Pets have allergies too!
Animals can have reactions to pollen and other environmental allergens. Here’s what you can do.
You may not be the only one in your home suffering from seasonal allergies. Animals can also have reactions to pollen and other environmental allergens, though they have different symptoms than we do and should be treated differently as well. Here are some tips to help them feel better.
ALLERGIES MAKE PETS ITCHY
Seasonal allergies create skin inflammation in pets, says vet and animal dermatology specialist Dr Andrew Rosenberg. A dog may scoot her rump, lick her paws or groin, or shake a lot. Cats may overgroom or develop skin crusts, he says.
WATCH OUT FOR SCRATCHING
Too much scratching can lead to infection, says vet Dr Alexandra Gould. Over time, dogs can develop hair loss, thickened skin, hyperpigmentation, hot spots and ear irritation. If cats often overgroom, it can lead to hair loss, especially on their sides or bellies, she says. In both species, excess scratching can cause yeast and bacteria on the skin to multiply, setting off infections. Make an appointment with the vet if you notice these signs of itchiness.
WHAT A VET CAN DO
Studies show that antihistamines help only about 10 per cent of dog allergy cases, Dr Rosenberg says, and aren’t much more effective in cats. Instead, pets’ allergies are treated with prescription anti-itch medications, medicated shampoos and, in severe cases, steroids, depending on the individual. Dr Gould also recommends allergy testing and desensitisation for pets with environmental allergies. A vet will test for specific allergen sensitivities and routinely expose pets to them via either a daily serum under the tongue or a shot every one to two weeks. “The goal is that, over three to 12 months, the animal’s immune system stops reacting as strongly and requires fewer medications,” Dr Gould explains.
HELP PETS AT HOME
In addition to prescription treatment, itchy pets can get relief from cool baths once a week or so. “Bathing can rinse off allergens before they are absorbed into the skin, causing an allergic reaction,” Dr Rosenberg says. Check with your vet first to rule out a secondary infection and ask for shampoo recommendations.