Article: If your pet has long hair, consider having his coat clipped. Experts recommend that dogs with itching problems have hair that is less than 5 centimeters or 2 inches in length. Hair can irritate itchy skin. Dogs with short hair are easier to keep clean and treat for skin disease. Some dogs are allergic to grass, dust, or pollen. Once you or your veterinarian has identified what environmental condition your dog is allergic to, try to remove your dog from the problem. For example, if your dog is allergic to grass, you may want to keep him inside until the reaction clears up, and have him avoid any freshly-cut grass. When you do let him out again, put him in a t-shirt or something that comes between his skin and the grass.  If your dog is allergic to dust, be sure to vacuum the rugs, curtains, and upholstery in your house at least twice a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. You should also wash your dog's bedding once a week.  If your dog has a pollen or airborne allergy, your vet might give an allergy injection. This will help build your dog's resistance to the allergen. Bathe your dog every two to three days to remove the allergens from his coat. If your dog is allergic to flea or bug bites, you'll need to preventatively treat him from future bites. You'll need to start a flea control problem. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your dog preventative medication. You may need to give your pet medication once or twice a month. In the meantime, try washing and grooming your dog at least once a week. Ask your vet if you should use a flea shampoo.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Groom your dog. Care for an environmental allergy. Respond to hypersensitivity from insect bites.