How to know if your pet is suffering from Hayfever and pollen allergy.
There are many pets that like us suffer with hayfever, grass allergies and pollen allergies. This post should help offer some advice on what to look out for, some extra remedies and what to do to help your pet cope during high pollen season months.
What is hayfever and how is it caused?
Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen which makes its way into your pets / your respiratory system by simply breathing, touching or eating pollen. This can be picked up in the nose, mouth , throat and feet.
Are there any specific breeds which suffer more?
Yes! Infact there is, Any dog with short snouts and most dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are more susceptible to pollen allergies although it is possible for your pet to become immune to pollen allergies we will try and explain later… some of the breeds which are more likely to suffer are listed below however they are not limited to.
Bichon Frise
Boxers
Cocker Spaniels
Chihuahuas
Dalmatians
English and French Bulldogs
German Shepherds
Golden Retrievers
Labradors
Pugs
Schnauzers
Setters
Shar Pei
Terriers
What should I look out for?
During this season you will notice behaviour changes in your pet which will help you be able to determine whether or not your pet is suffering with allergies to pollen we have made a short list below of the types of behaviours to keep an eye out for. *please note* if your pet is showing these signs it could also be signs of another allergy to food or other substance – Please always check with your vet if you are worried.
· Itching / loss of hair or fur
· Sore nose – redness, rubbing their face against carpet or furniture
· Red and itching paw pads – Licking of paw pads
· Excessive sneezing and watery eyes
· Ear infections
· Drowsiness – increased sleeping pattern.
How can I help? What to do!
So we have made a list of things to help minimise your pets reactions. Remember pollen comes from trees, plants and grass so there are multiple ways your pet can pick this up.
· Walks – On cooler days try to walk your dog later on during the day towards the evening this is due to the trees / pollen count being at its lowest. On warmer hot, sunny days walk your dog early in the morning – this is due to the rays evaporating the pollen into the air throughout the day as the heat rises so does the pollen which means there is more floating around in the air.
· Wash / wipe your pets feet, face and nose when you get home to try to remove any of the excess pollen which may have stuck to your pet during your walk
· Give salmon oil as a supplement – this is a great thing to add to your pets diet as it increses the immune system of your pet meaning it will be easier to fight the allergic reaction of the pollen.
· Use a hypoallergenic shampoo – these will ensure that if there are any scratches from your pets itching on their skin they will not create any problems for your pet.
· Use a balm / or our Superbalm before and after your pets been outside , this will help create a protective barrier on your pets most vunerable areas of their skin decreasing the amount of pollen it will absorb. Our superbalm can be used on anything! Find out more on our pets products section.
Reccomended products:
We have a collection of products available from our website which are all great in their own ways for helping with pet allergies, listed below and how to use and why they are soooo great!
Superbalm: Rub onto sore patches, nose and paws – reduces inflammation, Sooths itching and creates a barrier to stop pollens being picked up.
Itchy & scratchy pet aromatherapy oil: Place onto the paw pads, tips of your pets ears which will be easily absorbed into the bloodstream allowing your pet to have a higher tolerance to pollen / grass allergies – Also you can pop a couple drops into a humidifier for at home or our collar diffusers/ bandanna for when your out on a walk to help this oil being inhaled reducing the pollen intake.
H’ear H’ear ear cleaner: A milk solution to wipe in and around your pets ears leaving them smelling amazing! Contains chamomile to sooth itchiness and also the specially formulated tonic removes and draws out any dirt grime and infections.
Healing soak: Used for sore patches and itchy smelly feet , pop a teaspoonful into a small dish and dissolve with warm water, place cotton wool or a microfiber cloth into the solution and wipe, ears, feet, and any sore patches to help heal wounds quickly. This is also great to use if your pets suffer with anal gland problems!
Puppy poo shampoo/ any Glamwags pets shampoo: Our Puppy poo shampoo is fantastic if you want a fragrance free shampoo which is great to remove nasties sticking to their coat without removing the natural oils from their skin. All our shampoos are hypoallergenic however its completely your choice whether your want one that’s plain or one in a gorgeous scent!
Green & Wilds Super salmon oil supplement: I personally use this everyday for Tinkerbell to help her with all her issues as it has many health benefits! Increases and supports immune health, helps and aids with anxiety, hypoallergenic, Helps dry skin, acts as an anti-inflammatory, decreases shedding, can be given off a spoon or over their dinner. P.S THEY LOVE IT!
Itchy & Scratchy Dog tonic: A natural herbal tonic which can be added to food or water bowl, Rich in iron, iodine and essential fatty acids which help detoxify and cleanse, Nutritionally balanced, specialised blend aimed at dogs with skin issues and dull coats!
