Although symptoms and reactions differ, your pet can suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies. Just in the knick of time, let’s discuss pet allergies and how you can support your four-legged friend if he or she has begun to show certain signs of suffering from pet allergies.

Signs of Pet Allergies

When you experience seasonal allergies, it’s most likely anchored in the respiratory system (think non-stop nasal drip), but your pet’s immune system is designed to respond in the form of allergic dermatitis, or skin inflammation. Your pet may begin to scratch his or her itchy skin endlessly or even bite or chew on certain spots on the body. If you notice this and any of the below behaviors and symptoms, please schedule an allergy test as soon as possible:

  • Rubbing against any coarse surface or fabric
  • Hair loss
  • Red or watery eyes
  • Bleeding and scabbing on the skin
  • Occasional sneezing, coughing, runny nose
  • Open sores or hot spots
  • An unpleasant odor
  • Red or inflamed ears
  • Head shaking
  • Ear scratching
  • Red chin or paws

    • If any of these symptoms sound familiar, seasonal pet allergies may be the culprit. If not, we can start to rule out food allergies, parasitic infections (including flea allergies), bacterial infections, or thyroid problems.

    How You Can Help At Home

    After a blood test establishing that your pet is suffering from environmental allergies, you can take charge of the following ways to help your pet cope:

  • Bathe your pet frequently to remove any allergic triggers from the skin and reduce inflammation. We can recommend certain hypoallergenic products that soothe your pet’s skin problems.
  • Soak your pet’s paws every day to limit indoor exposure to outdoor allergens brought into the home
  • Clean your house and your pet’s environment regularly with non-toxic products
  • Consider your pet’s nutrition and implementing an anti-inflammatory diet

    • While there are effective prescriptions, we may first attempt over-the-counter antihistamines and supplemental omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil).The combination of these usually calms inflammation for pet allergies, but should your pet need it, you may opt for:

  • Short-term oral or injectable steroids that break the itch-scratch cycle
  • Medicated shampoo, cream, or spray

    • Your Pet Can Still Enjoy Spring

    It truly can be a harrowing experience for pets trying to cope with seasonal allergies, and we are here to help. We can get to the bottom of your best pal’s intense scratching and try to relieve his or her suffering. Doing so now might just be excellent insurance for future frolics, flower sniffing, and carefree strolls in the blissful springtime weather.