Dogs and cats get seasonal allergies just like their humans, but they manifest a bit differently, often with skin problems in dogs and respiratory issues in cats. Things to look for include:
- Scratching and biting their coat or skin
- Red, inflamed, or infected skin
- Excessive shedding
- Compulsive paw licking in dogs
- Boot scoots or licking their anal glands
- Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears (common for dogs who are prone to ear problems in the first place)
- Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing (more common in cats)
If your pet’s allergies are severe, your veterinarian may prescribe steroids to help control inflammation. It is also safe to give your pet Benedryl (diphendyrmine) to calm the symptoms down. Dosage depends on the size and needs of your pet, so check with your veterinarian first.
If you don’t like the idea of giving your pet a pill, there are other ways to manage the allergies.
Herbal Tinctures. Herbs such as nettle, eyebright, licorice or burdock can soothe allergy symptoms without side effects. We like: Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy, Earth Animal Allergy & Skin, Azmira Yucca Intensive
Natural Flea and Tick Preventatives. We like: Wondercide Flea & Tick Collars, Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Wipes, Earth Animal Daily Herbal Internal Powder
Anti-Itch Sprays or Creams. Only use products that are made for pets, as products marketed for humans may be ineffective or toxic for dogs or cats. We like: Skout’s Honor Probiotic Itch Relief Spray with Oatmeal, Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm with Manuka Honey and Skout’s Honor Probiotic Hot Spot Hydrogel. For ears, Zymox Ear Solution will help itch and inflammation and cure fungal or bacterial infections.
Baths. Baths remove allergens or pollen on your pet’s skin, relieving symptoms and soothing skin. Look for shampoos containing oatmeal or CBD, which helps to moisturize skin, ease itching and minimize inflammation. Again, only use shampoos and soaps made for pets. Animals and humans have a different pH level, so products made for people can cause additional irritation to pets. We like: Healthline Colloidal Silver Shampoo, Pet Releaf Shampoo with CBD, Nootie Mediated Shampoo
Wipe Off Coat and Paws. Wipe down your pet’s coat, skin and paws each time they return from outdoors with a moist cloth or hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming wipe. We like: Skout’s Honor and Earthbath wipes
Fatty Acid Supplements. Omega fatty acids found in many fish oil supplements are another way to relieve itchy skin or prevent skin infection. We like: Ultra Oil Skin & Coat, Grizzly Fish Oils
Local Honey. (Only for dogs.) Local honey is often made from the same pollen that causes seasonal allergies and can help desensitize your dog to them.
Avoid Allergens. Reduce exposure to certain trees or grass. You might notice when a particular tree blooms where you walk your dog, the allergies get worse. Or perhaps grass in your yard or even a grass rug in your house is causing problems.
Consider the Food You’re Feeding. Sometimes switching to a different protein or using a limited ingredient diet can help tremendously, particularly with ear and paw problems.
Sometimes it takes some trail and error to figure out the solutions or combinations of solutions will give your pet some relief from seasonal allergies. Our staff will help you to get there, so let us know if we can make some recommendations.