Like us, our pets experience seasonal allergies that lead to discomfort. If they need further treatment, your veterinarian can provide breed-specific advice and care to help your beloved companions. There are several things you can try to home to give your pet relief.
Seasonal Allergies in Pets
Some pets experience seasonal allergies in spring and fall due to pollen, trees, and grass. Others experience allergies all year long due to things in their home, such as mildew, house mites, or mold. There is no permanent cure, but you and your vet can treat pet allergies. Keep an eye out for symptoms, and contact your veterinarian if you have questions.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Pets
Dogs and cats experience most of their allergy symptoms through their skin, though problems with other parts of their bodies might also indicate allergic reactions. Watch for the following symptoms:
- Inflamed, red, or skin that looks infected
- Excessive scratching and biting of their skin or coat
- Licking anal glands or boot scooting
- Excessive shedding
- Red, waxy ears or chronic ear infections (more common in dogs with ear problems)
- The trouble with breathing, coughing, or wheezing (more common in cats)
Take note of the times and conditions when you see these symptoms to help narrow down potential causes.
Things You Can Do At Home
It is difficult to avoid allergens altogether. You should limit your pet’s exposure by regularly washing their bedding and toys and vacuuming. Use a humidifier to reduce mold in your home, and keep your windows closed as much as possible during allergy season.
Drugs such as Benedryl and Zyrtec are safe for pets but talk to your veterinarian first. They can advise you on dosage and tell you which medicines to avoid. Pseuophedirine, found in some over-the-counter medications, can be lethal for dogs.
Wipe down your pets after coming indoors. If you can, bathe your pet regularly. This is particularly important for dogs who spend time outside during allergy season. Do not use human shampoos that can cause additional irritation to your pet’s skin.
When to See Your Veterinarian For Your Pet’s Allergies
If your pet doesn’t get relief from home treatments, contact us at Live Oak Animal Hospital. We will tell you which OTC and prescription treatments are best for your pets. We can also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids. These medications can have side effects, so we may recommend using them in conjunction with other therapies for a short period to get your pet’s allergies under control.
We also offer allergy tests if your pet doesn’t respond to other treatments. Based on the findings, we may recommend allergy shots. After initial doses, you can do these shots at home. They may take some time to work, but allergy shots can be especially effective for young dogs.
Get Loving, Compassionate Care For Your Pet Today
The award-winning veterinarians at Live Oak Animal Hospital are here to help your pet through regular checkups or with any special needs, such as seasonal allergies. We are locally owned and offer two convenient locations to make it easy for you and your pet to join the Live Oak family.
