How to Manage Allergies During Spring
Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for both us and our pets, it can also bring on seasonal allergies. As the flowers bloom and the pollen count rises, pets can experience the same symptoms that many humans do, including sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation. Managing your pet’s seasonal allergies during the spring months is essential for their comfort and overall health.
At Pawsnickety Pets, we understand how frustrating it can be when your pet is struggling with allergies. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you recognize the signs of allergies and manage them with effective solutions using natural products that we offer in-store.
Recognizing Seasonal Allergies in Pets
Like people, pets can develop sensitivities to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or mold. For some pets, these allergens can trigger symptoms such as:
- Itchy skin or paws (often seen as excessive scratching or licking)
- Watery or red eyes
- Sneezing or coughing
- Ear infections (as a result of inflammation)
- Runny nose or congestion
- Fatigue or lethargy
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to take action to alleviate your pet’s discomfort and help them manage the seasonal allergens. Some pets, like dogs with longer hair or cats with sensitive skin, may be more prone to these issues, so paying extra attention to them during allergy season is key.
Managing Seasonal Allergies with Natural Remedies
At Pawsnickety Pets, we’re all about providing natural, holistic solutions to help pets live their healthiest lives. Here are a few ways you can manage your pet’s seasonal allergies with the help of products you can find at our store:
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Allergy Relief Supplements: Allergy supplements can provide relief by supporting your pet’s immune system and reducing inflammation. Ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin (a natural antihistamine) can help reduce allergy symptoms like itching and sneezing. We recommend Dr. Harvey’s Allergy + Immune Support Soft Chews for dogs. It's designed to support your pet’s immune system and reduce allergy symptoms naturally.
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Bath Time with Allergy-Soothing Shampoos: Regular baths using a hypoallergenic or allergy-relieving shampoo can help remove pollen, dirt, and dust from your pet’s coat, which may help reduce the severity of their allergic reactions. We carry Earthbath 2-in-1 Conditioning Cat Shampoo, which is gentle and designed to soothe itchy skin caused by allergies.
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Hydrating and Soothing Sprays: If your pet is suffering from itchy skin, soothing sprays can offer immediate relief. Skout's Honor Probiotic Itch Relief For Dogs & Cats is designed to calm irritated skin and reduce inflammation. Using sprays like these after a walk or when your pet comes indoors can help prevent allergens from causing discomfort.
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Probiotics to Support the Gut and Immune System: A healthy gut plays a big role in overall immune function, so incorporating probiotics into your pet’s diet can help strengthen their defenses. We recommend Fidobiotics Good Guts Probiotics for dogs and Meowbiotics for cats to keep their digestive system in balance during allergy season.
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Natural Flea and Tick Prevention: Fleas and ticks are often present during spring and summer, and their bites can aggravate allergies. Keeping your pet protected from these pests is important. We recommend Kin+Kind Flea & Tick Lavender Repel Spray (Dog & Cat Protect Spray) or Skout's Honor Flea + Tick Dog & Home Spray for natural protection.
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Hydration and Fresh Water: Don’t forget that staying hydrated helps your pet’s immune system stay strong. A pet-friendly water bottle or water fountain can encourage your pet to drink more water throughout the day. At Pawsnickety Pets, we carry Messy Mutts Stainless Travel Bottle with Silicone Flip Up Bowl, which encourage dogs and cats to drink more by filtered water.
Tips to Reduce Allergens in Your Home:
While external allergens like pollen can be hard to control, you can make your home a sanctuary for your pet by reducing allergens indoors:
- Frequent Cleaning: Regularly vacuum and clean the floors, as well as wipe down your pet’s bedding. This will help reduce allergens that may have settled in your home.
- Limit Outdoor Time: During peak pollen times, try to limit your pet’s outdoor time or wash their paws and coat after outdoor adventures to remove allergens.
- Use an Air Purifier: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help filter out allergens in your home, improving the air quality for both you and your pets.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
If your pet’s allergy symptoms are severe or not improving despite your efforts, it may be time to consult your veterinarian. They can help you determine whether your pet needs a prescription medication, a more specific treatment plan, or allergy testing to identify triggers.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable this Spring
Managing your pet’s seasonal allergies is important to ensure they stay comfortable and healthy during the spring months. With the right products and practices, you can help alleviate symptoms and support your pet’s immune system. At Pawsnickety Pets, we’re here to provide you with holistic solutions to make sure your pets stay happy and healthy, no matter the season.
Stop by Pawsnickety Pets today for natural allergy relief products and expert advice. Your pet will thank you for it!