Does Your Pet Have Seasonal Allergies?
Is your pet sneezing, shedding more than usual, licking its paws incessantly, biting its skin? As the weather outside begins to warm up and nature begins to thaw, your pet may be experiencing seasonal allergies!
It may be something that pet owners do not normally consider but pets can have allergies just like humans do. Most of the allergies that pets will experience appear around six months of age and most being affected between the ages of one or two [VCA Hospitals]. Symptoms of seasonal allergies in pets often mimic that of humans and while there are medications that can be used to treat them, there are also some natural remedies to prevent allergens as well.
Wiping Paws
Often, the first step to reducing reactions is to prevent them from being able to occur at all. Since it is nearly impossible to do that with pets who walk outside to use the restroom and play, the next best step would be to wipe them down as soon as they come indoors.
By placing a towel at the door and wiping their paws down, you can reduce the amount of allergens that stays in contact with their skin. You also can prevent allergens from entering your home and causing issues for not only your pet but you as well! Wiping paws down is a less invasive method than baths and is a great prevention method to start with.
Giving Baths
One of the most common ways that seasonal allergies begin to show signs is in your pets paws or skin. Luckily, a bath once or twice a month can help remove allergens from their skin and fur if wiping their paws down does not help.
It is important to note that even though baths can be a helpful remedy, if bathed too much, your pet may develop other conditions like dry skin from stripping the natural oils that protect their skin and coats. If your dog is experiencing a large number of issues on their skin and fur related to seasonal allergens, ask your local veterinarian how often you should bathe your pet to prevent further issues.
Avoid Allergens
The most effective way that you can reduce your pets reactions to seasonal allergens is by not allowing them to come into as much contact with them. Even though it sounds so simple, we all know that it can be difficult to do especially since the weather is warming up.
Air quality has been more of a focus in society throughout the years and many weather apps on your phone will now tell you the pollen count and the air quality. Using these applications as an indicator to reduce outside activity on high pollen count days can be a great way to reduce your pets exposure to allergens.
As spring arrives, keep a lookout for the symptoms of seasonal allergies and talk with your vet about ways to reduce the impact they may have on your pet!
