How To Combat Spring Allergies in Pets
By Carol Bryant, Professional Pet Blogger
Itching, sneezing, and watery eyes indicate that your pet may have spring allergies. Like people, dogs and cats are affected by seasonal allergies. The good news is there are many ways to help your pet stay comfortable and enjoy the springtime weather.
Signs of Spring Allergies in Pets
Like people, each pet is unique and may exhibit one or more of the following spring allergy signs:
- Chewing or licking of paws
- Red, angry skin between the toes
- Head shaking
- Scratching excessively at the ears or face
- Scooting (despite empty anal sacs)
- Coughing or wheezing (more common in cats)
- Excessive shedding
How To Combat Spring Allergies in Pets
First and foremost, it helps to know what your pet might be allergic to. Like people undergoing allergy testing, your veterinarian can recommend a vet dermatologist in severe cases. Pay attention to when your dog or cat shows signs of allergies. Is it after a walk? Was there a lot of pollen on the ground? Did they spend time rolling in the grass? While some pets experience year-round allergies from indoor dust mites, mold, and mildew, spring allergies flare up as the season changes from colder to warmer.
Here are 10 things you can do at home to help your pet’s spring allergy symptoms:
Invest in an Air Purifier
The asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program works with CERTIFIED brand partners. The Program certifies third-party products as allergy and asthma-friendly. They test household products against strict standards. If the product passes its tests, it earns the CERTIFIED asthma and allergy-friendly mark. Consider an air purifier for your home to help with your pet’s seasonal allergies.
Vacuum and Dust Frequently with the Right Tools
Using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner can help remove some of the allergens in your home. Since everything from dust mites to pollen settles into carpeting or hard flooring, make sure to vacuum and dust at least daily.
Pro Tip: A vacuum such as the Shark Vertex or Bissell Hair Eraser Hand Vacuum works brilliantly to pick up things in a pet home.
Keep ZYMOX Products on Hand
When my Cocker Spaniel, Alvin, gets itchy, I use a few different products to help alleviate his discomfort. ZYMOX’s Leave-In Conditioner is a dog-send for soothing the skin. Both after baths and in between bathing, I apply a small amount to the palm of my hand and work it through to his skin.I am never without the ZYMOX Topical Spray with 0.5% hydrocortisone. Ideal for spot-treating an itchy area or for hot spots, I keep one at home and in our travel bag. ZYMOX offers the same fabulous itch relief in their Topical Cream with 0.5% hydrocortisone if you prefer a topical cream. I feel good using these products on Alvin because they contain no antibiotics, are made in the USA, and are veterinarian-recommended.
Never give your dog any over-the-counter or human medications without your veterinarian’s advice. If seasonal allergies worsen or become bothersome, your vet can help with other options.
Paw Patrol
Rinse your dog’s paws off after a walk or playing outside. By bathing or rinsing their feet, you remove any debris or pollens they stepped on while outside. Keep pet-safe wipes, such as Earth Rated’s plant-based wipes, on hand so you can wipe down pets’ paws and coats between baths and as needed.
Wash Pet Bedding, Collars, and Harnesses
Any number of things can cling onto your pet’s skin and coat, which then gets transferred to their bedding, blankets, collars, and harnesses. A few squirts of dog shampoo in a basin with warm to hot water is all you need to wash collars, leashes, and harnesses. Bed bedding can be washed with a pet-friendly detergent in your washing machine. Washing bedding at least weekly is best to remove any offending allergens.
Close Windows in Favor of Air Conditioners
Give outdoor allergen the boot by closing windows. We all love a nice breeze on a warm day, but it could be time to close the windows if your pet shows signs of discomfort. In conjunction with an air purifier, air conditioning will help keep your residence cool while keeping allergens out.
Bathe More Often
Bathe your dog more often to keep their skin and coat free and clear of any outdoor irritants. Consider oat-based products like ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Shampoo and Conditioner to help calm your dog’s skin.
Plan Walks Carefully
In addition to avoiding times of day when it is too hot outside, try to avoid areas with a lot of pollen production. Your phone’s daily weather alerts will indicate when pollen levels are at their worst. Check your local weather forecast to get the daily pollen counts if that is one of your dog’s irritants.
Consider Allergy Supplements for Dogs
Many high-quality chewable supplements may help ease your pet’s springtime allergies. They are designed to support immunity and provide a healthy inflammatory response in your dog’s body. Some high-quality products include Allergy and Immune Bites from Zesty Paws and Vet’s Best Seasonal Allergy Soft Chews. With a little extra care and using our tips, your pets can bask in the beauty of the spring season and beyond.
About the Author
Gayle King introduced Carol Bryant as a “dog lover of the highest order” when she and her Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, appeared on Oprah Radio. Carol is well-known in the pet industry, having appeared on television, radio shows, and podcasts, as well as in articles from CNN and Yahoo to Dogster and Today.com. She is the founder of the award-winning blog FidoseofReality.com and is the Immediate Past President of the Dog Writers Association of America.
