Whether you live in Southern California or in a "four seasons" state on the East Coast, fall brings more than just a change of color. The different weather, the dying trees, and the dryness or moisture in the air can often stir up fall allergies which may affect your pet as well as you. It is important that you pay attention to your pet and note any behavior or physical changes that may indicate allergies. For example, if your pet has an eye discharge or a nasal discharge, then these may be an indication of allergies. Also, if your pet starts sneezing more than normal or coughing more than normal, then these could show the possibility of allergies.
Pets with allergies commonly develop pruritus. This is a condition which causes the animal to itch and scratch, or to lick and chew at itchy body parts. Sometimes pets will also lose fur as a result of allergies or their fur will begin to change color. Sometimes tears and saliva can stain light color fur so that it becomes pink or brown.
Many times, dogs and cats will eventually adjust to the new season and won't need any allergy treatment. If the systems persist beyond a few days, you can help your pet out by intervening with baths, conditioning rinses, eye and ear drops or oral and injectable medications. Many vets recommend antihistamines for animals with allergies or will prescribe antibiotics and steroids to help the animals.
A pet's ability to acclimate to environmental allergens is normally based on the animal's overall health. Also, if a pet is on a good diet, it will help the animal to acclimate easier, and the degree of exposure to the outside elements may also play a part. If your pet does not adjust to the new season, you may want to probe for underlying diseases that may comprises the immune system, functions such as cancer, immune-mediated disease, hyperthyroidism or Cushing's Disease.
Before you go to the vet, you can try these basic tips to try and help your pet prepare for the allergies of the new season. You can use an over-the-counter eye irrigating solution to rinse your pet's eyes on an as needed basis. You can also schedule a physical examination with your veterinarian and pursue any recommended treatments at least every 12 months to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy. You should also give your animal a moist, freshly prepared whole-food diet that has protein, fiber, fat and fruits and veggies.
With a healthy diet, your pet's immune system will be naturally improved and this may help your animal to beat fall allergies easily. You should also maintain your pet's body condition score. This is because overweight or obese animals will naturally have more health problems, and normally will suffer more inflammation during allergy season because of their lack of a healthy lifestyle.
You may also be able to give your pet some relief with the help of an air purifier. This will be able to assist you in filtering the air that comes in and removing harmful allergens. During the season change you can also help your pets by keeping windows and doors closed for the time being. This will help you to adjust to the new seasons slowly. If your pet develops a serious infection, then you should certainly take him or her to the vet. You will want to use this directory to find a local vet nearest you and will want to get any necessary medications for the pet immediately.