When it's
allergy season for you, it's also allergy season for your pets. Your pets can
be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, certain foods -- even fleas or dander from
other animals.
When your
pets suffer from allergies, they can experience excessive itching or licking,
particularly of the paws or the anus. They may even experience coughing,
sneezing or runny eyes.
Your pets
don't have to suffer through the season. There are many home remedies and
medications that can help alleviate your pet's allergies and relieve symptoms.
Here are a few you can try:
Soothing Baths
Many pet
shampoos are formulated to soothe itchy skin and relieve allergy symptoms.
Oatmeal shampoo is particularly helpful for relieving itch and reducing inflammation.
If you don't want to buy the special blend, you can simply add a cup of oatmeal
(uncooked) to your dog's bath water. Let the shampoo or the mix rest on your
dog's skin for at least 10 minutes.
Simply
washing your pet regularly can also help to relieve allergy symptoms by keeping
the coat clear of allergens. Any pet shampoo can do the job!
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| Photo Credit: beckeranimalhospital.com |
Hair Cuts
Long hair
helps to trap dander, pollens, and other allergens close to the skin. It is
also harder to keep clean. Trim hair regularly for easier maintenance and to
keep skin clear of potential allergens.
Keeping hair
trimmed also makes it easier to keep out fleas, which can cause an allergic
reaction themselves or can break the skin with their bites, leaving it more
vulnerable to other allergens.
Healthy Diet
Many
commercially available pet foods are full of potential allergens, including
wheat, corn, and additives. If you notice that your pet is experiencing
allergies, determine if food is the culprit by trying an elimination diet.
Choose a different brand of pet food that is free of known allergens and that
is all natural and does not contain chemicals or additives. If your pet’s
allergies clear up, diet was likely the cause.
Even if the
food you buy is not the cause of the allergies, switching to a healthier brand
of pet food may still help relieve the symptoms of other allergies. Foods that
are rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin C, healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids, and
bioflavanoids can all help to relieve allergy symptoms.
Topical Treatments
Many of the
same over-the-counter treatments that can work for you can work for your pet
(though you may have to purchase a salve that’s made especially for your pet).
Anti-inflammatory creams, ointments, and witch hazel can all provide relief.
Antihistamines like
Benadryl can also combat an allergic reaction.
Talk to your
vet to find out the proper dosage of these treatments for your pet, or to find
out if you need to buy a similar product that is specially designed with your
pet’s needs in mind.
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| Photo Credit: habitatboise.com |
Holistic Treatment
Acupressure
and Chinese herbs can offer your pet relief from allergies and a number of
other illnesses. You can learn the acupressure points yourself to offer your
pet some relief at home, or you can find a practitioner that specializes in
providing care for pets. Chinese herbs can be ordered online, or you can find a
practitioner with training in treating pets to create a special blend suited
for your pet’s particular needs.
Of course,
your vet can likely prescribe some medication to treat your pet’s allergies and
to provide relief for symptoms like itchy, burning skin. If you can’t in to see
your vet right away, or you’d like to offer your pet some non-medicated relief,
these treatments may help. Try offering your pet soothing baths, experiment
with diet, and offer holistic treatment. Soon your pet will stop itching and
start loving the outdoors again!
Audrey Porterman is the main researcher and
writer for doctoralprograms.org. Her most recent accomplishment includes
graduating from Ohio State, with a degree in business management. Her current
focus for the site involves doctoral
degree programs and sociology
phd programs.
