Spring is in the Air! Don’t Let Pets' Allergies Put a Damper on the Season

March 20 marks the first day of spring, which conjures up thoughts of longer, warmer days spent outside. For many, spring also means the start of seasonal allergies, full of itchy eyes and runny noses. It turns out that while the symptoms might look a little different, pets can suffer from allergies just like their people.  

As we leap into the spring months, Best Friends Animal Society is sharing information and advice for those with pets suffering from allergies. While most pets’ allergies present similar symptoms – skin redness, itchiness, hair loss, repeated skin and ear infections – it's important to understand the root cause of each type and how best to treat them. 

Environmental: Like humans, pets can be predisposed to an elevated immune response to allergens in the environment, such as grass and pollen. In mild cases, this can be treated with moisturizing and calming oatmeal shampoo to remove allergens in the fur and a daily fatty acid supplement to help with inflammation and support a healthier skin barrier. In moderate to severe cases, prescription topical or oral medication from a veterinarian may be needed.

Flea: Flea Allergy Dermatitis is a common allergy in pets and can cause chronic itchiness (for people, as well as pets!). Many pet owners are familiar with fleas but aren’t aware that a bite from just one small flea may cause extreme and prolonged itching for pets that are allergic. In addition to trying the same soothing skin treatments that you would for seasonal allergies, making sure your pet is up-to-date on flea medication is a crucial step in keeping these critters at bay.

Food: Also similar to their human family members, pets can be allergic to specific foods. While gastrointestinal symptoms are common with food allergies, they may show up as skin issues only. These types of food allergies can be treated similarly to seasonal allergies, but the most important thing is to identify the root cause. Many veterinarians will recommend an elimination diet, which requires implementing a diet with novel or limited ingredients for multiple weeks to identify what's causing the allergy. 

In addition to the above treatments, many pet food brands offer specially formulated products that promote healthy skin. For example, Blue Buffalo offers BLUE True Solutions for both dogs and cats, which is made with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and is clinically proven to support healthy skin. 

Any time a pet exhibits significant itchiness or skin issues that are affecting their quality of life, it’s time to schedule an exam with a veterinarian to determine cause and discuss treatment. While pet allergies can be frustrating for owners, allergy treatment for pets has come a long way in recent years, giving owners lots of options to help manage symptoms and root causes.  

For more information and expert pet advice, please visit bestfriends.org.