4 fall pet allergies and how to treat them

Cats and dogs aren’t immune to the itchy slings and painful arrows of Mother Nature. Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. Read on to learn which allergies pet parents should be aware of this fall, how to recognize the symptoms, and how you can help your four-legged friend feel better. Importance of recognizing and addressing pet allergies Enhanced quality of life Recognizing and addressing pet allergies can significantly improve your pet's quality of life. Allergic reactions can cause discomfort, itching , inflammation, and even pain in pets. Prevention of secondary infections Untreated allergies can lead to secondary skin infections , ear infections , and other health complications in pets. Scratching or licking affected areas can break the skin's barrier, making pets more susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections. Addressing allergies promptly helps prevent these secondary issues and reduces the need for additional medical intervention. Minimization of discomfort Allergic reactions can cause significant discomfort for pets, affecting their mood , behavior, and daily activities. Constant itching, scratching, and discomfort can lead to stress, anxiety , and behavioral changes in pets. Recognizing and addressing allergies helps minimize discomfort, allowing pets to lead happier, more comfortable lives. Prevention of long-term damage Chronic allergies left untreated can result in long-term damage to the skin, ears, and immune system of pets. Continuous scratching or chewing can lead to self-inflicted injuries, hair loss, and thickening of the skin. Addressing allergies early helps prevent these long-term consequences and preserves your pet's overall health! What causes fall pet allergies? Seasonal allergies in cats and dogs tend to manifest as atopic dermatitis, AKA atopy, a skin condition marked by itching and inflammation. Respiratory symptoms can occur as well. Here are the major pet allergens to be aware of this fall: Pollen allergies Plants, trees, and grasses produce pollen grains in order to fertilize other plants. That’s great for the circle of life, but it can wreak havoc on canine and feline immune systems. (Human ones, too.) From August to November, ragweed is the primary pollen pest. Common symptoms of pollen allergies How to defend against pollen allergies The most important thing is to avoid exposure. That's easier said than done, of course. But you'll minimize your pet’s exposure to pollen if you limit their time outdoors during allergy season, especially during high-pollen days. (Weather services often forecast pollen counts, so it's easy enough to look it up.) Also important to know: Ragweed pollen levels are at their highest in the morning through the mid-afternoon. If you're worried about allergies, late afternoons and evenings are the best times for your pet to be outside for longer stretches. Dust mite allergies These eight-legged arthropods can find their way onto your pup’s skin, or even get inhaled directly into their lungs. They’re also microscopic, so you won’t see it happening. (Yikes!) Dust mites tend to be most common between May and October. Common symptoms of dust mite allergies How to defend against dust mite allergies Dust mites thrive in, well, dust. That means a clean home is your pet’s best friend during the fall allergy season. Stick to a regular cleaning schedule, and consider deploying a damp microfiber cloth to target dust. A standard dry cloth can simply disperse dust into the air without actually removing it from your home. Vacuuming and thorough carpet or rug cleaning can also work wonders. You should also pay attention to your home’s temperature and humidity levels. Dust mites don't fare as well in temperatures under 70° Fahrenheit or under lower humidity (less than 50%, ideally). Dehumidifiers, fans, and air conditioners can help. Oh, and be sure to pay close attention to your pet’s stuff — and to your pet, for that matter. You should bathe a dog at least weekly, ideally with an anti-allergen shampoo. (You can do the same for a cat if you think they’re at risk, even if you’re not used to giving your feline friend baths .) You can also stave off dust mites by regularly washing your pet’s bedding; several brands even make anti-allergen laundry detergents . Mold allergies Mold thrives in wet and rotting leaves, so mold allergies are particularly prevalent in the fall. Mold uses spores to multiply. These spores can easily stick to your pet’s skin or find their way into your pet’s respiratory system. Common symptoms of mold allergies How to defend against mold allergies Your best bet is to keep mold spores from clinging to your furry friend’s coat or skin. You can accomplish this by wiping your pet with a damp cloth after they’ve been outside or even giving them a bath. Also, try to keep them away from any damp or humid areas of your home where mold can grow, like your basement or garage. Flea allergies Fleas tend to be out in force from roughly July through October. These maddening critters can cause several different health conditions. One of them is flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), a severe allergic reaction to a flea’s saliva. FAD can cause serious skin problems. Common symptoms of flea allergies How to defend against flea allergies First of all, you should use flea prevention medication year-round. (Even though fleas are more prevalent in certain months, they can live and reproduce indoors all year.) Both topical and oral preventative flea medications are available without a prescription. Since fleas often thrive inside, some enthusiastic indoor cleaning can go a long way. Wash your pet’s bedding (and yours!) with warm water and detergent. Vacuum your rugs, carpets, and furniture with gusto and regularity. And when you empty the contents of your vacuum cleaner, make sure to do it outside. If you want to get really aggressive, you can even use flea spray on rugs, carpets and furniture. Can my vet test for pet allergies? They sure can. There are two types of allergy tests that vets can use for dogs and cats: How to treat your pet's allergies If prevention and precaution haven’t proven effective, it’s time to take more aggressive measures. A number of different treatments can help alleviate or cure your pet’s allergy symptoms. Don't forget: You should always, always, always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet allergy pills . Dosing requirements vary based on your pet’s weight and other factors. Then there are the big guns: How pet insurance can help Pet insurance is designed to reimburse you for unexpected medical expenses, including allergy treatments. With the rising costs of veterinary care, having pet insurance can alleviate financial burdens and ensure pets receive prompt medical attention when needed. Get a ManyPets quote today !

4 fall pet allergies and how to treat them

Content

Can dogs get yeast infections on their paws?

How to help a dog gain weight

Understanding dog joint pain and conditions: A guide to prevention, treatment, and supplements

David Teich

How does pet insurance work?

How dog walking can help your mental health

How to help my overweight dog lose weight without surgery

How is dog & cat leg nerve damage treated?

Cat adoption: a quick guide + tips

Products

Resources

Company

Follow us

Country