505-265-4939

Allergy season is upon us…

Roses are red, violets are blue, your pet has allergies……AAAAHHHHCHHHOOO!!!

Sneezing dog

Many of us suffer from seasonal allergies, but did you know that your pets can also suffer from them??

Cats can also suffer from seasonal allergies

Cats can also suffer from seasonal allergies

 

You may already expect coughing, sneezing and runny eyes, but pets can react with their skin too!  Skin can become inflamed and the itching and scratching cycle begins.  Ear canals, which are just a tube of skin, become a prime place for infections to develop if that skin becomes inflamed.

 

 

If you know your pet has seasonal allergies we recommend starting them on antihistamine therapy early.  This can help to avoid some common complications such as skin infections secondary to scratching/licking.

 

For many pets wiping their feet, face and belly after their last time outside at night can help decrease their pollen load that they track into the house.

For many pets wiping their feet, face and belly after their last time outside at night can help decrease the pollen load that they track into the house. 

We also recommend wiping your pet’s paws, face and belly when coming in from frolicking outside (baby wipes are gentle and work very well!)

 

Another supplement to consider are omega 3 fatty acids for a shiny hair coat and healthy skin.  This supplement serves as a cell lubricant improving flexibility and communication between cells, and aiding cell metabolism and gene expression.

 

 

Bathing with an oatmeal based shampoo is soothing and very gentle on sensitive skin and can be very helpful as well.

 

Contact your veterinarian for more information about the use of fish oils, over the counter antihistamines and general treatment of your pets season allergies.

For more information on allergies in dogs check out this article in our pet care library- Allergies in Dogs

Dr. Silvia Rodriguez and her dog Luna

Dr. Silvia Rodriguez and her dog Luna