How to Treat Your Pet's Allergies and Hay Fever

Like people, dogs and cats can suffer with hay fever. Many pets are sensitive to airborne annoyances such as pollens, molds, dust, feathers and wool. While people with hay fever get red eyes, runny noses and fits of sneezing, pets are more likely to get itchy coats. But you can follow a regimen to soothe their skin and help keep allergies under control.

Things You'll Need

  • Colloidal oatmeal
  • Vacuum
  • Dust-free litter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Calm things with cool water. Giving your pet a cool-water soak is a quick way to ease itchy skin. Bathe your pet for five to 10 minutes and make sure the water is cool, since warm water will aggravate the itch.

    • 2

      Ease it with oatmeal. To make soaks more soothing, try adding colloidal oatmeal to the bathwater. It gives the water a smooth, silky feel that will help calm your pet's skin.

    • 3

      Keep the animal indoors. In spring and summer, pollen fills the air -- and your furry friend's coat and airways as well. To prevent pollen from pushing your pet around, keep it indoors during peak pollen times -- typically early mornings and in the evenings. Monitor the pollen count using weather reports if possible.

    • 4

      Limit the pet's access to areas with carpeting. Carpeting, heavy drapes and thick upholstery may make you feel warm and snug, but they're magnets for attracting and holding dust and pollen particles. Vacuum such materials frequently if your pet has allergies. And rather than redecorating your entire house, try keeping your pet in areas that have surfaces which are easy to clean, like bare floors and vinyl blinds.

    • 5

      Look to the litter. Many litter-box products contain chemical scents to make your cat's bathroom more appealing. In some cases, however, both cats and dogs may be sensitive to the smell of the litter and to its dust. Look for dust-free litter or unscented litter products.