Why It’s Important To Understand Your Pet’s Allergies In The Fall
Did you know that pets can actually develop allergies just like humans? Well almost just like us. Autumn tends to be one of the harsher seasons for pets with allergies. It can be difficult to detect your pet’s allergy attacks, but it’s essential because nobody wants their furry family to be uncomfortable. Here are a few of the common clinical signs of pet allergies to look out for:
- Loss of fur
- Frequent sneezes
- Regular coughing
- Nasal and eye boogers
- Fur changes its normal color
- Excessive scratching
- Licking
- Chewing on their body parts.
The most commonly affected areas are the face, ears, and paws.
Does Breed Matter?
Short answer. Yes! With dogs particularly, certain breeds are genetically more susceptible to allergies. These breeds include:
- Dalmations
- Boxers
- Bulldogs
- Shepherds
- Retrievers
- Beagles
- Irish Settlers
- Terriers
How to Combat Pet Allergies
Bathe Them Regularly
Give your pet a bath with a hypoallergenic shampoo every 2-3 weeks. Bathing helps not only to remove allergens but also moisturize the skin and wash away dirt and dust.
Soak Their Feet
You may have never heard of this method before, but if your pet has a habit of stepping in irritants like lawns and leaves, then soaking their feet in water can help soothe them. It also limits the contaminants they track into their sleeping area at the end of the day. Wiping or soaking their paws after a walk can make a more significant difference than you may think.
Clean Your Carpet and Upholstery
Professionally clean your carpets and upholstery in order to remove lingering allergens and dirt. Then maintain your clean surfaces by vacuuming every 5-7 days with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum.
Close Windows and Doors
Ragweed and other common allergens are easily transferred into the home as plants continue to wither in the fall. Reduce the number of access points for allergens to enter your home by keeping doors and windows closed.
Check Their Diet & Supplements
Supplements such as biotin or omega-3 can decrease itching and improve the health of your pet’s coat.
Find Good Allergy Treatments
If you thought you were having allergies, you’d probably go to a doctor to be tested and treated. You can do the same for your pet. Consulting with your vet will help you to understand your different treatment options. It will more than likely be one of the following two things:
- Injection: Depending on the severity of the pet’s allergies, owners may need to give their pets a shot every few days, gradually decreasing the amount over time.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy under the Tongue (SLIT): Instead of giving an injection, owners squeeze a pump of medication into the pet’s mouth.
San Juan County Chem-Dry is a pet-friendly operation! We specialize in cleaning up after their accidents through a variety of cleaning services, like pet urine and odor removal, to give them an allergy-free home. Call us today to learn more.