Seasonal Pet Allergies and Symptoms

What are some Seasonal Pet Allergies to look for?

Dogs and cats show similar allergy symptoms as humans, yet they experience them most through their skin. Here are a few more symptoms to look for: 

• Scratching and biting their coat or skin
• Red, inflamed, or infected skin
• Excessive shedding
• Compulsive paw licking in dogs
• Licking their anal glands
• Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears (common for dogs who are prone to ear problems in the first place)
• Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing (more common in cats)
• hair loss
• Eye and nose discharge
• Pawing at their ears or head shaking

Atopy is the most common of all dog allergies, which is caused by environmental factors, such as dust mites, molds, house dust and pollen. It’s not a life-threatening allergy but it can cause skin irritation and excessive scratching.

Some dogs are more prone to atopy than others. The genetic background is an important factor to consider when deciding whether a dog will be atopic or not.

Flea Allergies

A flea allergy is an allergic reaction to the saliva of a flea. It is not caused by the flea itself, but rather by the flea’s saliva. A common symptom of flea allergies is a red, itchy rash that appears on the skin.

How to manage Irritation and Natural Remedies

Many people who have food allergies experience some level of itching and scratching, but the tell-tale signs are often vomiting, loose stools and the fact that the symptoms are not limited to just the skin.

Food allergies can be caused by a number of factors, from genetics to environmental factors. The most common food allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy and wheat. These are known to irritate the digestive system causing loose stools and itchiness in your pet. Eliminating food sources that cause these issues is important in that your pet may have severe reactions to a changing diet or snacks.

Baths remove allergens or pollen on your pet’s skin, relieving symptoms and soothing skin. Look for shampoos containing oatmeal, which helps to moisturize skin, ease itching, and minimize inflammation. Only use shampoos and soaps made for pets. Animals and humans have different pH levels, so products made for people can cause additional irritation to pets.

If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, your best course of action is to get him to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible to determine the severity of the issue.