Seasonal allergies can be a round-the-clock pain


 
  

Environmental allergies are a bother no matter how you slice it. And our poor pets can get them too! Common environmental allergens include:

  • Tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.)
  • Grass and weed pollens 
  • Mold and mildew
  • House dust mites

Many of these allergens, like ragweed, cedar and grass pollens, are seasonal, floating into your home through open windows and doors in the spring and summer months. But others, such as molds, mildew and dust mites, may be present in your house year-round. So even pets who spend all their time indoors can be irritated by environmental allergies.

Although your allergies are more likely to make you sneeze or cough, when pets have environmental allergies, they are more likely to be itchy. They may rub their face, lick their feet and scratch their underarms.

Skin testing can be used to identify the allergen causing your pet’s discomfort. Since these allergens are environmental, it’s difficult to limit your pet’s exposure to them, so your best bet is to control the symptoms. Treatment depends largely on the length of the specific allergy seasons and may involve one or more of the following therapies:

  • Anti-itch medications, such as Apoquel. Your veterinarian can recommend one of several medications that alleviate itchiness, helping your pet stay comfortable through allergy season. Apoquel (oclacitinib tablets) is among the new generation of highly effective anti-itch medications for dogs, blocking the itch right at its source, quickly and safely
  • Shampoo therapy. Frequent bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo can be soothing to itchy, inflamed skin. Bathing also rinses out allergens in and on the coat. 
  • Hyposensitization therapy. It may be possible to desensitize your pet to the offending allergens through a series of "allergy shots." 

    • Environmental allergies and other problems—such as flea allergies, food allergies, skin infections and mites—may look very similar in pets, so if your pet is showing signs of itching and discomfort, make sure to speak with your health care team to determine the best course of action.

    All your pet’s anti-itch needs—including shampoos, conditioners and anti-itch medications—are conveniently available on Shop myVCA. 

     

    Visit Shop myVCA to organize relief for your pet’s itching today! >>