Ah spring! This season is full of promise after the cold and gloom of the end of winter. Longer days, greenery, flowers, light coats and the return of espadrilles. There are only positives, right?
Not quite. Because for many people dealing with seasonal allergies, spring is also synonymous with runny noses, compulsive sneezing, itchy eyes and chronic fatigue.
But what about your little four-legged beasts?
And yes! Just like humans, dogs and cats can also be bothered by allergenic substances such as pollen, dust, mites, fleas and mold.
Here are some ways to identify the symptoms in your pet and some tips to get him back on his feet quickly.
Main Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats' reactions to allergens are slightly different from those of humans. If you notice that your pet:
scratches or licks his body excessively;
bites or licks its paws more than usual;
has recurring ear infections;
has red ears or often scratches the back of the ears;
has red or swollen eyes;
has a runny nose and sneezes frequently;
better take him to the vet. In some cases, the symptoms are so intense that the animal creates skin lesions from scratching, which can then lead to infections.
How to help your pet with seasonal allergies
Although there are many treatments and medications to help relieve your companion, you can also take a few additional actions that can definitely reduce the symptoms, such as example:
avoid walking your dog (or cat, we don't judge) early in the morning or at the end of the day, when pollen levels are highest;
give one bath per week with a natural shampoo and conditioner like our PÃœR shampoo< span style="background-color: #ffffff;"> and its conditioner specially designed for sensitive skin, in order to remove allergens from the epidermis and fur;
give a natural dietary supplement such as fish oil or omega 3-6 oil or to reduce itching and improve overall skin health ;
vacuum regularly to reduce the accumulation of dust and pollen;
check air quality by regularly changing the filters of your air conditioning and/or air exchangers;
control the humidity level in the house;
wash your bed and toys.
Seasonal allergies are a lifelong battle, but we can still reduce their impact on your well-being and that of your little ones. We must therefore be attentive to better identify the symptoms and take preventive measures. Do you have any doubts? Do not hesitate to talk to your veterinarian. It’s your pet that thanks you!