. Whether the allergy is related to food or the environment, there are ways to easily avoid your pup's allergens.

For starters, determining what your pup is allergic to is necessary for planning your activities. Once you know what it is that's irritating them, you can effectively determine ways to avoid the allergen. Using strategies such as exercising inside with games like keep away, fetch and stair drills are one way to keep indoors when the environment is an issue. 

Other activities, such as weekly grooming, can help prevent reactions from occurring. Try visiting your local pet shop for a brand new toy for your pup. You could also purchase a treadmill if you're concerned your pup isn't getting enough walking time during the day, but walking in the early morning and at night is another solution to this problem. Don't be discouraged if you learn your pup has an allergy; see it as a challenge that the two of you can overcome together with determination and teamwork.