The veterinarian named ways to alleviate seasonal allergies and molting in pets.

The spring season is becoming a difficult period not only for people, but also for pets. Dogs and cats, like humans, can suffer from allergies to tree pollen, grasses, and mold spores. In addition, it is at this time that many pets face intense molting. On May 3, Elena Frolenko, a veterinarian and expert at SUPERPET, a natural food manufacturer, told Izvestia about how to recognize the problem and help the animal.

According to the expert, the main signs of allergies in animals are skin reactions. The pet can actively scratch, lick its paws, rub against furniture and carpets. Rashes on the abdomen, ears, groin area and between the pads of the paws are also possible. Other symptoms include redness and an unpleasant odor from the ears, increased lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, and in some cases even coughing.

"To reduce the effects of allergens, the expert recommends changing the walking regime. The highest concentration of pollen in the air is observed in the early morning, so it is better to postpone walks to a later time, as well as choose routes after rain or near reservoirs," the veterinarian advised.

After a walk, it is important to thoroughly clean your paws and fur from pollen using water or wet wipes. With severe allergies, bathing once or twice a week with a special mild shampoo is acceptable. No less important are the conditions at home. During the flowering period, it is recommended to open windows less often, carry out wet cleaning more often and regularly wash the pet's cot. Air conditioners and ventilation systems can provide additional protection.

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In some regions, the number of "draft dodgers" reaches 34% — they do not want to follow a diet and forget about alcohol.

The veterinarian advises paying special attention to the diet. Allergies weaken the skin barrier, so animals benefit from sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including fish oil and salmon oil. With severe symptoms, dietary adjustments may be required: preference should be given to feeds with a high meat content and a minimum amount of grains and carbohydrates. Rabbit or turkey-based diets are particularly well suited for animals prone to allergies.

The expert also warns owners against self-administration of human antihistamines. According to her, such medications may be ineffective or even dangerous for animals, so only a veterinarian should prescribe treatment.

In addition to allergies, pets begin to actively molt in the spring. To facilitate this process, the specialist recommends regularly combing the animal, selecting tools based on the type of coat. Short—haired pets are suitable for puffers, thick—haired ones for furminators, and long-haired ones for special combs.

Proper nutrition is also of great importance. The diet should contain high-quality animal protein, vitamins and minerals. At the same time, uncontrolled addition of food additives can lead to hypervitaminosis.

Additionally, regular bathing with moisturizers and the use of an air humidifier, which reduces dry skin and reduces itching, help to alleviate shedding.

Veterinarian Evgeny Tsyplenkov told on April 15 why it is important not to skip the annual revaccination of a pet. He noted that there is no shortage of vaccines now, so animal owners can safely come and get vaccinated. The veterinarian also explained where the fears of rabies vaccinations came from and why they are irrelevant today. He said that until 1995, a tissue vaccine created from the brains of infected animals was used, which often caused allergies and complications.