Dogs / Cats. Welcome to Allergy Season
As the weather warms up, dogs and cats become increasingly susceptible to the causes of allergies many of which are the exact same ones that we humans endure.
It is estimated that about fifteen percent of dogs develop allergies just as it is in humans. Since those are the reported cases, it is believed that for both pets and humans, the percentage is probably much higher.
Just as importantly, that percentage is rising.
What the percentage is in cats is totally unknown simply because cats are, by nature, very stoic and suffer in silence. What we do with Amanda is to watch out for, at the same time as our allergies return each season, similar symptoms in her.
Coughing and sneezing are sure signs. But, there are more.
The usual watering of the eyes is a dead giveaway. And, in this instance, you also have to watch out for another possible condition.
Watch out for the development of bacteria from excessive tearing and resultant scratching and skin infection under the eyes. Increased scratching and excessive grooming are also signs of allergies as pets' most common symptoms are dry skin which is relieved by scratching and tongue washing to sooth the itch.
Since dogs amongst all pets are the easiest to diagnose, most literature regarding pet allergies focuses on dogs.
In larger dogs, a small dose of Benedryl from the coughs-and-colds aisle at your local pharmacy can be used safely to alleviate allergic symptoms brought on by pollens� just as we do for ourselves.
But, just as I hope we do for ourselves, when you can identify the allergy, rather than become dependent on a pharmaceutical remedy, you and your pet should be tested and then appropriately vaccinated. This is a better solution not just for combating the allergy, but for what those remedies are doing to your liver and kidneys and those of your pets.
Springtime allergies in cats and dogs may also involve a return to tick and flea season. While the bites are their own unique form of medical nuisance, flea saliva is an allergen. Thus, another of several reasons to have your dog or cat vaccinated early in the season for fleas and ticks.
Then, use a flea balm every couple of weeks if your pet is allowed to roam freely or somewhat freely. Even when you are walking your dog, it's occasional contact with another dog can quickly and easily result in him / her getting a flea infestation and ultimate allergy and infection.
Especially in early flea season, these critters are extremely active and can jump from one pet to another in even close proximity to each other. They don't even have to touch.
Finally, especially during allergy season and while you are being more attentive to your dog or cat to the development of allergies and also of the greatest time of annual risk of ticks and fleas, keep their food diet constant to what it's been for the last several months especially if there has been no food allergy from that food.
What often happens is that, in trying to vary their pet's diet or food choices just as we do for ourselves, people may introduce a new food source. While the idea is laudable, it could confuse the source of a newly developed allergy. The time to introduce new foods is either in the height of summer or, better, during the cooler months of winter.
While a dog or cat can still get fleas and ticks, the threat is greatly reduced. And, a pollen allergy is almost non-existent in winter.
I hope that helps
John
Little Souls Pet Care .com
