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Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month: Dog and Cat Seasonal Allergies

May 15, 2020 | Cat, Dog, Pet Safety

Dog and Cat Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Experiencing asthma and allergy symptoms can quickly put a damper on a perfectly good summer day. Most people know the signs of allergies in humans. However, recognizing symptoms in your cat or dog may be harder to distinguish, especially since they can’t voice their discomfort. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month — the perfect time to brush up on dog and cat seasonal allergy symptoms, so you can quickly identify potential problems. Knowing the signs can help you make sure your furry friend receives the treatment they need to get on the right path to feeling their best!

What is an Allergy?

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to foreign substances. Just like their human counterparts, our furry friends can experience unpleasant allergy symptoms. Allergy season for dogs and cats is typically in the spring and summer months. These seasonal allergies arise because plants are blooming during this time of the year, which causes the pollen count to be high. Common allergens for dogs and cats include fleas, pollen, plants, house dust mites, and ragweed. Ragweed is one of the most common allergens in the U.S. and can be one of the leading causes of your cat’s or dog’s allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of Allergies in Your Dog or Cat

The symptoms of your furry friend’s allergies may vary on a case-by-case basis. However, some of the main signs of allergies for both cats and dogs include:

  • Itchiness
  • Itchy and runny eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Constant licking
  • Coughing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry flakey skin
  • Hair loss
  • Bumps/rashes
  • Chronic ear infections

What is Asthma?

Asthma is an allergic disease that occurs due to an allergic reaction in the airways, which then causes inflammation. This inflammation causes the passageways to constrict, making it very difficult to breathe.

Asthma Symptoms in Your Dog or Cat

An asthma attack can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs of an asthma attack in its early stages. Symptoms of an asthma attack for both cats and dogs include:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Gagging up foamy mucus
  • Panting with a wide mouth
  • Blue lips and gums

Treatment

Treatment for both allergies and asthma will depend on the severity of the condition. For allergies, lifestyle changes may be necessary to remove that specific allergen from your furry friend’s life. In addition, your veterinarian may also prescribe a medication to help control the symptoms.

In treating mild or ongoing asthma attacks, your veterinarian may prescribe a medication that can be taken either orally, or through regularly scheduled injections with your veterinarian, or through nebulization. Lifestyle changes may also be necessary to help ease your dog’s or cat’s asthma symptoms. These can include washing their bedding regularly, using dust-free litter, and wiping off your pup’s feet after being outside.

Our beloved pets are unable to tell us what is bothering them. We are in peak time for seasonal allergies, so keep a close eye on your furry friends that may be experiencing allergies or asthma-related symptoms. It’s our job as pet parents to help recognize the signs of allergies and asthma, and get our furry friends the help and medical attention that they need to feel better!

[DISCLAIMER] Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.