Spring is the time of growth, flowering and new sprouts for plants and flowers which causes the increased pollen count.

In this article, we explore the various allergens that pets can be exposed to, and how you can help your furry bestie during these peak periods.

What type of allergy does your pet have?

This time of year brings lots of pollen, and it’s spread all around so it’s hard to avoid. It’s a tiny grain that gets carried by bees, wind, insects, and animals. Its extensive presence and size means it gets into every nook and cranny just like dust can. This means it’s constantly being inhaled, landing in eyes, ears and on the skin which is why it can easily cause irritation.

But, pollen is not the only culprit to cause allergies. Individual plants or flowers can cause allergies similar to how you can have individual food allergies. Specific allergies can be harder to determine, especially in pets as they often spend much more time outdoors than humans.

As well as the plant boom, Spring brings a boom of ticks, mites, and fleas which are irritating to all skin but a common allergy in pets too Take this as a reminder to administer their parasite control treatment – shop your favourite brand at Mad Paws Pet Store.

Allergy symptoms in pets are similar to those in humans. The severity of the allergy will determine the severity of the symptoms. 

How to manage allergies in pets:

Luckily allergy treatment can often be managed by using only topical medication or preventative measures. Understanding the root cause isn’t always possible or necessary. Generic pollen allergies are common and unless common treatments don’t work, there isn’t a need to know what specific plant causes the issue. Topical soothing methods like regular oatmeal baths, irritation or steroid creams, or building tolerance to local pollens might be enough to combat allergy symptoms completely. 

Honey builds tolerance

Honey is a simple way to build up tolerance to pollens. While there isn’t as much evidence as there is for antihistamines and other medical treatments, it’s a much less expensive, invasive and time-consuming treatment to try.

How it works: Local honey is full of local pollens, and by ingesting small amounts regularly should in theory help build a tolerance. If a tolerance is built, theoretically it should mean fewer symptoms. Similar to introducing anything new into a pet’s diet, it should be introduced slowly, in small quantities and monitored for any signs of allergy or irritation. 

Avoid high pollen exposure

Avoidance is another simple way to manage allergies. This could be as simple as changing your walking route, giving your cat or dog less outdoor freedom on high pollen count days, providing boots to protect paws, or removing irritating pollen plants from the yard. 

When to consult a Vet about allergies in my pet?

If symptoms escalate to open sores, hot spots, hives, swelling or can’t be managed easily, it’s crucial to consult a vet and take further action. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations that treatments aren’t an instant fix and sometimes can take days or a week to take full effect and work completely. Just like humans, an occasional sneeze or itch is normal – it’s only when symptoms are persistent that action is required.

Skin care and treatments for dogs

As they say, you are what you eat. One of the most effective solutions for superior skin care is your dog’s food intake. Take, for example, Lyka’s Kangaroo and Turkey fresh dog food recipes – both are highly digestible and hypoallergenic. A great choice for gastrointestinal health. Lyka also have skin supplements that are full of probiotics, vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system, aiding a long-term defence against skin irritations!

From shampoos to sprays and everything in between, looking after your dog’s skin is manageable with the various products that can help. Check out the Dog Skin Care range on Mad Paws Pet Store. Including dog sunscreen wipes, so your dog has some coverage from UV rays too – how handy!

Parasite control is important all year round, but especially in the warmer months. It’s vital that you stay on top of your Dog flea, tick & worm treatments to ensure they’re protected against any nasties that can latch onto their skin and sometimes be deadly!

Skin care and treatments for cats

If your cat struggles with having any topical treatments administered, don’t worry! With the wide variety of options available for Cat Skin Care, there’s sure to be a solution that suits them best.

And when it comes to Cat flea, tick & worm treatments, the spot-on treatments are so easy to administer. And remember, even if your cat stays indoors most of the time doesn’t mean they’re immune from parasites. 

Did you know: 

Mad Paws Pet Sitters can assist with managing your pets allergies. It’s just one of the benefits of choosing the personalised care of a Sitter. Find your pet’s perfect match and witness the difference for yourself!

Search for a Pet Sitter >

The post How to help manage allergies in pets appeared first on Mad Paws.

In this article, we’re going to cover all the information you need to know about what allergies look like in dogs and what you can do to help soothe your pup’s discomfort. But remember, even if you think your pupper has allergies, it’s always a good idea to have them checked by a vet to rule out any other medical conditions.

What are the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs?

When you think of allergies, the human symptoms probably come to mind first: sneezing, watery eyes, a scratchy throat. And those can also appear in dogs with allergies. You might notice, for instance, discharge around the eyes, nose, or ears as well as wheezing or coughing.

That being said, the most common symptom of allergies in dogs is actually itchy skin. A dog suffering from allergies may scratch at their ears, chew at their paws, and rub themselves along furniture and carpeting to try to ease their itchiness. This can lead to hair loss and hot spots either in one area of the body or all over.

If your dog is suffering from a food allergy, they may exhibit the above symptoms as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Are some breeds more susceptible to allergies than others?

All dogs can suffer from allergies, but it appears that they are more common in the following breeds:

• Members of the terrier group, such as Bull Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and Scottish Terriers
• Lhasa Apsos
• Shar Peis
• Dalmatians
• Boxers
• Labrador and Golden Retrievers
• Bichon Frise
• Cocker Spaniels

At what age do dogs typically develop allergies?

In general, a dog’s immune system will continue to develop during the first 12 or 14 months of life. So, it makes sense that Dog Owners typically notice allergies in their dogs around the 6 month mark. After all, this is when your pupper is exploring the world snoot-first, putting their still-developing immune system to the test!

How can you find what’s causing your dog’s allergies?

The big question, of course, is what is causing your dog’s allergies? Knowing what is triggering your dog’s immune response will help you put together a treatment plan to lessen your doggo’s discomfort. Let’s look at a few steps that you can take to get to the bottom of your dog’s allergies:

• Check for fleas. Fleas are one of the most common reasons for allergic reactions in dogs. And, you might see the results before ever seeing these tiny parasites. Check for signs of a flea infestation in your dog’s fur and make sure that they are up-to-date on their flea medication.

• Rule out a food allergy. As we covered in our article, What’s the Best Diet for Itchy Dogs, some of the most common allergy-inducing ingredients include animal protein and improperly stored grains. Putting your pup on a high-quality, fresh diet can be a great option for sensitive stomachs.

• Take a look at your cleaning products. It’s no secret that our dogs have much more powerful sniffers than we do. And that means that they tend to be more sensitive to chemicals and strong scents in cleaning products. You might consider switching to all-natural cleaning products, cutting back on essential oils, and removing your dog from the room when you’re cleaning.

• Think about their environment. Your doggo may love to smell the flowers in spring and roll around in crunchy leaf piles in autumn. But, these outdoor activities could trigger seasonal allergies. If your dog does have allergic reactions, consider taking them to areas with fewer allergens, at least during peak pollen season.

Are there allergy medications that can help?

The good news is, your dog doesn’t have to struggle through allergies without helpful remedies. In fact, Pet Chemist offers a range of both topical and oral supplements that can help soothe your dog’s allergies:

• Omega 3, 6 and 9 Supplements. All-natural oils containing fatty acids are a great way to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin and digestion. These supplements and solutions can be added to your dog’s food bowl, or you can opt for dog food high in these fatty acids.

• Medicated Grooming Products. From anti-fungal shampoos to sensitive skin treatments, there are plenty of topical products that can help ease your dog’s skin. Run a warm bath for Fido and start soothing allergy-related itchiness!

• Flea and Tick Prevention. As we mentioned, keeping your pup up-to-date on their parasite medication is another key way to prevent allergies and bacterial infections from fleas and ticks.

While all of these products are available without a prescription, it’s also a good idea to check with your vet to see if they recommend an additional treatment plan.

What else can you do to prevent allergies in dogs?

Getting to the root of your dog’s triggers and finding the right treatment options are important first steps to soothing your dog’s allergies. Here are a few more simple changes that can make a big difference in preventing doggy discomfort:

• Invest in an air purifier. Filtering out the pet dander in the air will help all allergy-sufferers in your home, whether they’re two-legged or four-legged.

• Remember to change your air filters. Along with introducing an air purifier, it’s also a good idea to regularly clean your air filters and change them as necessary.  

• Regularly wash all dog bedding and clothes. Not only can allergens embed themselves in the fabrics where your pup loves to snooze, but these places can also harbour parasites like fleas. 

• Opt to leave your dog with an experienced Pet Sitter rather than a kennel. When your pup is in the middle of an allergy episode, you can help them by limiting their exposure to allergens. If you’ll be leaving them with a sitter, avoid crowded kennels in favour of a home setting with few to no other pets.

Do dogs have allergies? Yes, but you can help!

As much as we wish we could keep our fur babies from the annoyance and discomfort of allergies, dogs do sometimes suffer from a range of itch-inducing triggers. But, by finding their triggers and putting together the right treatment plan, your pupper can continue to enjoy rolling around in the grass and frolicking with other doggos at the dog park.

Does your dog have allergies? What are some of your tried-and-true remedies?

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