True or False?

Dog allergies have increased by 30% over the last decade.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

You let your dog outside, and within seconds, they're on their back, legs in the air, wiggling around in the grass like it's the best thing that's ever happened to them. It's one of those behaviors that's equal parts adorable and mysterious. So what's actually going on?

Most of the time, it's instinct. Dogs are descended from hunters, and rolling in strong scents is a holdover from their ancestors masking their own smell to sneak up on prey. Your dog doesn't need to hunt for dinner, but the urge is still wired in. They might also be leaving their own scent behind as a way of communicating with other dogs, a canine version of signing their name.

Sometimes it's simpler than that. The grass feels good. It can relieve an itch, help shed loose fur, or just be a genuinely enjoyable sensory experience on a warm day. If your dog's rolling with a loose, happy body and a big smile, they're probably just living their best life.

If it feels like more dogs are itchy, rashy, and uncomfortable these days, you're not imagining it. Veterinary dermatologists across the country are seeing a significant rise in environmental allergies in dogs.

One big reason is warming weather. Longer, warmer seasons mean pollen sticks around longer. Allergy season now starts 20 days earlier and lasts 10 days longer than it did in 1990, and there's roughly 21% more pollen per season than there used to be. When your allergies flare up in the spring, your dog's likely are too.

There's also a hygiene factor at play. Dogs who spend more time outside, in contact with dirt and nature, actually tend to develop fewer allergies. But as more dogs live primarily indoors and spend less time exploring outside, their immune systems don't get the same early exposure to microorganisms that helps build resilience. It's a bit counterintuitive, but a dog rolling in the yard might actually be doing themselves some good.

The good news is that treatment options are better than they've ever been. If your pup is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or dealing with recurring ear infections, an allergy treatment is likely worth it. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to manage!

If your dog's been scratching, licking their paws, or dealing with red, irritated skin, you're not alone. Allergies and skin issues are some of the most common reasons dogs feel uncomfortable in their own fur. The tricky part is that the cause can be tough to pin down, and finding the right relief usually means a lot of trial and error.

That's where PetMeds comes in. As a trusted online pet pharmacy, PetMeds makes it easy to find allergy relief and skincare essentials for your dog, from vet-recommended medications to soothing shampoos and topical treatments, all shipped right to your door.

Why pet parents love PetMeds:

• A trusted pharmacy, not guesswork: Find vet-recommended allergy and skincare solutions in one place.

• Options for every need: From medications to soothing shampoos and topical treatments.

• More than just allergy relief: PetMeds also carries food and everyday pet essentials, so you can shop for everything your dog needs in one place.

• Delivered to your door: No extra trips required.

As a Daily Dig reader, new customers save 20% on their first order with code NC20.

Help your dog stop itching. Browse PetMeds’ full selection of allergy and skincare essentials today.

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Meet Moses, a brand new adoption from Daily Dig reader Anne. He's fresh in his new home and already looking like he belongs there completely. Just look at that face. Those blue eyes. That tongue. Moses has the energy of a dog who knows exactly how good life is about to get.

We don't know a ton about Moses yet, because he's just getting started, and that's kind of the best part. He's got a whole life of walks, naps, treats, and adventures ahead of him, and we're so glad Anne has him by her side for all of it. Welcome to the pack, Moses.

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As a trusted online pet pharmacy, PetMeds makes it easy to find allergy relief and skincare essentials for your dog, from vet-recommended medications to soothing shampoos and topical treatments, all shipped right to your door.

As a Daily Dig reader, new customers save 20% on their first order with code NC20.

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🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False: True! According to a 2018 report from Banner Pet Hospital, dog allergies have increased by 30% over the last decade. Vets attribute the rise largely to climate change extending pollen seasons, plus dogs spending more time indoors and getting less early exposure to the microorganisms that help build a resilient immune system.

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