Skin is the body’s ‘barrier’ system and takes on daily wear and tear from nature. This is also the case for our pets, as they are often in direct contact with nature—such as long grass—and can experience allergies, especially with seasonal changes.
Summer goes hand-in-hand with allergies, including hay fever and dry skin, and it’s easy to forget that our pets can suffer from the same issues. Allergy symptoms in pets can affect their eyes, ears, paws, and general skin.
Direct contact with environmental allergens such as pollen, grass, or dust mites can cause relentless itchiness, most commonly affecting the face, feet, ears, chest, and tummy. Managing environmental allergies involves a combination of medications, medicated washes, environmental changes, and diets that support skin health. Treatment will be tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
There are specific vet-only diets that help support skin function and strengthen the natural barrier by providing a patented mix of:
B vitamins and amino acids – supporting the skin’s barrier function
Turmeric, aloe vera, vitamin C, and taurine – improving natural defences and promoting healing
Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids – reducing inflammation and improving the skin’s waterproofing
Another issue to be aware of is the dreaded fleas! Our pets can develop sensitivities to fleas, leading to allergies that cause serious skin disease and major irritation. Flea allergies can be severe— even if you can’t see fleas on your pet, a single bite can trigger a massive allergic reaction.
Skin issues can vary widely. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to book a vet consult. For further questions about fleas and how to manage them, have a chat with one of your clinic’s nurses for advice.
There has been a parvovirus outbreak in the Waikato area. Please check that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and ensure unvaccinated puppies receive their vaccines and health check promptly!
