People forget winter can be prime itch season for pets. It’s not all about spring and summer pollen!
Winter allergies are usually INDOOR ALLERGENS because of all of us spending more time inside w/ the furnace running.
Triggers include:
DUST MITES-THE MOST COMMON ALLERGEN IN PETS AND PEOPLE! Heaters kick up dust and closed windows trap it inside. Dust mites prefer darkness and textiles-bedding, carpets, couches AND tend to come out at night to feed on our and our pets’ exfoliated skin cells. Dust mites also prefer skin cells of allergic individuals–a double whammy–allergy and dust mites!
CLEANING PRODUCTS-strong disinfectants can cause contact irritation. Be sure and dilute all cleaning products as instructed on the label.
CANDLES, FIREPLACES, AIR FRESHENERS, POT POURRI-all can trigger skin and breathing problems in pets, especially cats.
Signs/symptoms of winter allergies in pets include: licking paws, red inflamed skin-especially on the underside where the skin contacts the allergen, head shaking/ear infections, butt scooting or licking, hair thinning or bald patches, yeasty odor to skin, increased itching. Not as common but still possible: sneezing, eye discharge, reverse sneezing in dogs, coughing/wheezing in cats.
WINTER ALLERGIES CAN BE WORSE because skin is drier in the winter disrupting the natural barrier it has to fight off infection and absorption of allergens across the skin, winters are darker and dust mites prefer darkness, constant allergen exposure because more indoor living, less bathing to remove allergens from the skin, and furnaces circulate irritants constantly all day.
HOW TO HELP-wash bedding at least once/wk and more often is preferred-both pets’ bedding and your own if pets sleep with you. Wipe paws upon entering the house to remove mold spores/pollen. Use a HEPA filter/air purifier in room where pet sleeps. Skip scented products such as air fresheners, plug-ins, scented candles. Bathe in veterinary recommended shampoos-moisturizing shampoos, products that repair the skin barrier and soothe.
ALLERGIES ARE HEREDITARY AND NOT CURABLE…BUT CONTROLLABLE. SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN OR VETERINARY DERMATOLOGIST (WWW.ACVD.ORG) FOR A SAFE, LONG-TERM PLAN.
Alice Jeromin, DVM DACVD, Speaking of Pets podcast host