Spring is a wonderful time of year, or at least it is if you’re not an allergy sufferer! Whilst we humans suffer from sneezing and sniffing thanks to allergens, our pet’s allergies take the form of skin irritation or inflammation.
If your cat or dog seems itchy at only certain times of year, they may be reacting to seasonal, environmental allergens.
Severe itching can quickly lead to ‘hotspots’, an area of red, infected and inflamed skin caused by bacteria.
What are the symptoms?
- Scratching or biting at their fur
- Red, irritated and inflamed skin
- Hair loss and excess shedding
- Compulsive paw licking
- Scratching at the ears or head shaking
- Coughing or wheezing (mainly seen in cats)
- Puffy eyes
Treatment of allergies
We will need to diagnose and identify the cause of the allergic reaction.
With certain skin allergies there may be no cure and treatment will most likely concentrate on managing the symptoms long term with medication.
There may be preventative steps you can also take as an owner to help an allergy-suffering pet. Taking walks when the pollen count is low, avoiding meadows or long grass, washing off paws and coats after a walk and hoovering the house regularly could help to reduce exposure.
As ever, if you have any queries about your pet’s health, please call us on 01435 864422.
Heathfield Vets – Quality Care with a Friendly Face
