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- Did you know that your pets can struggle with allergies too?
- These can be triggered by pollen, dust mites, mould spores and more.
- Veterinary Dr Guy Fyvie shares signs to look out for and what you can do to ease your pet's symptoms.
When allergy season rolls around, we often think about our own sniffles and sneezes, but did you know that your pets can be plagued by allergies, too?
Environmental allergies can be just as frustrating for dogs and cats, Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor from Hill's Pet Nutrition, explains in a press statement.
Your pet's allergies can easily be triggered by the world around them – pollen, dust mites, mould spores and more. But there are simple changes you can make to help ease your pet's symptoms.
What to look out for
A dog suffering from allergies may display the following behaviours: constant scratching, licking or rubbing of the skin, which could indicate an underlying condition. Picking up signs in cats can be a bit trickier, though, as they are “masters of disguise,” as the Dr Fyvie's press release puts it. Allergies in dogs and cats will most commonly manifest as skin changes, unlike humans, who can show symptoms like a runny nose or watery eyes.
Look out for these common symptoms of skin problems in both dogs and cats:
-Itching, scratching, licking, or rubbing (this is the first sign that sometimes goes unnoticed)
-Paw licking
-Flaky or scaly skin patches
-Red patches, spots, or pimples
-Scabs, crusts, or thickened skin
-Hair loss
-A not-so-pleasant skin odour
Dr Fyvie advises the following for an all-round happier pet:
Vet visits
Schedule an appointment with your vet if you suspect your dog or cat may suffer from allergies.
Pet's bed and blanket
Keep your pet's bedding clean by washing it often. This will help prevent dust build-up, which could cause allergic reactions. Be sure to use a mild detergent and rinse their bedding properly.
Chill baths
Bathing your dog with cool water can be great to calm itchy skin. Find a pet-friendly hypoallergenic brand or medicated shampoo. And if you send your dog to a parlour, ensure they're using products that will not agitate your pet's skin.
Spend windy days indoors
The wind can stir up pollen, which is not great for sensitive skin. “Your pet's skin health is key to their overall well-being. Proper bathing, regular coat and skin examinations and annual vet check-ups are a great way to help prevent skin problems flaring up and to keep your pet happy and healthy, always,” says Dr Fyvie.
Source: Distributed by Republic PR
