You know spring is here when the sneeze attacks begin. Have you noticed your cat or dog sneezing as well? Humans aren’t the only ones that suffer from seasonal allergies. Our furry friends are suffering right along with us. In addition to a visit to your vet, try these home remedies to help alleviate your pet’s symptoms:
Time Your Walks. Avoid walks when the pollen count is high, typically early morning and late afternoon. Keep an eye on your local weather pollen report and plan accordingly. It may help to avoid areas that are heavily wooded or densely populated with plants, as well as discouraging your pet from walking through areas with tall grass. When you get home, be sure to wipe your pet’s paws down with a cloth to remove additional debris that may exacerbate allergy symptoms.
Examine Your Home For Allergens. Pet allergies can be caused by a wide range of substances ranging from natural to manmade products. Grass, weeds, mold, mildew, dust, and fleas just to name a few. Cleaning products, perfumes, certain fabrics and rubber and plastic can also set off your pet’s allergies. Take stock of what in your home could potentially be causing your pet’s discomfort. It might be worth a try to switch to more natural cleaning products or trade your heavy drapes for easier to clean blinds to reduce the presence of dust and dander. Making these small changes can help reduce allergy symptoms for everyone in your home.
No Dust is a Must. Tackle your winter dust bunnies and clear the air in your home to help alleviate allergy symptoms. Pet parents already vacuum frequently, but it’s good to vacuum at least once a week when allergies are bothering your family. Be sure to wash bedding and toys that can easily collect dust and dander to reduce your pet's exposure to allergens. Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier can also help clear the air.
Supplements for Sniffles. Supplements rich in omega-3 such as fish oil are a great way to help with dry, itchy skin and other troublesome symptoms of seasonal allergies. For dogs and cats, you can put a few drops in their food daily following the dosage directions. You can also talk to your vet about switching up your pet’s food to see if that helps alleviate symptoms. There are also a wide variety of supplemental treats for cats and dogs alike. Just be sure to always discuss supplements with your veterinarian prior to use.
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from allergies, make sure to schedule a vet appointment at your earliest convenience, especially if you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s diet or behavior. While these treatments may help alleviate symptoms, it’s important to make sure that there is no other underlying illness causing your pet’s symptoms.
