Itchy pets? it's that time of year again

​The grass is getting greener, the flowers are blooming–and many of us are sneezing our brains out! Our pets can suffer from allergies just like us—and it can be wretched for them. Our critters may be sneezing, have lovely snogs from their noses, ears, and eyes, have hair loss and hot spot sores, and drive themselves (and us) crazy with scratching.
So how can we help? First wipe your pet’s paws off with a cool moist towel when they come in from outdoors to remove environmental allergens. Limit wearing your own outdoor shoes around the house as well. Frequent vacuuming and dusting, as well as washing your pet’s bedding, will cut down on mites and household dust. Be sure to use a detergent that is free of dyes and perfumes as some pets are quite sensitive. Keep toys clean, and place plush toys in the freezer for several hours to kill mites. Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos can be helpful.
Call us if the scratching persists or if your pet develops any respiratory symptoms or open sores. We can help you understand the specific triggers for your pet’s distress, and make a plan to help.  We can  manage symptoms with topical creams and sprays, special shampoos, dietary changes, or prescription medications, and help you find the best solutions for you and your pet.

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