Remedies to Texas Pet Allergies

AH-CHOO 🤧 Have you checked the recent Austin, Texas allergy counts? Woof - it's a doozy for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, including your pets.

With Cedar Fever in full swing, let's give your fur kiddos some much needed allergy relief with these six safe and soothing remedies. 

Allergy Symptoms

Central Texas can experience a spray of allergenic pollen from oak, hickory, pecan, hackberry, the dreaded mountain cedar trees, as well as ragweed, grasses, and (obviously) flowers.

If you begin to notice the following symptoms, pollen may be bothering your pet:

• Watery eyes or itchy eyes
• Eye discharge (conjunctivitis)
• Itchy skin
• Frequent scratching when no fleas are present
• Constantly licking
• Snoring (caused by an inflamed throat)
• Biting and chewing their paws and haunches
• Swollen paws
• Sneezing
• Ear infections
• Redness of the skin
• Hot spots
• Yeast infections
• Skin infections

For insight into today's pollen index, you can check KXAN's Austin's Allergy Report here.

Common Dog Allergies

The most common allergies for fido are: grasses and pollen. Many dogs love to roll, dig, and sniff dead or fresh cut grass, so it's easy for them to pick up and hang onto dirt and grasses after outdoor play.

Make sure to look for hot spots, redness of skin, hair loss, and yeast infections after long park visits or walks around the neighborhood.

Common Cat Allergies

For the household kitty, the most common cat allergy is dust and dander.

But if your cat likes to adventure outside, pollen, grass, fungi and mold could be to blame for their allergy symptoms. We suggest looking for excessive sneezing, licking, watery eyes, and snoring. Yes, a snoring kitty could be inflammation of the throat.

Six Soothing Remedies

Taking steps to reduce your pet's exposure to pollen and relieve inflammation, in general, can help to alleviate allergic symptoms! Here are six, soothing home remedies you can do this allergy season for your pet:

1) Wipe 'em down:

Wipe or brush your pet's coat with a damp towel or these Metro Paws hypoallergenic wipes after a romp in the park. This will help remove airborne allergens and dander while avoiding the dry skin that can accompany too frequent baths.

2) Scrub-a-dub-dub:

When bath time does roll around, reach for a hypoallergenic pet shampoo. We have lots of great options. Our favorites are the Itchy Dog Tea Tree and Grapefruit Shampoo from Kin + Kind and Skout's Honor Probiotic Shampoo + Conditioner.

At-home bath not cutting it? Wash away leftover pesky pet dander and dead skin cells with our Self-Service Dog Wash! Just book your appointment here. We provide the shampoo, towels, brushes, and even treats.

4) Boost their bowl:

One of the best things us pet parents can do is provide a balanced diet. Here are a few formulas that might make all the difference in their immune system response to pet allergens from our environment.

IMMUNE BOOSTING FORMULAS:

• FirstMate Chicken & Blueberries Meal is a limited ingredient diet that is formulated especially for pet's suffering from allergies. The added blueberries contain many antioxidants, phytochemicals, and vitamins (including Vitamin C) that are essential for dog and cat health.

• A Pup Above is a limited ingredient recipe that is perfect for dogs suffering from seasonal allergies. Because it's gently sous-vide in it's natural juices, A Pup Above's high nutrient formula is an at-home cure to constant licking and itching.

• Primal offers frozen raw and freeze-dried formulas that include organic carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, cranberries, blueberries, and pumpkin seeds. These ingredients are packed with a healthy dose of vitamin c and antioxidants, a combo that calms both dog and cat allergies.

5) Treat their symptoms:

With how high Austin's pollen index has been lately, we know pups and kitties might need some extra help. Just like your allergy meds, give them daily protection and aid against even the worst environmental allergens with an added supplement.

Adding a supplement to your pet's diet will boost their immune system, cool inflammation, and slow the production of yeast. Plus, these recommended supplements have extra health benefits like joint, dental, and brain function support.

SUPPLEMENTS:

• Herbsmith Clear AllerQi Seasonal Allergies Support Supplement for both dogs and cats cools the skin and harmonizes the body's defenses to cope with allergic reactions.
• Norwegian Kelp Granular Supplement is an all-natural dog and cat food booster controlling the immune, hormone, and enzyme systems.
• Primal Cat Chewables Hemp Oil Chicken & Salmon helps balance the body and supports the body’s other essential systems - like the central nervous system!
• Green Coast Pet Whitefish Hemp Chew Dog Supplement help keep your pup calm and reduce inflammation.
• Grizzly Salmon Oil Dog Supplement is a balanced blend of valuable fatty acids, inherent antioxidants, and vitamins that naturally occur in the fish.
• Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Anchovy and Sardine Oil Pet supplement nourishes their cerebral cortex to support concentration, a sharp memory, and a positive outlook
  

Tomlinson's Pro Tip: Look for items with Omega-3 fatty acids like coconut oil, salmon oil, and green-lipped mussels to give your pet the extra oomph they need to control their allergies.

6) Natural aftercare:

Having an aftercare routine will be helpful in the long run. Below are items and brands we trust for even the most sensitive skin. 

HOME REMEDIES:

• Wondercide Skin Tonic Spray is a fast-acting and soothing itch and allergy relief spray. Their Cedar Oil ingredient is pollen and clove free - making it safe and healthy. 
• Shake Organic Skin Spritz for Pets is a natural and organic way to provide itch and hot spot relief that uses 100% organic aloe, witch hazel, dead sea salt, and apple cider vinegar.
• Major Darling's Paw Salve conditions and protects your pup's paw pads and other rough areas by using shea butter, olive & coconut oils, neem oil, rosemary extract & beeswax.
• Farm Dog Naturals' Salvation Nose & Skin Care is a multi purpose healing salve for dry skin that heals crusty dog noses, dry paws, and topical inflammations.
• True Pet Care Oatmeal & Aloe Soothing Anti-Itch Shampoo for Dogs and Cats enlists the natural healing powers of oatmeal and aloe to infuse moisture into your pet's dry or rough skin.
  

Still feelin' itchy and stuffy?

Here are two things to consider:

1. Consult your vet: Unfortunately, some pets have severe environmental allergies. If more natural remedies simply aren’t cutting it, your vet will be able to help.
   
   
2. Check the food: While your pet may still have allergies, they may be internal. Food sensitivities may manifest with the same symptoms (frequent scratching, yeast in the ears, etc.), making them difficult to pinpoint. If this is something you want to explore, head on into your favorite Tomlinson’s location and chat with a friendly team member about limited ingredient diets. 

For more Pet Parenting tips...

Tomlinson's is your go-to pet supply store for natural, healthy pet products in Austin and the Central Texas region. Come shop in-store and we will help you create the perfect diet specifically for your dog or cat!

Visit our shop full of products sold through team members trained in animal nutrition.