Pet Care in Abilene: 7 Signs Your Pet Has Seasonal Allergies

Pet care in Abilene, TX might involve dealing with your furry friend's seasonal allergies during warmer months. Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms.

In 2011, half of the U.S. households owned a pet. From those, about one-third had to take their pet to the vet at some point during the year.

Having seasonal allergies is no fun for you, and it's not fun for your pet either. 

Pet care in Abilene, TX might involve dealing with your furry friend's seasonal allergies during warmer months. Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms.

1. Irritated Skin

If you notice that your pet has irritated skin, they may have seasonal allergies. 

Chronically scratching themselves or showing symptoms of a skin rash or infection can be a red flag that they're allergic to something. 

In humans, seasonal allergies normally take the form of red, watery eyes, or just constant sneezing and sniffling. Some people will develop skin issues, but it's more of a symptom in pets than humans. 

If pets have seasonal allergies and skin irritations, this could cause even more problems. Your pet will likely start scratching at the irritation, possibly enough to open another wound without letting it heal.

This leads to other problems that could potentially cause infections later on down the road. That's why it's always a good idea to take your pet to the vet if they don't stop scratching themselves.

In the meantime, you can always try and help your pet not feel as itchy. 

If you have moisturizing coconut oil, that may help take some of the irritation away. You could try and find other lotions as well.

Try it on a small portion of their skin that is unaffected by the rash, just in case they are allergic to the lotion as well. You don't want to end up making it worse.  

2. Puffy Eyes

Have you ever noticed when you get allergies that your eyes get puffy and you start scratching your eyes because they hurt so much?

Well, if your pet has seasonal allergies, they may be experiencing some itchy eyes as well. 

This isn't as common in pets as it is in humans, but it is possible. If you notice that your pet's eyes are watering, red, or swollen, you may want to take them for a checkup. Your vet could prescribe medicine or eye drops to help relieve your pet's symptoms. 

3. Sneezing and Coughing

Humans are more likely to constantly be sneezing and coughing than pets, but sometimes this is a symptom your pet will show if they are dealing with seasonal allergies.

If your pet is constantly breathing in allergens like grass, tree, or even weed pollens, they could start sneezing, coughing, and experiencing a runny nose. 

Other allergies that may not be as seasonal could be mildew, mold, and dust mites. It will be hard to avoid any of these irritants, so you will need to go to your vet in Abilene to make sure that your pet can be treated.

If you have a bulldog, Pekingese, or a pug, you may want to take them as soon as possible. These dogs are born with congenital breathing problems, so you should make sure that they get the treatment they need. 

4. Licking Their Paw

If your pet has started to lick their paws more often than normal, they could be dealing with seasonal allergies.

Researchers have said that rubbing their face or licking their paw can be a reaction to histamines in their immune system. 

Sometimes licking their paw can feel soothing to them, and if their body is going through stress, this may be one of their first instincts. 

5. More Shedding Than Normal

You're probably used to having your pet hair all over their house, but if you've started having to vacuum more often than normal, this may be a red flag.

Seasonal allergies can cause hair loss, which means more shedding. 

The shedding may happen because creating more dandruff is normally a common sign of allergies. Dandruff will dry out the skin and cause their hair to start to fall out. 

Your pet may also start scratching more because of the dry skin, causing more hair to come out as well. 

6. Frequent Ear Infections

Ear infections that seem to happen all the time could also be a problem caused by seasonal allergies. 

Dog breeds with big, floppy ears, like basset hounds or cocker spaniels, are more prone to getting ear infections.

If you notice your pet is constantly shaking their head, they may be having some pain in their ears. If you check their ears, and they seem red or waxy, they may also have an ear infection. 

If you suspect that your pet has an ear infection, you should take them to a vet because the ear infection most likely won't go away on its own. 

7. Scooting Around

If you notice that your pet is scooting around on their butt, this weird symptom could mean that they are struggling with seasonal allergies. 

The histamines could be trying to push their way out of their body, and your pet may be trying to get them out by licking or scooting their butt around.

This symptom happens more commonly in dogs, but cats can also do it too. 

Get the Best Pet Care in Abilene

Your pet is like family, so that's why we want to make sure that you get the best pet care in Abilene.

Dealing with seasonal allergies can be tricky, but we got you covered.

If you think your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies, make sure to contact us for an appointment.