Seasonal Allergies (also called Hay Fever) are very common. There are more than 3 million US Cases per year – and it affects pets too! Our pet sitting services want to inform you of how seasonal allergies may affect your pet.
Most of us use an over-the-counter allergy medicine. However, a primary care doctor or clinician, or an allergy specialist, can provide an official allergy diagnosis. And to do so, they will typically recommend an allergy test.
What causes seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies, like other types of allergies, develop when your body’s immune system detects and then overreacts to a foreign substance it thinks is harmful. And the symptoms you experience like sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose are your immune system’s way of fighting off the invader.
Pollen is a common cause of seasonal allergies. It is a powdery substance produced by trees, grasses and weeds as part of their reproductive cycle. Many TV Weather stations now report on the pollen count in your area to help you navigate your allergies.
Mold appears as black, white or green splotches on damp surfaces such as soil, fallen wet leaves and plants.
Common seasonal allergy signs and symptoms include:
- Itchy, watery or red eyes
- Circles under eyes
- Itchy mouth, nose or throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Drainage from the nose down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)
- Temporary loss of smell
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Dry cough
- Tiredness (due to difficulty sleeping from other symptoms)
- Scratchy or sore throat (rarely)
- Snoring (due to congestion)
Do seasonal Allergies affect my pets?
Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause an atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis, which we sometimes see during our pet sitting services. In most cases, these allergies are seasonal, so you may only notice your dog itching during certain times of the year. As with food allergies, the most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears (but also include the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, and in between the toes).
All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment.
We care about you and your pets. Contact Our Pet Sitting Services!
Check us out for your pet care needs and pet sitting services at InsideandOutPetCareLLC.com.
OR call us at 970-297-8689