Did you know that just like humans, animals can suffer from pollen allergies? Summer days are great, but for those with allergies, when the pollen count is high, that means irritation and discomfort for pets with hay fever.
How to know if your pet has an allergy?
The cause of allergies in pets and humans is the same, however the signs and symptoms are different.
Look for signs such as:
- Licking or biting their paws
- Lots of scratching
- Red and sore looking skin, especially around the eyes, ears and between paws
- Shaking their head
- Rubbing their ears or muzzle
- Tired or lethargic, particularly on days where pollen count is high
It is always best to get them checked by their vet, to be sure that the cause is not an underlying health condition.
It can be difficult to establish what is causing your pets allergies, however if it generally gets worse in the summertime when the pollen count is high, chances are that is the reason.
How to treat allergies in pets
If your pet does have allergies, it is best to get them treated to help ease their discomfort. Do not try home remedies or medication that have not been prescribed by your vet as this can be far worse than the allergy itself.
It is possible that your pet has allergies to more than one thing, so the first advice your vet may give you is to try a “food-elimination trial”. This will help rule out any allergies within your pets diet. You can get specific advice and support from your veterinarian on how to do this.
Your vet may also recommend medication for your pets allergies.
Types of pollen
There are ways that you can determine what type of pollen is causing your pets allergies, try finding out when your pet is most affected by this.
March and April: Tree pollen
May,June and July: Grass pollen
June,July and August: Flowering weeds
These timings can vary depending on where you live.
If you can find the cause of pollen that is affecting your pet, it may be best to try walking them in areas where there won’t be as much of the pollen that causes their allergies.
Can pets have asthma?
Asthma is a common uncomfortable and dangerous condition that affects many animals.
Whilst asthma is more susceptible to cats, dogs can develop asthma too.
If left untreated, it can cause life threatening complications.
Signs and symptoms of asthma in pets
Here are a few signs to look out for assessing whether your pet has asthma or not. Whilst these are all true, it is best that you don’t self diagnose at home and always visit your vet for safe advice and support.
- Excessive panting
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased energy
- Respiratory distress
- Pale gums
Asthma in dogs is also known as allergic bronchitis.
Your vet may prescribe your pet with meditation to help treat the condition once appropriately assessed.
What can you do to help ease symptoms
There are a few holistic ways to help improve your pets symptoms and create more of a comforting environment for them. Keeping them happy, safe and comfortable is a top priority.
Try using a humidifier where your pet stays, to help keep the air nice and moist.
Removing any collars or items around your pets neck, to help ease any pressure of their airway, this is especially helpful at night.
Whilst these will not help long term, they can certainly help improve your pets asthma until your vet has given you options and solutions to treat the condition.
