Spring is here! And so are allergies...

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Spring has finally arrived to the Raleigh area and along with warmer days and hopes for a tan it has brought a host of allergies. While my days of walking dogs at All Breed Care are filled with longer and sunnier walks, too often my evenings are now accompanied by an itchy face, stuffy nose, and the general exhaustion of allergy season. However, I am not alone.  As many pet owners know, animals can suffer from allergies too. While we humans struggle to adapt to the sheen of yellow that now coats our surroundings, many pets are too. In fact, throughout my years around animals, I continue to run into more cases of allergies, frequently found in purebred dogs. Worried that your pup might be suffering from some seasonal foes? While allergies can manifest in many ways, some common symptoms include:

• Runny eyes
• Constant scratching or gnawing at skin and paws often leading to “hotspots”: irritated areas of the skin prone to infection
• Ear problems (infection, irritation, increased redness)
• Sneezing
• Raw or pink snout or eyes
• Itchy scabby bumps on the skin

   

 

Allergies can be easily treated with Benadryl, a prescription antihistamine, or steroids. However it is important that your vet assess your beloved animal to determine if allergies are indeed the cause. If you suffer from allergies, you know the drain they can place on your day. Unfortunately our pets can feel the same! The vet can perform a simple skin test to determine what your pet is allergic to and help develop a plan of action. Like humans, some common allergies include:

•    Pollen
•   Ragweed
•   Mold/mildew
•   Grass
•    Dust mites
•    Fleas
•   House hold cleaning products
•    Food

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Of course, there are a variety of other allergens, and each pet may differ in their reaction. But as playtime outside gets longer and the days remain warmer it is always nice to be aware of the small things that can affect our pets day-to-day happiness. After all it is the little things that count!

By Chelsey Dyer