What to Do if Your Pet has Seasonal Allergies

Allergies are miserable for humans, but what about for pets? Even dogs and cats are at risk of suffering from seasonal allergies, especially in the fall when allergens are saturating the air. Just like you rely upon a daily antihistamine to survive your worst allergy symptoms, your pet needs appropriate medical care to avoid and prevent the discomfort that develops as a result of seasonal allergies.  

The Tell-Tale Signs of Seasonal Pet Allergies

If you try to identify your pet’s allergies based on common human systems, you won’t have much luck. Rather than the respiratory tract symptoms that humans experience, dogs and cats are prone to skin irritation and inflammation called allergic dermatitis. You’ll notice your pet struggling with very itchy skin; he will start scratching excessively, biting and chewing and certain spots on his body, and even rubbing himself against vertical or horizontal surfaces to try and alleviate the itching. Unfortunately, this itch and scratch cycle causes the skin to become even more inflamed and tender to the touch. Your pet will eventually experience hair loss, scabbing, and open sores on the skin if his allergies are not treated.

The Best Ways to Tackle Seasonal Allergies

The good news is that seasonal allergies can be treated appropriately to keep your furry friend comfortable and happy. There are many steps you can take at home to fight allergies. First, give your pet frequent baths with a grain-free shampoo. This helps to wash away allergens on the coat and skin, especially for dogs, who are outside each day and accumulate allergens on their fur and paws. Along those lines, give your dog a foot soak each time he returns inside; this will reduce the amount of allergens being tracked into your house and spread through the indoor environment.

Other at-home preventative steps include carefully vacuuming and cleaning the places in your home where your pet spends the most time, using an anti-inflammatory diet that is low in grain content, and adding omega-3 fatty acids into your pet’s diet to decrease inflammation.

Of course, taking your pet to his vet is another essential step to fighting seasonal allergies. Your experienced and compassionate vet at Affordable Pet Hospital in Tampa, Florida will help you identify which supplements, enzymes, diet choices, and other changes will help your pet enjoy the most relief possible. Call Affordable Pet Hospital today at (813) 991-9898 to make an appointment.