Have you ever thought about how to tell if your pet has spring allergies? Like humans, animals can quickly become victims of springtime allergies. Sneezing, itchiness and redness are just some symptoms that come with pet allergies, and they can put a damper on a beautiful spring day. If you think your pet may be showing signs of an allergic reaction, this blog is for you. Read on to learn how to spot the symptoms in your dog or cat and how to bring some relief to your pet this spring.
Reactions on Skin
Unlike humans, who usually experience respiratory reactions to seasonal allergies, dogs and cats tend to experience allergic dermatitis, which appears as skin irritation and inflammation. Typically, dermatitis begins with your pet scratching more than usual to relieve the itch. They may rub their body or face against furniture or carpet, or other surfaces for relief. Too much scratching will cause red and inflamed skin, patches of hair loss, open sores, and scabbing. Sometimes in dogs, hotspots can even develop when your dog’s natural bacteria overwhelms the area of the skin, causing open sores, hair loss, and often bleeding. It’s essential to contact your vet when this occurs to get the proper medication and care needed.
Reactions on the Ears
Other symptoms of an allergic reaction can include issues with their ears, especially in dogs. Ear infections are common for pets during allergy season, as the area becomes itchy and inflamed due to an infection with yeast or bacteria. Your pets will start to scratch at their ears and shake their heads, and sometimes lose hair around the ear’s opening. Additionally, you might notice an odor or discharge from the ears if there is an infection. Infections require medical attention. If you see your pet getting bothered by their ears more than usual, take them to the vet for the proper medication for their relief.
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues aren’t typically common in pets with allergies; however, they still occur. As with humans, dogs and cats will experience runny noses, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing due to respiratory reactions. Animals with weaker lungs may also experience more severe reactions, developing into sinusitis and bronchitis. This requires immediate veterinary attention so that the infection doesn’t worsen.
Relief for Allergies
Aside from getting veterinary-approved medications and treatment, here are a few at-home methods of relief for your pets:
Baths – Giving your pets frequent baths can offer temporary but immediate relief to an itchy pet because they wash away the allergens on their skin. However, you want to be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo (like oatmeal or honey) or unscented shampoo to reduce any excess drying or irritation of the skin.
Foot soaks – Wiping down or soaking the paws can not only soothe itchy and irritated paws but can also reduce tracking more allergens into the home.
Maintaining an allergen-free home – It’s nearly impossible to eliminate all allergens from your home. But by frequently vacuuming, cleaning and washing in the areas of your home that your pet spends the most time in, you can prevent any buildup of pollen or allergens.
Observe your pet’s behaviors and skin
Knowing how to tell if your pet has spring allergies can be evident if you pay attention. Overall, a wide-ranging rule of thumb is to look for generalized redness. If you notice puffy red eyes, red gums, a red chin, red paws, and more, your pet might be experiencing seasonal allergies, and you should consider looking into options for relief, like a good bath and frequent cleaning of spaces. Remember, pets have medications and treatments for seasonal allergies, so if your pet needs additional care, be sure to contact your vet for treatment options.
By recognizing seasonal allergies and ensuring your pet has relief from the pollen, you can ensure that all the time your pet spends outside is as fun and enjoyable as possible!
Looking for a Dog Walker this Spring? Choose Top Tails!
In addition to reducing the effects of seasonal allergies, there are many ways to keep your pet happy and healthy. Some of these are regular exercise and ensuring your dog or cat is well taken care of when you can’t be home to do so yourself. By hiring Top Tails for pet care in Philadelphia, you can rest assured that your dog, cat or small animal is in good hands while you’re away. You can always trust that our team members will provide your furry family members with the best care because they are trained and experienced in meeting your pets’ needs.
If you want to try out Top Tails Dog Walking, visit our website now or call 215-908-0778 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Philadelphia pet care providers. We can answer any questions and show you what makes Top Tails the place for pet care Philadelphia residents trust!