Many of us enjoy the autumn air, but not everyone has a good time. For some, this weather can cause discomfort, and not only for people, but also for our pets, especially if they are sensitive to certain environmental factors, such as dust, autumn pollen, mold, among others, affecting their well-being.
Is your dog scratching more than usual? Is your cat sneezing often or does it have watery eyes? This could be a sign of a seasonal allergy.
In this #PetTuesday we tell you how to recognize the symptoms and what to do to help your furry friend.
First, why does autumn cause allergies in our furry friends?
Because some allergens in the environment increase, especially if they already have a predisposition to allergic reactions:
- Accumulation of wet or dry leaves: they can contain mold or mites
- Temperature changes: makes the skin more sensitive
- Higher environmental humidity: proliferation of fungi
- Dust inside the house: by having the windows closed for longer, dust accumulates inside the house favoring more allergies
What are some symptoms of these seasonal allergies?
- Itching and frequent scratching
- Redness or inflammation of the skin
- Watery eyes, sneezing or nasal discharge
- Continuously licking paws
- Dry cough
- Skin or ear infections
- Weakness
If your furry friend shows any of these symptoms, the most important thing is to go to the vet for a correct diagnosis since some of these may be similar to food reactions or other diseases.
The veterinarian may request skin or blood tests to detect allergies, medications to relieve symptoms such as antihistamines or creams, changes in the routine or home environment, specific shampoos or soaps for sensitive skin.
What can you do at home to take care of your furry friend?
- In the yard, avoid accumulations of leaves
- Clean their paws and fur when returning from walks
- Ventilate the inside of the house to avoid concentration of allergens
- Keep their bed clean and dry to avoid humidity and mites
- Bathe your furry friend with hypoallergenic products, if the vet approves
Autumn is a special time to share walks and games, you just need to be attentive to any change in the behavior or appearance of our furry friends.
Being attentive is a sign of affection and love.