A lot of focus is on our dogs when it comes to grass and pollen allergies, but did you know that these allergies are just as common in our friendly felines and horses too?
As we all know springtime is usually a real humdinger for our fur-baby's when it comes to allergies.
If your fur-baby has grass and pollen allergy symptoms, keep reading about how to manage these using homeopathy and other natural solutions ⬇️
What are allergies?
Your fur-baby's immune system is designed to protect them from dis-ease and infection. It's like their own personal army!
When the immune system encounters something that is unfriendly like a virus or unfriendly bacteria, it reacts and goes in to attack mode. This "attack mode" involves the release of mast cells which in turn releases histamine. This then causes the body to react.
When the body has an overabundance of histamine, or whatever your fur-baby is reacting too (allergen) doesn't go away, the immune system begins to over-react or become hypersensitive. This causes local inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and itching.
Can allergies be inherited?
It is thought that some allergies can be inherited such as atopic dermatitis (common itchy skin allergy) or environmental allergies such as pollens.
What are the signs of grass/pollen allergies?
Below are a few key indicators that your fur-baby is reacting to either grass or pollen:
itching at night especially around the feet, belly area as these are the areas that the grasses/pollen commonly come in to contact with
Chewing/gnawing paws
the above symptoms tend to be only seasonal
What natural strategies can I support my fur-baby with?
Below are some really quick tips that you are able to implement with little to no cost.
Finish your walk with a quick dip in the river/water/lake
Fill up a shallow pan of water (outside/inside) and rinse off your fur-baby's feet. Doing this will reduce any pollen from being spread by scratching/itching/licking to other areas)
Wipe down your fur-baby with a hand towel - this will also help stop the spread of any allergens by your dog licking
Spray your fur-baby's coat (lightly and not near the face) with apple cider vinegar. This will help relieve the itch
How can I support my fur-baby with homeopathy?
Here are some commonly used homeopathic remedies that can help reduce the effects/symptoms of their reaction to grasses/pollens.
Mixed Grass and Pollen Remedy - This remedy is made specifically from mixed grass and pollens and may be used daily alongside your fur-baby's constitutional remedy. This remedy is really helpful if your fur-baby is going to be out in mixed grasses or in areas where there is pollen. After using this remedy for a while your fur-baby should experience their symptoms flaring up less and sometimes hardly at all.
Rhus tox Remedy - This remedy is made from "poison ivy" so you can imagine the profound effect that this remedy has on the skin. This remedy is suited to those fur-baby's where the itch is really intense and there is a "cobbled" appearance to the skin. This itch can be so intense that they actually pull their fur out and continue to scratch the area until it bleeds. The itching is also worse at night and again in the morning, however once they are up and moving the itch is relieved.
Histamine Remedy -This remedy will help provide temporary relief of allergic reactions caused by pollen. This remedy is traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of allergic reactions such as redness, itching and burning of the skin or mucous membranes; red, itching raised lumps on the skin.
Although these remedies are great starters for supporting healthy functioning of the immune system, it's always best to consult a professional animal homeopath to discover the most suitable remedy for your fur-baby if it does not resolve quickly or lingers.
If you would like support for your fur-baby's allergies book in your initial consultation here.
