That Dreaded Word...... ALLERGIES! March 02 2015

Allergies = Boo! Prevention & Treatment are key for your pet.

Spring is a common time for allergy symptoms to start showing up in your pet, but did you know some pets only have Fall or Winter allergies? Also dogs and cats exhibit allergies in different ways-- some show watery eyes and sneezing, but others just scratch and scratch or get ear infections. It can be hard to know if an allergy (and what kind!) is causing your pet’s symptoms, so here are a few tips:

• Pollen = symptoms usually start showing in Spring and include chewing at the feet, constant licking of the inside leg and groin, face rubbing, ear infections or inflamed ears, and hot spots

• Ragweed = symptoms usually start in the Fall and include chewing at the feet, constant licking of the inside leg and groin, face rubbing, ear infections or inflamed ears, and hot spots

• Dust = symptoms are worse in the Winter when you’re spending more time indoors, and include chewing at the feet, constant licking of legs, belly, elbows, feet, face rubbing, and hot spots

• Contact Dermatitis = symptoms are worse when exposed to carpets, cleaning products, or plastic items, and include red itchy bumps or blisters on areas with little fur. You may also see intense scratching and hair loss on the belly, feet, or muzzle.

• Food = allergies to food can also show up in addition to environmental allergies. Symptoms include: Itching around the face, paws, legs, and butt. Yeasty ear infections are more common over mites or bacteria. Also skin infections caused by food allergies respond to antibiotics, but then recur as soon as the antibiotics stop.

As pets get older it is common for allergies to become worse, so prevention is the best method of treatment. If you know when your dog or cat’s scratching and chewing start, reach for our Deodorizer/Allergy Spray for fast relief and to keep the fur and skin from becoming red and irritated. This spray can be applied all over the body and will help with red bumps, dander, and scratching.

For dogs with pesky hot spots, have a bottle of Hot Spots/Wound Spray on hand to quickly target the inflammation and stinging/itching sensation. This spray contains a thicker oil and is made for more localized use. It will help promote scabbing and tissue growth of the raw skin. You can also use this spray in between the paw pads and toes for treatment as well.  

For irritating ear infections caused by yeast or mites, our Ear Cleaner Spray will help clear up the infection and prevent future infections, so you can start using this product at any time. It’s gentle and won’t burn or irritate the ears, but will help with redness, brown waxy discharge, and smell. All of these products are non-toxic, safe to lick, and can be used as often as needed!  

Hopefully with these few tips you can help with those inevitable, yearly allergies!

If you are unsure on the type of allergy your pet has, there are several tests available that certain vet clinics can perform. To read more on these visit this site.