Spring brings a lot with it, like warmer weather, blooming flowers, and spring cleaning. But just as people suffer from springtime allergies, so do pets. Below are the most common irritants pets suffer from at this time of year, along with tips for reducing their discomfort.
Pollen
The attack of itchy eyes and runny noses plague humans allergic to pollen. Pets get the itchies too –in the form of itchy skin that is. There are lots of ways to treat the itchies, such as:
• With supplements to ease them (e.g. fatty acids or vitamin A and E oils).
• With human medicines for dogs and cats (e.g. benadryl).
• Brushing, wiping, or rinsing your pet off after they come in from outdoors. (Doctors Foster and Smith sell convenient bath wipes for both dogs and cats.)
• Using air conditioners in warm weather.
• Keeping pets inside as much as possible during high pollen times. (Use the Weather Channel’s Pollen Cast to check levels in your area.)
Dust, Mites, and Molds
You’ve got the itch –to clean that is. While you’re at it, here’s some things to keep in mind that will not only benefit the humans in your household, but the four-legged family members as well:
• Dust will not only make you sneeze, but your dog and cat too. Try to keep your pets out of the room for a couple of hours after dusting and vacuuming.
• Frequently washing your pet’s bedding (in hot water) will help reduce dust mites. As will using a plastic covering on their bedding, not letting them sleep on uncovered stuffed furniture, tossing out old and worn stuffed toys, and running the air conditioner in warm weather.
• To combat effects from mold: if you use humidifiers, keep them clean and disinfected; keep pets off the lawn after its mowed; and try to keep them out of the basement (especially don’t let them sleep down there).
Insects, Fleas, and Ticks
If you’re like me and Murph, when the weather’s nice we’re out either in a park or taking a hike. However, there’s nothing worse than ending an excursion with having to incessantly scratch bug bites.
• To keep fleas and ticks off Murph, we use Frontline (Plus to be exact). But there are also ways to naturally manage fleas. (e.g. “Marinating” your dog’s collar in essential oils like eucalyptus and lemon, or citronella and lavender, in a plastic bag for half and hour or so before putting it back on him or her.)
• You can also concoct a natural insect repellant spray that’s good for both dogs and people to keep the bugs at bay. (Essential oils are again used, but this time are mixed with water and applied with a spray bottle.)
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