Summertime Allergies!

Summertime is all about enjoying the great outdoors with your whole family, but with weeds and grasses all doing their part to fill the air with pollen, the summer can become stressful for many people and pets who suffer from allergies. Many seasonal allergy sufferers are unable to appreciate the joy of summer because their symptoms cause so much discomfort. And pets suffer from allergies too! Here are some of the ways animal lovers can make this allergy season more tolerable.

 Don't Blame Your Pet!
If you think that you or a family member has allergies, visit a specialist to determine the exact cause of symptoms and to help alleviate them. In fact, pollen is the leading allergen in the summer months. And while it cannot be completely avoided, pollen levels are highest in the morning -- so sleep in and breathe easy! And it's not just house pets that you can be allergic to. Many humans and animals alike have allergic reactions to bee stings, so keep the bugs at bay and the stings away to avoid a troublesome and worrisome allergic reaction.

Consider hypoallergenic!
It's not fair to blame your pet for making you sniffle. You can avoid most pet related allergy sypmtoms by adopting a hypoallergenic pet. That is what President Obama did when he adopted his hypoallergenic Portuguese Water Dog!

Pets Get Seasonal Allergies, Too!
Dogs often get "atopy," where they inhale allergens that cause excessively itchy skin, known as pruritis. Medications and immunotherapy (de-sensitizing shots) can allow you and your pet to live happily together. Animals can also suffer from non-seasonal allergies including allergies to house dust or certain proteins. Often pets with allergies can develop "hot spots." Starting off as little pinpricks of irritation, hot spots are very itchy and are eventually torn open by excessive licking or scratching. Hot spots can also be caused by fleas and are best delt with by treating them as soon as they start. See your veterinarian for effective and safe flea and tick products. And be sure to avoid using products intended for dog use on your feline as they are often more powerful and can be poisonous to your cat.

Keep Your Home Clean
Be sure to clean the litter box regularly. Vacuum frequently by using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. An air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter can also make a big difference in removing allergens from the air. And remember, let some fresh air in each day!

Clean your pet, too!
Bathing your pet is also helpful in removing allergens that accumulate in fur. Be careful because frequent bathing can dry out your pet's coat. Products formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment are also available but be sure to ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves. Brushing or combing your pet frequently also helps to keep allergens at bay.

Summertime can be fun for you and your pets, even with allergies. A few simple steps to reduce or prevent bothersome symptoms will help you get the most out of the nice weather!




http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-diamond/hypoallergenic-summer_b_901890.html?ref=pet-health