Pollen and Your Pet
It’s that time of year again……. Pollen Season. Here is South Carolina that means two months of yellow, blowing clouds of pollen. It’s in the grass, on your car, porch and even tracked inside on your shoes and clothes. We all feel the runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing and over all tired it causes.
How Does It Affect Our Pets
As the pollen starts to fall, dogs will begin to scratch more, have ear infections, sneezing, watery eyes, nose, and hot spots. Airborne allergens, such as pollen, create histamines. When your pet comes in contact with the allergen, his body responds by trying to eliminate it by creating histamines. Histamines in turn, cause the symptoms mentioned above. Pretty similar to human reactions to pollen but our pets can’t tell us how they feel.
How to Help
What can we do as a pet parent to help them feel better? To help eliminate the symptoms and keep your dog more comfortable during this pollen season we recommend the following:
· Keep the skin and coat free from the pollen. You can wash often during the heavy pollen months of March and April. You can safely wash your dog twice a week if using a non-detergent, non-soap containing shampoo. Always read the label to ensure you are using a natural, non-detergent shampoo. I always follow with conditioner to keep the skin and coat healthy. Remember that allergy season is also shedding season. Make sure to comb and brush all loose hair after your dog is clean and dry. Loose, shedding hair is also itchy.
· Dogs that lick and chew their feet during pollen season do well with having their feet washed when they come inside. Using a low bucket or pan of water at the door, dip each food in the water and pat dry with a clean towel. This lifts the pollen off of the foot and from between the pads. Just wiping sometimes pushes the pollen in between the pad.
· There are several allergy supplements available to naturally help your pet fight the pollen. Animal Essentials makes Seasonal Allergy and Super Immune. Both help build the immune system against the pollen. It is best to start it late January to help build the immune system up before the pollen invades.
· We also recommend that you consult with your veterinarians about the proper does of an antihistamine. Proper use of antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl offer safe relief to dogs by blocking the histamines that the pollen is creating. Only give your dog’s medication after consulting with your veterinarian. Even antihistamines that are safely used for dogs can be dangerous if complete medical history is not known.
Cats Have Allergies Too
Cats are also bothered by pollen. Cats tend to sneeze more with runny nose and watery eyes. They can scratch more and loose hair. Losing hair for a cat means hair balls since they clean themselves.
· Cats are not as easily bathed. Tropiclean makes a great hypoallergenic wipe that can lift pollen from the coat without bathing.
· Shedding also applies to cats. Be sure to brush them after wiping them down to remove loose hair. Remember hair balls are a real thing and you want to add some salmon oil to their food to help with the hair.
· Cats can also take the natural immune builders mentioned above. Of course, cats can be a little more difficult getting them to take things. Sneaking it in their can food usually works!
· Antihistamines work well for cats too. The exact type and dose can only be determined by your veterinarian. Cats are very sensitive and require a closer examination to determine what the best remedy is for their symptoms.
So, in a nutshell; Keeping the pollen off of our pets, treating symptoms naturally with immune builders, or adding antihistamines are all our best lines of defense. Keeping them inside as much as possible during peak pollen months is extremely helpful. Of course, just like the pet parent, they all want to be outside, especially during spring.
You can find non detergent shampoo and conditioners, as well as hot spot spray on our shopping page. We carry the important, must haves, to make it easy to find.
Annette Clark
Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer
Private Consultation:
Contact – Naturally Holistic Pets
