The seasons are changing, and the same pollen and dust mites that give you a runny nose can give your pet irritated skin, among other allergic reactions. Though fall allergies may be unavoidable, you don’t have to let red or inflamed skin impact your pet.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how regular grooming helps keep your pet happy, healthy, and allergy-free this fall season. Read on to find out why pet grooming is so important, as well as the most effective grooming tips to soothe irritated skin.
What Are Fall Allergies In Pets?
Cat and dog allergies occur when their immune system overreacts to certain substances, known as allergens. In autumn, these allergens typically come from insects and environmental particles. If your pet is allergic to one of these substances and comes into contact with it, their immune system treats it as a threat, leading to symptoms like red, itchy skin, digestive upset, or respiratory issues.
Unlike humans, who may suffer from sneezing and watery eyes, pets often show allergic reactions through their skin and coat. These allergies can develop at any stage in their life, and certain breeds may be more prone to specific allergies.
Common Allergy Symptoms in Pets
If your dog or cat has fall allergies, you’ll likely notice a variety of symptoms. These can range from mild to severe and often appear as:
- Itchy Skin: One of the most common signs of an allergic reaction in fall is constant scratching. Pets may also lick or chew at irritated areas, causing further damage.
- Red, Inflamed Skin: Chronic scratching can lead to inflamed, raw skin patches that may become infected if not treated.
- Frequent Ear Infections: Pets prone to allergies may experience recurrent ear infections, often accompanied by scratching or head shaking.
Fall Allergies to Watch For
Fall allergies in pets can be categorized into a few main types, each with distinct triggers and symptoms.
Environmental Allergies
Pollen, mold spores, and dust mites are common environmental allergens in fall. Pets with these seasonal allergies may have respiratory symptoms, scratch excessively, lick their paws, or develop inflamed skin.
Tip: Keep your pet’s coat clean to reduce exposure to allergens. Pet Evolution offers self-serve pet washing stations with hypoallergenic shampoo that soothes irritated skin and removes allergens.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Active through early autumn, fleas and their saliva are one of the most irritating allergens for dogs and cats. Just one flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections.
Tip: We recommend using strict flea control methods for skin infections. Pet Evolution’s grooming services can also help manage your pet’s flea issues, ensuring their skin stays healthy and itch-free.
The Importance of Allergy Testing
Allergy testing is a vital component of identifying your pet’s needs, and can be done in a variety of ways. These tests can identify a variety of environmental and seasonal allergies. Vets may recommend blood or skin tests to determine what your pet is allergic to. Skin testing is often more accurate but may require sedation.
Pet Evolution offers a simpler solution with Ucari tests. This simple test kit only requires mailing in a sample of your pet’s hair, and within a week you’ll receive the results. This quick and easy process is very helpful in identifying allergies and allergens.
Pet Grooming Tips For Addressing Seasonal Allergies Effectively
When it comes to protecting your furry friend from fall allergies, regular grooming is your first line of defense. Given that these allergies typically irritate your pet’s skin and coat, effective grooming products and techniques are helpful for treatment and prevention.
Bathing With Hypoallergenic Shampoos
Promoting healthy skin and reducing allergy symptoms is far easier when you incorporate hypoallergenic shampoos into your grooming routine. These shampoos utilize natural oils and are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that your pet stays healthy even with sensitive skin. During fall, we recommend bathing your furry companions at least once a month or more, depending on their level of skin irritation.
When to Use Hypoallergenic Shampoo:
- Seasonal Changes: If you know your pet is prone to allergies during the fall, you should consider using hypoallergenic shampoos more frequently during the season.
- After Outdoor Activities: Bathe your pet after long walks or hikes to wash away any allergens they may have picked up.
- When Irritation Occurs: When your pet starts scratching or showing signs of skin irritation, these shampoos can immediately help soothe them and improve skin health.
How to Use Hypoallergenic Shampoo During Bath Time:
- Wet Your Pet’s Coat: Fully saturate their fur with lukewarm water before applying the shampoo.
- Apply the Shampoo: Work a small amount of the hypoallergenic shampoo into the coat, gently massaging it into the skin.
- Let it Sit: Leave the shampoo in for a few minutes so soothing ingredients can penetrate the skin.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly to avoid residue that can cause further irritation.
- Dry Gently: Pat your pet dry with a towel to avoid rubbing and irritating their skin.
Regular Brushings
Shedding or matted coats can exacerbate allergic reactions, causing further irritation and discomfort. Plus, a lack of regular brushing can lead to fleas, ticks, and other harmful hitchhikers going unnoticed.
Instead, brushing our short-haired furry friends at least once a week and our long-haired 2-3 times per week is a simple solution that can prevent allergic reactions. To brush your pet effectively, follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Brush: Select a de-shedding tool or slicker brush designed for your pet’s coat type to help remove loose, dead hair.
- Brush in the Direction of Hair Growth: Start by gently brushing in the natural direction of your pet’s fur to avoid irritation and provide comfort.
- Use Gentle Strokes: Avoid pulling too hard; instead, use soft strokes to loosen hair and prevent matting.
- Focus on High-Shedding Areas: Pay extra attention to areas prone to heavier shedding, such as the back, sides, and belly.
- Remove Parasites: While brushing, watch out for the presence of fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Discard them immediately, and over the next few days, continue watching for further signs of irritation. If you come across ticks that are already embedded in your pet, gently and carefully remove them with tweezers. You can also purchase specialty combs for help with pest removal.
Coat Sprays
Need a quick, on-the-go solution for soothing your pet’s fall allergies? Coat sprays, including grooming-specific and medicated variants, offer hydration, help soothe itchy skin, and can add protection against environmental allergens. Whether your pet is struggling with dry skin, seasonal allergens, or simply needs a little extra shrine, they’re simple and easy to use.
To effectively use coat sprays, follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Spray: Select a moisturizing or anti-allergen spray that suits your pet’s specific needs, taking care to read the list of ingredients on the back of the bottle.
- Spray Evenly: Hold the spray about 6-8 inches away from your pet’s coat and spray evenly to cover the affected area without oversaturation.
- Massage into the Coat: Gently massage the spray into your pet’s fur to allow the ingredients to permeate the skin.
- Use After Brushing: Spraying after brushing helps lock in moisture and adds a protective layer to your pet’s coat, keeping it smooth and shiny.
Professional Pet Grooming Services
While there are ways to keep your pet comfortable and allergy-free at home, sometimes professional services and equipment are needed to soothe allergic reactions. For instance, regular visits to the groomer or grooming stations provide deep coat cleaning, trimming, and parasite protection that can be hard to achieve at home.
At Pet Evolution, we take seasonal grooming seriously, providing your pet with everything they need to thrive during fall. From professional grooming services to self-serve grooming stations, as well as hundreds of health-conscious pet products, we ensure your pet’s skin and coat stay healthy and beautiful. Trust Pet Evolution for expert grooming that helps your pet look and feel their best all year long.
When to See a Vet
If your pet’s allergy symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to visit your veterinarian. Left untreated, allergies can lead to more serious issues, such as:
- Secondary Infections: Skin irritations can result in bacterial or yeast infections, causing further discomfort and requiring antibiotics or antifungal treatments.
- Chronic Discomfort: Prolonged exposure to allergens without relief can affect your pet’s overall well-being and happiness.
Vets have access to invaluable allergy testing methods, as well as medical treatments for your cat or dog’s allergic reaction. If you’re concerned about your pet’s symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your local vet.
Provide Allergy Relief This Fall Through Pet Evolution
At Pet Evolution, we understand how your pet’s needs change with the seasons. That’s why we offer all the products and services you need to accomplish these grooming tips, including:
- Allergy-friendly food and treats to help you manage food-related issues.
- Professional grooming and self-serve washing stations that use gentle, hypoallergenic products.
- Mobile nail trimming services to keep your pet’s skin and coat in top condition.
Helping your pet live a comfortable, allergy-free life is our top priority. Visit us today to explore our full range of pet wellness products and services, including the latest Ucari tests, designed to support your pet’s health, even through the fall season!