Does Your Pet Have Allergies?

We all know the feeling, constant sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes. Allergies have always been a grand annoyance for a lot of us but thankfully we as humans are usually able to run to the store and grab either some Claritin or Benadryl and carry on with the day. We are also blessed to have been given the ability to talk about what’s going on with us so we can better determine the best course of action to treat our symptoms. The same, however, cannot always be said for our furry friends.

Now, of course, our pets show symptoms just like we do but at times those symptoms can be harder to catch because our pets are unable to verbally tell us how they’re doing and what seems normal to us may in fact not be. The solution? Well sadly there is no one sure-fire way of making sure that your pets stay allergy-free, as wonderful as that would be, and so we have to stick with what we know can help. If you do happen to notice one or more of the following symptoms in your pet: sneezing, coughing, excessive itching, runny nose, watery eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or snoring you should be sure to contact your local veterinarian to discuss the steps you should take to resolve the issue, but before it comes to that, here are some steps to remember before needing to visit the clinic.

Outdoor Prevention

Try and get in the habit of walking your dog in the afternoon or early evening when the pollen count is not as high, if you’re unable to do so because of other commitments you can always look into some dog walking services near you such as Wag!. Take care to avoid parks and fields where the offending plants such as oak trees, juniper shrubs, mulberry trees, and daylilies are common. When you do return home take a minute to wipe your pet down with a moist cloth to remove any excess pollen and other allergens they may have picked up, without having to deal with the hassle of a full bath, while you are wiping them down don’t forget to pay close attention to their paws as the skin is sensitive and is often affected more by the allergens.

Indoor Prevention

In addition to the precautions you can take when leaving your home, there are also measures to take to avoid allergens in your home as well. To start you can be sure to change your air filters often, now, believe me, this is in both your and your pet's best interest as the same allergens that affect them can affect you as well. Vacuuming once a week or every other week can also help to pick up pollen you may have missed and because your shades and drapes can trap pollen and therefore contribute, it is a fine idea to keep them clean as to thoroughly “rid” them of the allergens.

Now, we know that we are not able to rid our homes and our pets of pollen exposure entirely and that’s okay, but being somewhat cautious and taking small steps to protect your family can help you immensely in the long run so be sure to pay attention to your pets when springtime rolls around and remember that prevention is easier than treatment.