For many pets suffering from potential unknown allergies, Autumn is the perfect time of year to get this figured out.
Why?
Allergies and sensitivities are most commonly found in either your pets’ diet or environment. Seasonal allergies are, just like the term implies, seasonal. The time of year where seasonal allergies are at their worst is throughout the summer months (the same goes for humans, too).
For pets who may potentially suffer from seasonal allergies, now is the perfect time to take notice of your pets’ symptoms. The severity of your pets’ allergic reactions should begin to subside as we approach the winter months.
What symptoms are you looking for? Licking/chewing of the paws and legs, itchiness and irritation on parts of the body, and ear problems aplenty (usually one ear will be more affected than the other with a dark, smelly buildup).
Considering many of these symptoms may apply to both dietary and/or environmental allergies/sensitivities, this is a very important time of year if you’re trying to figure out exactly what the catalyst(s) may potentially be.
I recommend making notes on a calendar (1-2 times per week is fine, but the more information the better) to keep a recorded timeline of your pets’ symptomatic progression. If you change anything in your pets’ diet, write it down. If you notice any change in your pets’ skin and coat quality as seasons change, write it down. If you don’t notice any changes at all, write that down, too.
This calendar will quickly become an invaluable tool, not only for yourself, but your Veterinarian and your pet health professional, too. Once you accumulate a few months worth of entries, you will be amazed the amount of useful information you will learn about your pet.
If you find that your pets’ symptoms do not subside as fall turns to winter, then you may potentially rule out seasonal allergies, and focus on other environmental catalysts – ie: dust, laundry detergent, carpets, etc. An elimination diet is also a critical step in the whole allergy troubleshooting formula – which is an entirely separate article on its own, so stay tuned!
Remember, pay attention to your pets, make your calendar entries and your pet will be better off as a result, I guarantee it.
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[...] stuff, health, pet advice stLight.options({publisher:''});emailNow that we have a firm grasp on how to detect seasonal allergies, it’s time to focus on your pets’ potential dietary [...]