Spring Skin

Around this time of year many pets will start suffering from seasonal allergy conditions. Pet Insurance Australia has some top tips on how to help during this sneezy time of year.

“Like us two-legged variety, many of our dogs will also suffer due to the increase in pollen and grasses,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “The trick is to get on-top of the symptoms quickly and work alongside your vet to ensure that the allergies are kept controlled during this time of year.”

Common Signs & Symptoms of Spring Allergies

• Consistent itching
• Rashes and skin discoloration
• Bacterial infections
• Yeast infections
• Hot moist spots on the skin
• Open wounds from constant licking
• Hair loss
• Ear flapping and scratching
• Chewing the feet
• Dull lifeless and flaky coat

Top TIPS to Beat Allergies

• Regular flea control
• Salt water swimming
• Lots of outdoor exposure as pups
• Bath with gentle shampoos and conditioners
• Never use human grade shampoo
• Avoid exposure to allergen
• Seek professional help
• Allergy testing
• Desensitization programs

“It is also important to keep up with your regular flea control as many pets suffer from flea-allergy,” Crighton says. “It only takes one small bite to evoke a big reaction when it comes to flea allergies.”

Specialist Veterinary Dermatologist Dr Linda Vogelnest, from the Small Animal and Specialist Hospital agrees that Spring time can cause havoc with some pets.

“Spring is a time of increased pollen levels, so some dogs and many cats with atopic dermatitis have flares of allergy signs at this time of year,” Dr Linda Vogelnest says. “Seasonally recurrent flares (e.g. spring every year) are very suggestive of atopic dermatitis, and flares will typically get worse every year.”

If you are noticing that your pet is suffering from the same types of worsening symptoms every spring it may be time to finally get to the root of the problem. This can be done through specific allergy testing that may lead to a more in-depth treatment options and even a possible desensitizing treatment plan that can have long term and even permanent results.

“Desensitizing is a good option to try and limit the need for life-long medications, and is a consideration for all dogs and cats with seasonally recurrent allergy signs,” Dr Vogelnest suggests.

If you are concerned about your pet’s coat or allergies, seeking professional help is important.

“As any human sufferer will tell you, allergies can be very uncomfortable and an all-round miserable experience,” Crighton says. “Controlling the symptoms and ensuring they do not get any worst is vital for the health and wellbeing of your pet.”

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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