With the UK enjoying a hot spring, and temperature continuing to climb, so too is the pollen count which can dampen the summer mood – both for people and their pets.
PDSA vets, together with PDSA Pet Insurance, are reminding pet owners that furry family members can suffer from pollen allergies too and the symptoms to look out for as the weather heats up.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Gemma Renwick, comments: “Just like humans, pets can also suffer from pollen allergies, such as hay fever. As the summer months tend to bring with them a rise in the pollen count, it’s important to recognise common symptoms of hay fever or allergies in your pets. Moving from spring to summer, we see a rise in the grass pollens as well as tree pollens, so you may find your pet affected differently as the seasons go on.
“Whilst hayfever in humans often looks like a runny nose, watery eyes, or shortness of breath, these symptoms are much less common in pets. Signs your pet may have hayfever or allergies to things like pollen are more likely to include; licking or biting their paws, lots of scratching and red or sore looking skin – especially around their ears, eyes, between their pads on their feet, or on their tummy.
“Your pet may also appear tired or lethargic, or constantly shake their head and rub their ears or muzzle. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet to rule out other health issues and get their advice about treating for allergies.
“It can be difficult to find out exactly what is causing your pet’s allergy. However, if it’s worse in summer and improves in winter, pollen may be part of the problem. Here are five ways that you can help your pet if they are struggling with hayfever:
Clean bedding
“Make sure your pet’s bedding is washed and hoovered weekly as this will help remove any pollen that has built up from their trips outside during the week.
Flea control
“Make sure your pet’s flea control is kept up to date, as regardless of the cause of their allergies, irritating fleas will only make them itchier. Although it may be tempting to create a home remedy when your pet is in pain, never give them medication without a prescription. This can be dangerous in the wrong doses, or for certain species.
Check the weather
“When it comes to hayfever, prevention is often better than cure, so limit your dog’s exposure to pollen in the first place. If you’re planning to venture outside, first check the pollen forecast for the day and plan your walks before dawn or early in the evening as the pollen count may be lower at these times.
Keep them on a lead
“While we know dogs love to play in the grass, this can lead to their fur becoming covered in pollen, causing hours of misery later in the day. Keeping your pup on a lead near grass and wiping their fur with a damp cloth, particularly their paws and muzzle, after every walk will help remove any tiny traces of pollen. Also consider an alternative location for your daily walks, such as a beach if nearby, or a less rural environment, as these locations are more likely to have a lower pollen count.
Medication
“Your vet may recommend medication to help your pet feel more comfortable during the summer months. There are lots of different treatment options available, including tablets and medicated shampoos. Also consider adding an animal skin supplement or oil to your pet’s food – not just during the summer months. These supplements can help strengthen the skin’s barrier, soothe itchiness, and calm sensitive skin.”
For more expert PDSA advice on how to protect your pets from pollen, visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/summer-allergies-how-to-protect-your-pets-from-pollen
