A high pollen count can trigger allergies in your beloved cat or dog just as much as it can in you. Yes, pets may struggle with allergic reactions just as humans do. How can we eliminate or decrease a pet’s exposure to pollen?

A little furry friend can be more sensitive to all the pollen in the spring and summer. If they are outdoors a lot, then in the grass and sniffing all over, think about it. Their nasal passages and respiratory systems get more of it than us two-legged creatures probably do. If your pet is troubled by the allergies and pollen, how do you know and how can you to treat it?

What to Watch For

Keep an eye out for a lot of licking, biting and scratching. Unlike humans, dogs and cats won’t sneeze or cough excessively when they are allergic to pollen. They lick, bite and scratch themselves a whole lot. That’s since pollen falls on their fur, ears and the pads on their paws. The pollen gets into the skin at those areas. Sensitive canines and cats try to soothe themselves by licking, chewing and scratching those impacted areas. Too much of this for a period of time can cause hair loss, scabbing and infections.

Hives

When exposed to irritants, people get breakouts and hives. This can happen to dogs as well. Hives can form anywhere on the skin. It’s easier to see them on places like the stomach and legs. Dogs may get bumps or raised tufts of hair in multiple locations on the body from exposure to pollen or other allergens. Dogs with hives might have elevated bumps for days or weeks.

Puffy Eyes

Red, puffy eyes are a common sign of allergic reactions in humans. While pets are affected by these symptoms as often, some dogs will show this indication. Hair loss around the eyes is another sign to look for. One or both eyes might be troubled.

Eye Discharge

Watery eye discharge is a common sign and symptom of environmental allergic reactions in dogs and cats. This indicator might be the only indicator related to eyes or might be seen along with eye puffiness or soreness. Sometimes the discharge might be pus-like as well as have a brownish or yellow color to it.

Red, Stinky Ears

Allergens such as plant pollen can affect the skin and create inflammation in ears. This can lead to red, inflamed ears that are infected. This will bring about smelly, stinky ears that are very red and irritated. Some dogs may just have moderate pain or may not show extremely reddened or smelly ears. Instead, a dog might exhibit milder head shaking initially.

Head Shaking

Cats and dogs may shake their head repeatedly because of the pain or discomfort in their ears. If you notice this, or a pet not wanting to be touched or petted on the head, it could be an allergy problem. Head shaking or scratching can be an indicator of itchiness in the ears, or a sign of discomfort due to puffy ears or an infection.

Can Dogs be Affected by Pollen?

Yes, dogs can have allergies to pollen. Pets may be in close contact with pollen a bunch simply by touching plants with their face or feet. However, they could additionally breathe in pollen in the air. In either case, a pollen allergy – both in pets and people – is an immune system’s response to certain particulates.

How You Can Help Them

A vet visit is the most effective strategy. Here are some preventatives and solutions you can try at home.

Wipe your dog’s or cat’s coat and paws with a wet towel to get rid of pollen and dander numerous times a day.

Give your pet a bath in a hypo-allergenic shampoo and leave in a conditioner. You can treat your pet’s fur with a spray that contains oatmeal and aloe.

Give your pet fish oil tablets or treats. The omega-3 fats they include can reduce inflammation which lowers reactions to allergens.

You can give allergy medication like Benadryl. Make sure you do this under the counsel of a vet as the dosages for human beings are different than the dosages for dogs or cats.

How to Stop Allergic Reactions in Dogs

To reduce your dog’s exposure to pollen throughout the high pollen times of the year, try these ideas:

Prior to going outside, use a spray that includes oatmeal and aloe vera to protect a dog’s hair. After the walk, get rid of pollen that might have clung to your pet’s paws and fur with a towel or wipe.

Immediately treat any kind of inflammation. Give your pet a bath with a hypo-allergenic shampoo for inflamed skin. Remove any unclean or clumped hair from your pet.

Natural Solutions for Pet Allergies

There are many all-natural care solutions for your dog or cat that are excellent to have at hand during the pollen season.

Coconut oil – Coconut oil’s anti-bacterial properties reduce the pain of itchy skin. Used along with fish oil, it can decrease allergic actions your pet may have to pollen.

Aloe vera – You want to use it in gel form. Aloe vera has inflammatory and soothing qualities. It can help treat a pet just like it does for you.

Apple cider vinegar – It is very efficient at cleaning pollen and other stuff off of paws.

Thyme – A mix including thyme cools down skin infections and is ideal for paws.

Fish oil and turmeric extract — Anti-inflammatory supplements like these might benefit your pet. Be sure to consult with your vet before trying any one of these or another natural therapies.

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