The veterinarian warned about the danger of poplar fluff for dogs

With the onset of the poplar fluff season, dog owners should pay more attention to the condition of their pets. Despite popular belief, down itself rarely causes allergies, but it can tolerate plant pollen, dust, and other irritants that can negatively affect animal health. Taisiya Ilyina, a veterinarian and expert at Valta Pet Products, told Izvestia about this on June 19.

According to the expert, during walks, fluff settles on the fur, gets into the eyes, nose and ears of dogs. As a result, even animals that have not previously experienced allergic reactions may show signs of discomfort. Pets with seasonal allergies, chronic skin or respiratory diseases are the most vulnerable.

"Most of the problems are manifested by the eyes and respiratory system. Dogs may experience watery eyes, redness of the eyes, frequent blinking, sneezing, itching, and attempts to rub their muzzle with their paws. In some cases, skin reactions increase — redness, rashes, inflammation between the toes or scratching appear," the expert explained.

The veterinarian recommends paying special attention to the condition of the eyes. Fluff trapped on the mucous membrane can cause irritation, and with prolonged exposure, an inflammatory process. If the animal has copious discharge from the eyes, noticeable discomfort or redness, do not try to remove the foreign body yourself — it is better to seek help from a specialist.

Getting fluff into the ears can be equally problematic, especially in dogs with long floppy ears. This causes itching and anxiety, and in the absence of timely care, it can cause inflammation.

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As Ilyina explained, many owners mistakenly believe that the deterioration of their pets' well-being is solely due to poplar fluff. In fact, a large number of plants bloom simultaneously in early summer, and the concentration of allergens in the air increases significantly. That is why allergic animals are more likely to have problems with their skin, eyes, and breathing during this period.

To reduce the risk, the veterinarian advises that after each walk, the dog's eyes, ears and paws should be examined, and if necessary, wipe the coat with a damp cloth. This simple procedure helps to remove some of the pollen and small particles that have settled on the animal's fur.

"It is impossible to completely exclude pet contact with fluff, but careful attention to its condition allows you to notice disturbing symptoms in time. This is especially true for dogs with chronic diseases and allergic reactions, in which seasonal stimuli can cause more pronounced consequences," the expert said.

According to Ilyina, the main task of owners during the period of active spread of poplar fluff is to carefully monitor the pet after walks and not postpone a visit to the veterinarian if signs of malaise persist or worsen.

Elena Frolenko, a veterinarian at SUPERPET, a manufacturer of natural diets, warned on Wednesday, June 10, that an animal's brain, liver, kidneys and heart may suffer from heat stroke without timely help. Frolenko warned that if the pet is conscious and just breathing heavily, first of all you need to move it to a cool place — in a room with air conditioning, a fan or in deep shade.