Everyone knows someone with severe seasonal allergies. Here in the Flroida, seasonal changes can be an annoyance for all of us. Airborne pollens, molds, dust particles, etc. are inhaled and soon the sneezing and sniffling begin. The team at Pet Care Clinic of Doral suffers from seasonal allergies just like your pet and we want to make sure they are properly treated.
As we may just be taking our simple antihistamine, our pets may be feeling the exact same way, but instead of sneezing and sniffling, our pet gets itchy skin and other allergy issues.
There are many reasons for pets to itch: parasites, allergy to flea bites, food allergy, secondary infection and the list goes on, though if your pet seems to be extra itchy during times when the seasons are changing, they probably have an allergy.
Seasonality
In dogs, pet allergies usually produce a seasonal itchiness. Ultimately, if a dog is itchy nearly all year round in 80% of cases, you may have a year-round allergy pet. This can be managed with proper care, medication, and diet.
Typical irritation pattern
Pet allergies are associated with irritation in certain parts of the body. In dogs these areas are:
- Around the eyes
- Ear infection
- “Armpits”
- Abdomen
- Area around anus
- Legs
In cats, the irritation pattern is not as characteristic. There are four common manifestations of atopy:
- Non-leisurely licking or grooming
- Eosinophilic granuloma complex(yellow-ish pink ulcers, or tumor-like bumps)
- Miliary dermatitis (small seed-like scabs)
- face and ear itching
Treatment options such as blood tests, steroids, or even a skin test can help in treating your animal so that they are comfortable in day to day activities, but true diagnosis of allergies can be indeterminable most of the time.
Tips for helping your animal feel comfortable during allergy season:
- Weekly baths with a medicated shampoo
- Washing bedding (human AND animal) weekly
- Having an air filter system
- Keeping the pet away from freshly mowed grass
- Little to zero contact with any houseplants.
If you think your pet may be suffering from pet allergies and needs medical attention, we’re here to help. You can call our office and ask questions or schedule an appointment for one of our vets to take a closer look at your pet. As always, we’re here to help!