Pets are at risk too: Springtime allergy triggers and a pet parent's guide to action

Spring is in the air, and it's the time of year when walks with your pet become more enjoyable. But spring is no picnic for pets either, as pollen, fine particulate matter, dust mites, and other environmental allergens spike, and pets can suffer from severe seasonal allergies.

Particulate matter is a particular threat to pets, who breathe two to three times as much per body weight as humans. Particulate matter is more concentrated closer to the ground, so pets with low body heights and living close to the ground are bound to inhale more particulate matter than humans. Add pollen to the mix and the allergy risk is multiplied235.

Allergy symptoms in pets can range from sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, reddened eyes, ear irritation, itchy skin, and in severe cases, vomiting or diarrhea. Skin itching is a common symptom of pet allergies, and repeated scratching or licking can lead to hair loss or dermatitis1235.

To protect your pet from these risks, a few lifestyle habits are important: avoid or shorten morning walks when pollen is high, and thoroughly clean their body, face, ears, and coat with a damp towel or mild shampoo afterward. It's a good idea to wash your pet's bedding and toys frequently and disinfect them in the sun. Keeping your home clean and using air purifiers and vacuums to reduce allergen levels is also effective68101416.

Pet masks have also recently become available on the market, but these are not recommended for older dogs, obese dogs, or dogs with heart disease, as they can interfere with olfactory activity and cause breathing difficulties. Above all, if you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, it is safest to seek professional veterinary advice and diagnosis.

For environmentally conscious citizens and pet parents, it's time to pay attention to spring allergy prevention and management.

Springtime pet allergy risks

Springtime brings an increase in pollen, fine dust, dust mites, and other allergens, and pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. Particulate matter is especially dangerous for small pets, and when combined with pollen, it increases the risk of allergies.

The main symptoms

Symptoms of allergies in pets can range from sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, itchy, red eyes, ear infections, itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, brain problems.

Prevention and management

Avoid or shorten morning walks, dress your dog for walks, and wipe them down with a damp towel afterward to remove pollen and dust. Ear and coat care, disinfecting toys and bedding, and increasing fluid intake are also important. Masks for dogs may not be appropriate in some situations.

FAQ: Pet allergies, demystified

Q1. Do pets get allergies like people?

Yes, pets can suffer from allergies due to a variety of environmental factors, including pollen, fine dust, and house dust mites235.

Q2. What symptoms should I suspect my pet has allergies?

Sneezing, runny nose, watery or red eyes, itchy skin, ear irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea are common symptoms1235.

Q3. What can I do as a caregiver to prevent?

Control the time and place of walks

Thoroughly clean body, face, ears, and fur after walks

Washing and disinfecting bedding and toys frequently

Keep rooms clean and use air purifiers

Increase fluid intake68101416

Q4. Are masks for pets effective?

Masks may provide some relief, but they are not recommended for older dogs, obese dogs, or dogs with heart disease due to the risk of interfering with their sense of smell and respiratory distress.

Q5. What is the difference between human and pet allergies?

In humans, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes are common, while in pets, itchy skin, licking, scratching, and hair loss are more common5.

#petallergies #springallergyprevention #environmentalprotection #beingawareofparticulates #pethealth

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