When it comes to allergies, your furry friends’ might not be the first to spring to mind, but it’s quite common for our pets to suffer from allergies too.
If you notice your pet is scratching themselves, sneezing more than normal, licking their paws, or shedding more than before, it might be down to an allergy.
Thankfully, there’s lots of help at hand to deal with nasty pet allergies. Check out our tips for spotting the signs - and what you can do to help.
What causes allergy symptoms in our pets?
Did you know? Your pet may be exposed to allergens through insect bites, food, pollen or even (as most of our pet pals do daily!) from brushing up against or lying down on a particular surface.
Symptoms to look out for
Whilst humans with allergies tend to sneeze, our dogs tend to itch. If your pup has red, irritated skin and is constantly licking at their paws, they may be allergic to something in their environment or food.
Both dogs and cats show similar signs that they've been struck down with allergies, with most symptoms affecting their skin. Here’s a few of the key things to look out for:
Excessive scratching
Red, inflamed, or infected skin
Excessive shedding
Compulsive paw licking in dogs
Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears
Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing (more common in cats)
Treatment and Prevention
The good news is there are a few simple changes to your pet’s routine that can help them with allergy irritation, so you can try some of the below:
Regular flea treatments and baths, which will ensure your furry friend's skin won’t be irritated by fleas. A flea comb and Itch Relief Shampoo should do the trick. Just make sure that you’re using shampoos that are made for pets, as some products made for humans can cause more irritation.
Anti-itch treatments are a great option, and should provide some relief to any pup that’s struggling with itchy skin. One of our faves is the Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo.
Did you know that your pet’s bedding should be washed once per week? Washing your pet's bedding and toys regularly keeps them clean and allergen-free. Use a pet-friendly detergent to eliminate allergens and any unwanted odours - just make sure you dry everything completely before returning it to your pet's sleeping area.
Wipe down their coat and paws. A quick wipe down of your pet pal’s coat, skin, and paws each time they return from walkies will help remove excess pollen (we all know a full bath isn't always possible!). You might find that pets with thicker fur can get pollen stuck in their hair, so make sure to give them a good brush down, or use a damp cloth or a fragrance-free grooming wipe like our Flea & Tick wipes for Dogs.
Consider making some diet changes. Introducing natural treats into your pet’s diet, like our Real Meat Treats, can reduce the chances of triggering any food allergies. Our Natural Real Meat treats are also gluten and grain free, which can often cause reactions in our pets.
For further advice and top tips, keep an eye on our blog page and follow our social media channels @RosewoodPet.
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