Spring is almost here, and with it comes rising tree pollen counts! Just like people, pets can experience allergies to inhaled pollen and molds. Tree pollen counts typically rise in the springtime here in Piqua and Troy, OH. Of course once tree pollen begins to decline, grass pollen begins to rise and eventually weed pollen counts climb in the late summer and fall. Unfortunately many pets are sensitive to pollen and can suffer severe allergy symptoms during this time of year.
Common allergy symptoms:
- Itchy skin
- Itchy feet (licking the paws is a tell-tale sign of itchy feet)
- Runny / red eyes
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Hairloss
What can you do if you have an allergic pet in your family? Well, avoiding pollen would be ideal. But lets get real. We live in Ohio. Unless you put your pet in a bubble, they are going to come into contact with pollen.
How to reduce allergy flare-ups at home:
- Wipe your pet’s feet and body with a damp rag after coming indoors. This simple action can help to remove pollen that is sticking to the hair coat.
- Feed your pet a high quality food that does not contain corn or poor quality ingredients.
- Add a high quality omega three fatty acid supplement to your pet’s diet to reduce sensitivity to inhaled allergens and improve skin health naturally.
- Effective, monthly flea control. Even a single flea bite can cause severe problems in pets whose skin is already trying to deal with an onslaught of pollen.
Call and schedule an appointment:
Finally, if your pet is suffering from allergies, call and schedule an appointment. Maybe what started as a skin reaction to pollen, has turned into a bacterial or yeast infection. Or perhaps your pet’s allergies are becoming more severe and require medication to provide relief. In any case, we are here and happy to help.