The South is in full bloom. The air is filled with the sweet scent of honey, flowers...and pollen. As beautiful as spring can be, with its nice weather and vibrant colors, for many people (and pets!) spring also means dreaded allergies.
With summer at our doorstep, now is the perfect time to embark on a thorough spring cleaning journey to ensure your home is allergy-friendly for you and your pets alike!
Pets can suffer from allergies.
Just like humans, animals can have allergies, too. Some pets may have obvious symptoms and many can be similar to those of humans with allergies. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Sneezing and/or a snotty nose
- Watery or dirty eyes
- Itching and scratching
- Skin irritation and/or hair loss
Other pets with allergies may be harder to diagnose* with less common symptoms that can be mistaken for behavioral issues or general sickness:
- Digestive issues including vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and gas
- Ear infections. Look out for ear scratching or shaking of the head.
- Labored breathing. If the allergies are severe, pets may breathe louder, wheeze or pant.
- Paw licking or chewing as a result of allergies sticking to their paws and bothering them.
Now that we’ve identified potential allergies**, let’s focus on how to minimize the exposure. To help you and your pet stay comfortable this season, our team is sharing some tips for an allergy-friendly spring.
*If your pet shows symptoms of feeling unwell, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian.
**Even if your pet doesn’t show signs of allergies, following these steps can’t hurt.
Keep your pet clean.
For people dealing with allergies, it is recommended to shower and wash your hair before bed. This is because hair can collect a significant amount of pollen throughout the day. The same applies to dogs and cats. Bathing your dog more regularly may help them battle allergies.
Thankfully, furry animals have a natural way of dealing with the season: shedding!
You can help your pet by frequent brushing and regular grooming. This in turn helps keep your house cleaner by preventing loose fur from gathering around your home. It may be worth turning to a professional grooming service to give your pet the thorough cleaning (and perhaps haircut) needed to reduce allergens.
Keep your house clean.
Even a home that’s regularly cleaned can house a lot of allergens. Carpets, rugs, couches and pet's beds can become inundated with dust mites and pollen. Frequently vacuuming and dusting, combined with changing bedsheets and washing dog or cat beds, blankets and toys, is essential. If possible, use hypoallergenic laundry detergent to prevent any skin irritations for you and your pet, and use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
Keep the air clean.
If cleaning your house and your pet isn’t enough to make the hayfever season bearable, it may be time to clean your air ducts and HVAC filters. Over time, dust, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate here. Regular cleaning and replacement of air filters can prevent allergens from circulating throughout your home. Consider hiring a professional to clean your air ducts for maximum results.
A bonus option for clean air in your home is an air purification system, ideally with a HEPA filter. These little devices can be relatively inexpensive and will improve the air quality in your home while removing airborne contaminants and allergens. This can be a helpful way to relieve allergy symptoms for you and your pet.
Talk to a veterinarian.
If your pet suffers from allergies, it’s always a good idea to contact your veterinarian. A trained professional will be best equipped to identify the type of allergy and recommend a strategy. It may be necessary to put your pet on allergy medication, but not without consulting your veterinarian.
Animal Clinic of Woodruff hopes that these tips help you and your pet deal with the allergies of the upstate this spring. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
