Cat & Dog Seasonal Allergies: Medications To Manage Your Cat or Dog's Allergies Throughout The Seasons Of The Year
What are common causes of dog allergies in Spring?
The immune system works to provide a defensive response in the body when any harmful materials such as bacteria and parasites enter. Sometimes the immune system misidentifies non-harmful molecules such as pollens, so they release histamines and trigger a defensive response and this is what causes the allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions can be caused by direct contact or inhalation of one specific allergen or multiple allergens and examples of such allergens include tree pollen, flowering shrubs releasing pollen, fleas, ticks and insect stings such as bees and wasps.
What medications will help my dog with allergies in Spring?
Medications such as mild corticosteroids and anti-histamines may be prescribed to effectively control Spring season allergies. In addition, treatment may also involve trying to improve the clinical signs of the allergies such as sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes and skin irritation.
Flea and Tick medicine - If your dog has a known hypersensitivity to fleas and ticks, a regular and consistent preventative treatment with prescription strength products is recommended during this high-risk time of year.
Heartworm medicine - Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite transmitted by mosquito bites to dogs. The parasite migrates through the tissue and into the blood where it undergoes various stages of development, and when it reaches the adult stage, it lives in the pulmonary arteries and the heart. Thankfully, here in the UK, we do not have the high environmental temperatures required for the development of the parasite in the mosquito hence mosquitoes in the UK are not able to transmit the infection.
Itch medication - Various non-prescription “itch remedies” are on the market claiming to help with itchy skin and eyes etc. These range from treats to shampoos and supplements and may help to reduce symptoms in mild cases of allergies, and potentiate the effects of stronger prescription medication. Examples include Allerderm and Complederm.
In severe cases of seasonal allergic disorders, a drug called oclacitinib may be prescribed which works by inhibiting enzymes involved in itch, inflammation and allergic reactions; this medication can be as effective as steroids in patients but with fewer side effects. An alternative drug called cyclosporine may also be considered which suppresses the immune system and thereby reduces the production of mediators responsible for causing inflammation and itching.
Ear infections medication - Ear infections can arise secondary to allergies and may be fungal or bacterial in origin. Particularly aggressive infections will require prescription medication but mild cases may be relieved simply by reducing the inflammation in the ear canals brought about by the body’s response to an allergic agent. Regular cleaning of the ears, for example with a product such as Malacetic Aural ear cleaner, can help to keep the allergen load at bay.
Eye infections medication - Again, eye infections can arise due to allergies and will usually require specific prescription medication. However, if your dog is prone to experiencing red, runny and sore eyes due to allergens, regularly wiping the eyes to minimise allergen load, for example, with CLX wipes, can help to keep on top of things. Regularly applying eye lubricant drops can also help Remend Corneal Repair Gel & Remend Dry Eye Drops.
What are common causes of cat allergies in Spring?
Unlike humans who usually experience respiratory issues, seasonal allergies in cats typically manifest as a condition called atopic dermatitis and although they often will not develop a runny nose or itchy eyes, you may see signs of allergies on the skin and coat. In the Spring, examples of allergens include pollen, mould and dust mites.
What medications will help my cat with allergies in Spring?
The best way of helping your cat manage their allergies is to try and prevent them from entering your cat’s environment in the first place. This can be achieved by:
Using prescription-strength flea and tick control treatments
Using dust-free cat litter
Bathing your cat to relieve itching
Wiping your cat’s fur with a warm damp flannel to relieve surface irritants
Keeping your home clean of dust and dirt
Washing your cat’s bedding regularly
Keeping your windows shut to avoid allergy-causing molecules from entering your home
Administering supplements such as Allerderm to help build up the skin as a protective barrier to allergens
What are common causes of dog allergies in Summer?
As with most common allergies in the summer, pollen is the main culprit, and grass pollen in particular is usually to blame and is common from May to July although some tree pollen can still cause issues over the summer along with flowering weeds. Additionally, summer allergies can actually be more severe since many of the plants that release pollen are low to the ground where your dog usually tends to walk, lay and play.
Signs of hay fever in dogs include licking or biting at their paws, scratching, red and sore-looking skin particularly around the eyes, ears, between their paws or on their tummy, rubbing their muzzle or ears, tiredness and lethargy, particularly in days when the pollen count is especially high.
What medications will help my dog in Summer?
Flea and Tick medicine - It is really important to keep flea and tick control up to date as no matter what the cause of the allergy, signs will be made worse by irritating fleas making them itchier.
Itch medication - There are lots of different treatment options out there to relieve itchiness, from medicated shampoos and tablets to skin supplements and even anti-allergy injections.
Hay fever/pollen allergy medication - If changing your dog’s environment to avoid or reduce exposure to allergens is not possible, then your vet may suggest specific antihistamines or steroids be used on a temporary basis until the allergen load reduces.
Additionally, if eye or ear infections develop, suitable prescription drops are likely to be needed too.
Wash your dog’s bedding weekly and hoover their bedding and favourite places to lie at least once daily during peak pollen times.
Check the pollen forecasts daily so you know what to expect and plan walks before dawn or later in the afternoon or evening when pollen counts are typically lower.
Keep your dog on a lead near grass so they’re not tempted to go and have a roll, collecting pollen in their coats, and after walks, wipe off their paws and muzzle to help remove tiny traces of pollen.
Keep up with grooming and bathe dogs weekly to help remove any lingering pollen. Many doggy shampoos have an antibacterial ingredient to help avoid skin infections which can be caused by excessive scratching.
What are common causes of cat allergies in Summer?
As in people, the most common cause of allergies in the Summer in cats is pollen resulting in hay fever which typically affects their skin rather than their sinuses, causing a condition called atopic dermatitis (a form of atopy). Tree pollen tends to cause problems from March to mid-May, whilst grass pollen is most problematic from mid-May to July time.
What medications will help my cat in Summer?
Flea and Tick medicine - Always keep up to date with anti-flea and tick medications.
Itch medication - Cortisone, steroids, or anti-allergy (de-sensitisation) injections for airborne pollens can all help to reduce the signs of hay fever in cats, although these prescription medications are usually reserved for when the skin reaction is severe. Cyclosporine and oclacitinib (off-licence) may also be prescribed.
Hay fever/pollen allergy medication - Daily antihistamines can be used long-term to reduce your cat’s reaction to any pollens they are allergic to, and are most effective if used pre-emptively before your cat shows signs of reactions.
Immunosuppressive drug therapy - Such as cyclosporine. These drugs target the immune cells involved in atopic dermatitis to reduce the hypersensitivity reaction that the body is experiencing, and it can take up to 30 days to see a response, so this option is not suitable for the odd short-termed flare-up.
Various skin supplements and fish oils - These can be added to the diet to try and reinforce the barrier effect of skin although again, these can take several weeks to take effect.
What are common causes of dog allergies in Autumn?
In the Autumn, there is not an abundance of blooming plants; however, there are some plants which release their pollen during this season when the weather gets cooler. Additionally, Autumn winds can spread the pollen over longer distances. Chief culprits include sagebrush, pigweed, lambs quarters, curly dock, ragweed and mould.
Dust mites are also common allergens at this time of year and exposure may be increased when the heating is turned back on in homes; likewise, fleas too thrive in warmer, damper environments.
What medications will help my dog in Autumn?
As with all other allergies, those arising in dogs during the Autumn may be treated with medications to control the itching such as antihistamines and mild steroids, medicated shampoos to reduce irritation or for those with more serious reactions, immunosuppressants and desensitisation therapy with injections may be needed to help the dog’s system to build up immunity to the allergens. Any infections occurring secondary to the allergic response, for example of the ears or eyes, may require specific antibacterial prescription medication
What are common causes of cat allergies in Autumn?
As the weather cools during the Autumn, we see a break in the summer grass and flower pollen load; however, the tree and weed pollen counts stay high during the Autumn months, and as tree foliage, leaves and flowers begin to fall and the autumn wind picks up, the leaf and wind pollens start flying. On top of this, cats may also react to leaf mould because when the leaves from trees fall and start to decompose, the number of leaf mould organisms multiply and can be a cause of sensitivity to our allergic pets.
What medications will help my cat in Autumn?
Depending on the severity and frequency of the symptoms, many allergies can be treated symptomatically with medications to settle down the itch and any resulting secondary infections. These consist of antihistamines, corticosteroids, regular bathing, topical skin products, and skin supplements containing Omega 3 fatty acids. Any infections may require treatment with antibiotics.
What are common causes of dog allergies in Winter?
Winter season allergies can affect a dog’s coat, skin and breathing and are usually airborne causing the symptoms of sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. Dust mites and mould can also be triggers and as most dogs are inside more during winter months, they come into more contact with such allergens. The same is true of sensitivity to things such as carpet fibres also.
What medications will help my dog in Winter?
Treatment options include shampoos ( although take care not to bathe your dog too often for this will dry out the skin), medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids and desensitisation therapy. As always, keep up with flea treatment as fleas thrive in a warm, winter home.
What are common causes of cat allergies in Winter?
If your cat experiences seasonal allergies and reacts to things such as grass and pollen, they will likely find some relief in the Winter season when these allergens are not present. However, there are multiple types of allergies that cats can still suffer from in the colder months. Some are environmental such as dust and mould, or even cleaning products which they will have more contact with as they are likely to be indoors more. Others can be food related, although they can suffer from these all year round of course.
What medications will help my cat in Winter?
If your cat is suffering from environmental allergies over the Winter, you may consider several options to help them:
Use a HEPA filter. These are a type of mechanical filter that’s very good at removing small particles from the air, up to 99.97% of them! They can be placed in rooms where your cat spends most of their time.
Give them regular baths. If your cat is allergic to something like dust which is not so easy to totally eliminate from the home, regular bathing in something like an Oatmeal shampoo such as Coatex. This can help soothe their itchy skin, relieving pain and reducing inflammation.
Wipe down their fur - This is a good option for cats not tolerating a bath! Simply use a warm, damp flannel and run this over their coat daily to help relieve surface allergens.
Keep the house clean - daily vacuuming and frequent washing of your cat's beds, blankets and toys.
Provide allergy supplements such as Allerderm.
Sources
PDSA - Summer Allergies: How to protect your pets from pollen
Chipman Road Animal Clinic - Spring is the Time to Renew Your Pet's Medications
