Pollen can affect your pets

While summer is a welcome break from the shorter days of winter, the rise in the pollen count can cause many humans to suffer from hay fever and other seasonal ailments.

However, what is less well known is that pets can suffer just as badly.

Studies have found almost half ( 44 pr cent) of pet owners didn’t realise their pets can suffer from allergies.

And 43 per cent admitted they wouldn’t know how to tell if their pet was suffering from an allergy.

Like in humans, hay fever can cause cats and dogs to suffer from respiratory issues such as sneezing, wheezing and coughing.

However, even if these may be present, it is far more likely your pet will be showing signs of allergic dermatitis such as very itchy skin, and swollen paws and/ or inflamed ears.

Pets may bite/ chew certain parts of the body, or the dermatitis may be present in a more generalised manner across their body.

They may rub their faces or bodies against furniture or carpet in order to try to relieve their itchiness. If left untreated, the skin will become inflamed, reddened and tender. You may even spot areas that have hair loss or open sores.

Pets with allergies can also show problems with their ears, especially dogs. The ear canals may become inflamed and itchy and may appear in isolation or in combination with a generalised allergic response. Common signs to look out for include scratching of the ears, head shaking, and hair loss. In severe cases, look out for discharge.

Steps to relieve allergies:

First see your vet. They will be best placed to decide on the initial approach to take with your itchy pet, and whether the allergy is seasonal or food related.

Frequent baths to wash away the allergens on the coat and skin and try to use grain free shampoos. Foot soaks before your pet enters the house will reduce the level of allergens taken into your home and can have a remarkably positive effect.