Springtime pet allergies

Pet Sitting

With plants flowering, pollens spreading through the breeze, and our pets exposed to weeds and other grasses in the backyard or on walks, our pets might experience adverse skin reactions to these seasonal environmental changes.

As the weather warms and our pet pals spend more time outdoors, keep an eye out for signs that the change in season could affect your pet.

  • Excessive scratching or licking: Have you ever had an itch that just won’t go away? That’s the feeling that your pet may be experiencing from an allergic reaction. Your pet may look for hard surfaces such as furniture to rub against to ease discomfort by scratching that itch! In some cases, excessive scratching can lead to hair loss so keep an eye out for balding spots or shed hair.
  • Red or irritated skin: Regularly check your pet pal’s skin for any redness or developing sores from scratching or biting. Sores left untreated could become infected and cause other health problems for your fur friend.
  • Chewing of paws: A change in seasons could cause your doggo to chew their paws. Dogs aged two to four years often become more sensitive to seasonal changes, so keep an eye on your pup for any changes in their behaviour.
  • Ear infections: Spring is when pollens and seeds pass through the air quite easily. These allergens can become lodged in your pet’s ears and cause irritation and itchiness. Rubbing their ears more often than usual could be a sign of a developing ear infection for your pet, and should be treated quickly.

Similar to humans, our pets may be affected by one or many allergens. While oils and lotions can be used to soothe our pet’s skin, it’s always best to get your vet to assess your pet for allergies. A veterinary dermatologist can provide advice on skin irritations and recommendations for treatments.

If you’re heading away during Spring, remember to advise your house and pet sitter of your pet pal’s allergies, treatment and local vet contact details.

 

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