The changing seasons often bring about a variety of allergies for many people. Did you know that pets can suffer from allergies too?
People with inhalant allergies often have sneezing, sinus issues, and itchy, watery eyes. Pets with allergies usually have itchy skin and ear problems. They can have respiratory symptoms like people, but most often their symptoms are skin related.
Pet owners usually notice pets chewing on paws, scratching various areas, and red skin. They may also develop an ear infection and may be scratching at ears, shaking the head, or rubbing their ears on furniture.
Sometimes allergies can be dealt with in a one trip visit to the vet for some medicine to help the itching. However, most often, allergies are a long-term problem.
Here are some important things to remember when dealing with allergies in pets:
1) If you suspect an allergy in your pet, start a journal of your petâs symptoms and their severity. This will help you determine if the allergies are seasonal or if thereâs a problem all year long.
2) Flea Prevention is a must! Even if you arenât seeing fleas, or have never seen a flea on your pet, thereâs still the small chance that a flea has bitten your pet recently and your pet just happens to be hypersensitive to flea saliva. Some pets need only 1 flea bite to scratch themselves raw.
3) Chewing & scratching often leads to skin infections. Even if your pet has been seen recently, and you call saying he is itchy and scratching or chewing, we may request you bring him in for an appointment to make sure that he doesnât have a skin infection requiring antibiotics.
4) Pets with allergies often need frequent baths with special shampoo. Be sure to follow your veterinarianâs advice closely to ensure maximum results and comfort for your pet.
5) Pets with allergies often have ear infections. Donât neglect the ears! Regular ear cleanings with veterinarian approved ear cleaners will help prevent infections.
6) Your veterinarian may request that you bring your pet with allergies back for a follow-up visit after treatment. Your pet may be improving, but still need medications for a little longer. Not coming back for progress exams may lead to a relapse of allergy symptoms and needing a whole new course of medications.
By carefully observing your pet and working closely with your veterinarian, you can manage your petâs allergies. Check back for more information on allergies in pets!