Fall Pet Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
The same fall allergens that bring on the sneezing attacks and watery eyes in humans can also plague our pets, but don’t double up on the tissues just yet. Most seasonal allergies in pets manifest in the form of itchy, irritated skin.
At Bowman Veterinary Hospital, we treat allergy patients year round, and we’re here with helpful tips on allergy management for pets.
Common Fall Allergens in California
To everything there is a season, including common allergens that can impact pets and people. The following allergens tend to peak during the cooler months:
Weed pollen: Fall is the peak season for weed pollen in California, with ragweed, pigweed, and sagebrush topping the list of irritants.
Mold: Mold is always present, but when temperatures cool down and moisture gets trapped in rotting leaves, mold becomes particularly prevalent.
Dust mites: Staying indoors for longer periods—and dragging all of that fall and holiday décor out of storage—exposes our pets to dust mite allergies during the fall and winter.
Pet Allergy Symptoms to Watch For
The following behavior in your cat or dog could signal that they’re suffering from seasonal allergies:
- Excessive scratching and biting at their skin
- Crusty, irritated skin
- Bald patches
- Doing the boot scoot boogie
- Ear problems, including infections, waxy discharge, and foul odor
- Hair loss around muzzle
- Sneezing or wheezing
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Swollen, red feet
Treating Seasonal Allergies in Pets
The first thing to do if you suspect your pet has seasonal allergies is to schedule a veterinary appointment. Inflamed, irritated skin can quickly turn into an infection that requires treatment with prescription antibiotics.
After a thorough examination, we might suggest certain diagnostics to confirm the allergy diagnosis or pinpoint what is at the root of your pet’s discomfort. These tests include:
- Skin cultures and cytology to test for an infection or the presence of yeast and bacteria
- Allergy testing (skin)
- Antibody testing (bloodwork)
Allergy treatment options include:
- Topical creams
- Steroids
- Oral medications
- Injections
- Prescription diets
More Tips on Allergy Management for Pets
In addition to medical treatments, there are things you can do at home to help mitigate pet allergy symptoms:
- Use parasite prevention year round to protect your pet from fleas, which trigger allergies in pets.
- Wipe off your pet’s paws and fur after outdoor excursions. Use grooming wipes made just for pets or a damp cloth.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may offer some relief from itchy, irritated skin.
- Give your dog regular baths using pet shampoos that contain oatmeal, which has a soothing effect on the skin.
- Vacuum frequently, and keep your pet’s bedding clean.
- Limit your pet’s outdoor exposure on days when pollen counts are particularly high.
We Take Pet Allergy Symptoms Seriously
Fall pet allergies can make our pets extremely uncomfortable, but there are plenty of options available that can help. Contact us today to schedule a visit for your pet