It is springtime! An exciting time for everyone. Your dog is probably extra excited to go on a spring walk. Eat a little grass or roll in the grass, play in a puddle or two and have some springtime fun! With that said, every season has its peaks and valleys. We think you will agree that spring allergies are a valley that must be managed diligently. Whether it is you or your pet who experiences seasonal allergies, preparation is at the top of your list.
Other than the use of allergy medications, which can be helpful for some animals, you need to go a step further and allergy-proof your home and your cat or dog. Allergy-proof your pet? Yes, it sounds a little odd; it is true.
Your pet needs a seasonal healthcare plan. This will help you better understand their needs and when to make adjustments. Do your pets experience itchy skin in the winter or spring? Are underlying food sensitivities exacerbating your pet’s springtime allergies? We thought we would share a few pet health tips for spring allergies. Keep in mind there is no exact cure for allergies. But with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, an allergy-free life is possible.
Here are a few pet health tips for spring allergies:
- Diet & Nutrition: This is a great place to start! Sometimes pets can develop allergies over time to a food they have been eating. Updating your pet’s food when a new season starts is a great way to see how they are responding to the food you are currently feeding them. During the winter, you may have to add food or supplements that help to alleviate dry skin. Now that it is spring, they do not need it anymore. You can replace it with another food or supplement.
- Spring Cleaning: Rainy spring weather brings with it mold and mildew. Be sure to clean pet bedding, blankets, and carpets. Extra vacuuming will be in order since your pet will shed its winter coat. Do not forget to dry your pet with a towel when you come in from rainy walks.
- Look for Symptoms: Keeping a pet health journal will help you track symptoms as they happen. You might note common symptoms each season. Common pet allergy symptoms are itchy skin, runny nose, hair loss, skin irregularities, respiratory congestion, and eye irritation. There are other symptoms that we have not mentioned as well. Write down your pet’s symptoms and inform your vet on your next visit. Trust your gut. It is easy to brush off symptoms that can lead to other chronic conditions.
- Natural Remedies for Spring Allergies: Try essential oils (aromatherapy for pets). Omega-3 and other anti-inflammatory pet-friendly supplements could help. Natural shampoos and oils like coconut oil can be helpful. In addition, make homemade nutrient-dense pet food, particularly for a pet with food sensitivities. Sometimes other underlying conditions can make seasonal pet allergies worse. For example, gluten sensitivity can cause congestion. So, if your pet has a pollen allergy and is eating an allergen like gluten, it will be hard to alleviate symptoms.
