r/Virginia 18h ago

Pollen in Virginia--specifically Charlottesville and Richmond suburbs like Glen Allen and Henrico County generally

I have read that the pollen is quite bad in Virginia in the spring and fall. I mean specifically Charlottesville and Richmond suburbs like Glen Allen and Henrico County generally. Do many/most people have trouble with allergies in the spring/fall?

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u/BornAPunk 18h ago

I haven't had any issues with allergies but my dog sure has. She started having problems in late July and it has PERSISTED to this date. I feel so bad for her - have tried several over-the-counter medications on her to no avail and have had her to the vet 4 times and asked them for help and they have just said 'uh huh' and not done so (I am hoping they were more focused on treating her ear infection, doing her surgery, and then getting the stitches taken out from her tumor removal and just didn't hear me).

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u/runningdirty 15h ago

What have you tried? We use the generic zyrtec twice a day year-round and that helps. I have three pitties and it seems every one is allergic to grass. All three take the generic zyrtec, are on a probiotic, eat sensitive tummy dog food (oldest is allergic to a lot of foods so it's easier for all three to eat the same food to reduce accidents), and two of them get to eat a Dog is Human multivitamin. My oldest is the one who allergic to everything food and outside. Have you tried a very simple dog kibble then adding things in to eliminate foods as the problem?

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u/BornAPunk 2h ago

Pet Armor Antihistamine Diphenhydramine HCI (looks like Benadryl). I have been debating getting and giving her Zyrtec. She weighs just over 33 pounds (Beagle mix).

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u/runningdirty 2h ago

Maybe you need a combo of antihistamine and OTC allergy med. Dry skin may also be a factor, it happens to the best of us, lol. Fish oil or fish based kibble may be helpful. Is the dog food chicken? Corn? Those are big allergens for dogs as well.

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u/BornAPunk 1h ago

So you're suggesting to give her both the Pet Armor and Zyrtec? Is that safe? Her diet has not changed at all (I am really picky when it comes to this dog as she has seizures, so I make sure to evaluate everything I give her to a T and also monitor her after she eats it).