Allergy Season Alert: How to Soothe Seasonal Itching and Sneezing in Pets
If your pet is sneezing and itching, it might be time for a wellness exam and to talk to your vet about seasonal allergies. Just like us, our pets can experience allergy symptoms during the changing of the seasons such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Allergy management options have come a long way for our furry friends. Options can include changes to diet, medication or even grooming!
Read on to learn more about:
• Is It Allergies? Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Cats and Dogs
• Managing Allergy Symptoms & Working With Your Vet
Seasonal Allergies in Pets Are More Common Than You Think
Spring, summer and fall bring a wide array of allergens like pollen, mold, and grass. If you are fortunate enough to not suffer from any of these seasonal allergens, you probably know someone who does and it might be your own dog or cat!
How common are dog allergies? It turns out, dogs are pretty sensitive to allergens and in fact, skin-related allergic reactions are among the top reasons pet owners visit the vet. Managing seasonal pet
allergies in cats and dogs starts with your vet who can guide you through early detection, proper treatment, and preventative care.
Common Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Cats and Dogs
Both cats and dogs have some shared signs of potential allergies such as excessive grooming, especially around the ears and paws frequent ear infections or sneezing and watery eyes. Dogs might show skin allergies in dogs include red or inflamed patches of skin or a ‘hot spot’ where they seem to be constantly licking such as on their back, their undercarriage or around the tail. Signs such as excessive grooming or fur loss are easy to overlook initially, which makes regular vet visits all the more important.
How Vets Can Help Soothe Allergy Symptoms
Your veterinarian team have an array of options to help your dog or cat ranging medicine for dog allergies, such as antihistamines or prescription treatments. Alternative options include dietary supplements or changes which can support skin health while others may need more advanced therapies.
Routine wellness exams will allow your vet to track changes over time, take preventative steps and adjust treatment as necessary so allergies don’t put a damper on you or your pet during allergy season.
Grooming Products That May Offer Relief
Allergens like pollen can get into your pets’ fur and aggravate their skin as well as hitching a ride into your home to cause further irritation to your dog, cat or even yourself. Mild cases can benefit from pet grooming wipes or an occasional rinse with plain water to wash the irritants off and soothe skin.
For pets who have more sensitive skin, hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs can help soothe irritated skin without triggering further reactions. For a longer lasting relief, try a vet-recommended dog shampoo for itchy skin.
The natural reaction of dogs and cats is to lick or scratch at the itchy spot which can lead to the skin becoming even more irritated. Itch relieving shampoos and sprays can help your pet resist that urge, giving the skin a chance to heal and reduce risk of infection.
And for cats with ear sensitivities, knowing what to use to clean cats’ ears can make a big difference.
How Do I Know if It’s Allergies or Something Else?
Here’s the tricky part: Pets can’t talk and their main method of cleaning themselves is licking, so how do you know if it’s normal grooming, allergies or something else? There could be many reasons your pet is itching, including fleas and ticks.
The best course of action is a thorough exam by your veterinarian. Only a vet can rule out other possibilities and determine whether allergies are truly the cause of your pet’s discomfort. From fleas and dry skin to food sensitivities and infections, a variety of problems can cause similar signs. If a symptom seems to last more than a few days or has a sudden onset, it’s best to get with your vet to rule out other problems and get the correct treatment from the outset.
Allergy Season? We’re Here to Help
Whether your pet has seasonal allergies or ongoing sensitivities, with the right care plan—and regular Wellness Exams—you can keep your cat or dog feeling their best all year round.
If your pet is showing signs of allergies, don’t wait.
Visit us at Chipman Road Animal Clinic today where walk-ins are welcome! Together, we can create a plan for managing seasonal pet allergies in cats and dogs—so everyone can breathe a little easier this season.