Year-round pet allergies in Viera can leave your dog or cat with troublesome symptoms, just like you. Pollen, grass, mold – whatever the cause, allergies can be frustrating to navigate, even for humans.
Thankfully, we have different ways to treat allergy symptoms, allowing us to enjoy the weather without worrying about itchy, watery eyes, a stuffy nose, or, even worse, rashes and hives. But what about your dog or cat?
Year-round pet allergies can leave your dog or cat with troublesome symptoms, just like you. From excessive scratching and shedding to sneezing, learning to recognize the signs of allergies in dogs and cats can help you provide your furry friend with the care they need.
Common Environmental Allergens Affecting Pets In Central Florida
Because of the humid climate of eastern Florida, cities like Rockledge, Viera, and Melbourne can experience allergens all year round. Ragweed pollen is one of the leading causes of allergies throughout much of the year, and it’s found nearly everywhere in the state.
Because of this, ragweed pollen is one of the most common environmental pet allergens, especially in the warmer months between May and December.
However, while it is often the most common cause of year-round pet allergies in Viera, ragweed pollen isn’t the only culprit. Other environmental allergens can include things like:
- Dust
- Mold
- Different types of pollen from grasses or trees
- Smoke
- Certain artificial allergens like perfumes and cleaning products.
One of the most important things to know about environmental allergens that may cause year-round allergies in your furry friend is that your dog or cat doesn’t need to come into close contact with the allergen to experience symptoms.
Because many common allergens are airborne, your pet can inhale them without being near the source. For example, when outside, your dog can still inhale ragweed pollen even if they don’t come into contact with the plant itself.
Recognizing the Signs of Allergies In Dogs And Cats
The signs and symptoms of year-round pet allergies can come in many forms. In some cases, your furry friend’s allergy symptoms may resemble yours. This is especially common for environmental allergies. However, this may look different if your dog or cat is allergic to parasites like mites or fleas or something they’ve eaten.
Overall, here are some of the most common signs of allergies in dogs and cats:
Overall, here are some of the most common signs of allergies in dogs and cats:- Irritated skin that may appear itchy or inflamed
- Rashes or hives, such as hot spots
- Excessive grooming, including licking, scratching, and biting
- Excessive shedding, typically as a result of over-grooming
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Irritated eyes that may appear itchy, red, or watery
- Recurrent ear infections
- Red, inflamed ears.
In more severe cases, your cat or dog may experience diarrhea, vomiting, or even swelling around their eyes or mouth.
Learning to recognize the symptoms of year-found pet allergies is essential in providing your furry friend with the care they need. Not only are allergies just as uncomfortable for your dog or cat as they are for you, but over-grooming and gastrointestinal issues can cause significant concerns, like open wounds and infections or dehydration.
Thankfully, there is treatment available that can help your pet with the effects of allergies and address the root causes.
Treatment Options for Year-Round Pet Allergies in Viera
Several treatments are available for your cat’s or dog’s allergies. However, the proper treatment for your pet depends on the cause of their year-round allergies and the severity of the symptoms.
Dietary Changes
For many pets, dietary changes can help reduce allergies. This is especially true for pets experiencing allergies because of their food. Sometimes, your pet may be allergic to the ingredients in their food, whether that’s additives like grains or the specific type of protein used.
Switching to a different food can help relieve diet-based pet allergies. Discuss this with your vet because your dog may need specialized prescription food (mine does, and it has helped SO much!).
Medications for Pet Allergies in Viera
For environmental and parasite-caused allergies, medication can be a beneficial route.
Mites, fleas, ticks, and internal parasites can cause a range of symptoms in your dog or cat. However, some animals may react differently to parasites, causing allergy-like symptoms you may not see in other pets. For example, your dog may be allergic to the protein in a flea’s salvia, which can produce a reaction when bit. In these cases, treating the parasites can often provide relief for your furry friend.
Environmental allergens are among the most common causes of year-round pet allergies in Viera and the surrounding areas. Your veterinarian may prescribe your pet oral or topical medications, depending on which symptoms bother them most.
You can also take extra steps around your home to reduce common environmental allergens.
Preventative Measures To Reduce Allergen Exposure In and Around Your Viera Home
One of the best ways to reduce allergen exposure for your dog or cat is to keep them clean, especially with animals that go outside. Try to wash your dog around once a week and as needed for cats. While washing can be a good way to remove allergens from your pet’s fur and skin, too much bathing can cause irritation and itchiness.
It’s also a good practice to wipe down your dog’s paws with a pet-safe wipe when they come from outside. This helps remove any pollen, mold spores, or other allergens that may have clung to them and followed your pet inside. Taking this extra step can also reduce the allergens in your home.
When possible, investing in an air purifier can help provide allergy relief for you and your furry friends. Air purifiers can reduce common airborne allergens, keeping your dog or cat from inhaling them as often. Regulating dusting and vacuuming can also provide a helpful preventative measure for year-round pet allergies in Viera.
Take the Steps to Reduce Year-Round Pet Allergies in Viera
When it comes to knowing what to do if your dog or cat has allergies, it’s important to remember that there is no single way to eliminate pet allergies. This is especially true for year-round pet allergies. Even in the colder months, when outdoor allergens like pollen may not be as common, mold, parasites, and dietary allergens can still pose a problem. As a result, if you notice your pet struggling with allergy symptoms, it’s always best to work closely with your veterinarian.
If you have a pet sitter visit your home, informing them of your pet’s allergies and other key details like their typical behavior and personality is helpful. With Space Coast Pet Services, we’ll discuss your pet’s specific needs and preferences during our meet and greet and new client orientation, helping us provide the best care possible for your furry loved one while you’re away.
Be well!
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