How to Spot Seasonal Allergies in Arizona Pets

Spring is a beautiful season here in Mesa, Arizona. Unfortunately, this can also signal the beginning of allergy season for both people and animals. People often experience itchy eyes, sinus pressure, and sneezing, but pet allergies can manifest in multiple ways. Your pet may need a springtime veterinary visit if they display considerably itchy or severely inflamed skin.

At Curem Veterinary Care, we understand how pet allergies can substantially affect quality of life. This spring learning about seasonal allergies and how to identify them and find helpful tips to keep your pet comfortable.

Signs of Spring Pet Allergies

You may know what your allergies look like as the spring pollen counts rise, but our pets typically experience more skin-related issues than humans do.

Allergies in pets often manifest as:

• Itchy skin
• Biting, chewing, or licking excessively (especially the paws and underside)
• Shaking the head
• Hair loss
• Open sores or skin irritation
• A bad odor
• Irritated or watery eyes
• Red, painful, and/or smelly ears or skin

Pets with allergies can also have respiratory symptoms like sneezing or coughing, but these are less common than allergic skin or ear inflammation.

Helping Your Itching Pet

Seasonal allergies are not always avoidable, but there are definitely things that you can do to reduce your pet’s discomfort while awaiting an appointment with our veterinary team.

• Use prescription flea preventives. Fleas are a major cause of spring pet itching, and using effective flea control can help rule out this common issue.
• Give regular baths with gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo to remove allergens from the coat and skin. For allergy-prone pets, bathing several times a week can be helpful.
• Try foot soaks. Wiping or soaking your pet’s paws after outdoor activity can prevent allergens from being tracked indoors and remove them from the skin.
• Keep indoor air allergen-free by closing windows, using HEPA filters, and turning on the air conditioning when appropriate to reduce airborne allergens.
• Vacuum floors and furniture often to minimize dust mites and dander.
• Avoid perfumes and scented products that may exacerbate irritated skin.
• Consider omega fatty acid supplements to help improve skin health and reduce inflammation. Contact us for recommendations.
• Keep your pet’s coat short to help prevent allergens from getting trapped against their skin.
• Opt for fragrance-free, non-toxic household cleaners to avoid irritating your pet’s skin further.
• Consult us before using medicated products: Using over-the-counter remedies or homemade solutions without veterinary guidance can sometimes do more harm than good.

If your pet continues to be itchy despite your efforts, an appointment  to see our team at Curem Veterinary Care in Mesa, AZ is in order. We provide tailored solutions for managing pet allergies. From testing for environmental or food allergies to prescribing effective treatments, we’re here to help your pet get to feeling better.

Spring is a beautiful time of year. It can be a great time for your furry friend as well. Whether you need advice on  pet allergies, spring pet safety tips, or even information about springtime vaccines for pets, we’re here to help.  Together, we can help ensure your pet enjoys a comfortable and healthy spring season.