Pet expert warns owners of harmful allergens this spring

Allergy season: pet owners warned on how to spot symptoms

Pet expert reveals top 5 ways to spot your pet is having an allergic reaction

Allergy season is here, and pet experts are warning owners to be vigilant of the potential allergies that their furry friends may experience.  

Seasonal allergies are a common risk to pets. Studies show 15% of dogs suffer from them, whilst cats are also particularly prone, especially if they spend a lot of time outside.   

Typically, trees, grass, and weeds are the main cause of allergies in spring, as these release pollen into the air, causing some animals to develop an irritation to the airborne particles.  

From biting their skin to backward sneezing, pet experts at Trusted Housesitters have shared five ways to spot if your pet has seasonal allergies and how you can treat this. 

1. They are scratching and biting their skin 

A common sign that your pet is suffering from allergies is that they have itchy skin around their chest, paw, or armpit. It may not be unusual, however, if left untreated this can lead to them biting their skin causing severe discomfort, infected sores, and scabs. In addition to scratching, your pet may also drag its face or body across carpeting or rough surfaces to gain some relief from the itching. 

2. They have bald patches 

Hair loss in cats is just one symptom of a skin condition or seasonal allergy which can affect both indoor and outdoor cats. However, consulting with your veterinarian is the best way to confirm which one this may be. This can also affect your other furry pets, so keep an eye on any bald spots under their legs, between the toes, on their sides and belly. 

3. They’re sneezing backwards Just like humans, change of weather can cause dogs to sneeze. However, they actually ‘reverse sneeze.’ One of the reasons this happens is when a muscle spasm in the back of the throat occurs due to pollen. Occasional episodes of reverse sneezing are normal and isn’t dangerous, however, if you notice your furry friend is experiencing this consistently, then it’s best to consult a veterinarian.  

4. Watery eyes 

This can occur not only in cats and dogs but other pets such as rabbits. If you notice they have watery ocular discharge accompanied by inflammation, or see them squint, then most likely they have an ‘allergic conjunctivitis’. This can be easily treated by simply flushing the eyes with sterile saline once or twice a day.   

5. They are shaking their heads  

Head shaking can occur in both dogs and cats. This is a natural reflex that helps them to remove the allergen from their face and eyes and relieve them from discomfort. However, if you notice this is done frequently and excessively, then it’s essential to be aware that they may have an ear infection or significant inflammation and discharge, which should be seen by a professional as soon as possible. 

Although antihistamines can be given to your pet to alleviate their symptoms, there are some steps an owner can take to prevent exposure to allergens.  

Angela Laws, award-winning head of community of TrustedHousesitters, explains how to help keep your pet safe this allergy season: 

1.     Vacuuming often to minimise indoor allergens, such as pollen and mould spores. 

2.     Taking your pet for regular check-ups at the vet and keeping up with flea and tick prevention.  

3.     Washing bedding and grooming products. 

4.       Changing outdoor play areas and avoiding fields or sections of the yard that might have allergic triggers. 

For more information on how to keep your pet safe this season, check out the TrustedHousesitters blog for more information: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/search/?q=allergy