Springtime allergies are borne from reactions to tree and flower pollen (among lots of other things), and millions of pets and people alike suffer from symptoms. Fall allergies may not be as well known, but ragweed, mold spores, dust mites, and more can trigger a range of symptoms in pets. Environmental allergies can be supported at home, and when your pet needs more than an air filter, we are always here for them.
Itchy and Scratchy
In contrast with the watery eyes, runny noses, coughing, and sneezing commonly seen among people with allergies, pets react to fall allergens by itching and scratching. Affecting the skin on pretty much any part of the body, fall allergies may cause the most issues on the ears and feet. Please schedule an exam if you see the following signs of fall allergies:
- Redness or bumpy-looking skin
- Relentless scratching that causes bleeding, balding, or hot spots
- Foul odor coming from the skin
- Waxy discharge around the base of the ears
- Swollen feet
- Red eyes
Allergies can make pets profoundly uncomfortable with non-stop itching in one or more areas on the body. What’s worse, repetitive scratching can lead to secondary skin infection. At this point, both the allergies and the infection must be professionally treated. While environmental allergens can include smoke and perfume, seasonal fall allergies stem from these plants:
- Sagebrush
- Goldenrod
- Lamb’s quarters
- Pigweed
Getting to the Bottom of Fall Allergies
Allergy symptoms can either occur gradually and with mild impact, but some pets react suddenly to allergens and display overwhelming symptoms. Understanding the source of fall pet allergies is important, but finding relief for them takes priority.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, antihistamines and steroids can deliver quick relief. Shampooing the skin and coat can reduce or eliminate some of the allergens accumulated from the air while soothing the itching and scratching.
Over time, if symptoms do not improve, immunosuppressants and/or desensitization therapies can improve a pet’s quality of life. We are here to help understand your pet’s symptoms and triggers to customize possible treatment plans.
Allergy Relief for Pets
Installing and maintaining hepa air filters can efficiently clear the air of allergens. If possible, have one on every level of the home. Pet owners can also help allergic pets in these ways:
- Watch local reports for air quality and stay inside when counts of pollen, smoke, and other pollutants climb above a certain threshold.
- Bathe your pet regularly, but not often enough to dry out their skin.
- Brush their coat weekly to distribute naturally protective skin oils throughout their back, sides, chest, and abdomen.
- Wash and dry their feet after spending time outdoors.
- Launder their bedding and toys often and vacuum around their favorite hang out spots every few days.
A little preparation and TLC your pet can get through this sneezy, wheezy, itchy season with grace. If you have additional questions about seasonal allergies in pets, please call Oroville Animal Health Center at (530) 533‑7513.