The official arrival of ‘summer time’ for Ireland in recent days could pose problems for pets, with an estimated 10% of dogs* alone suffering from hay fever.
Although longer days and more daylight mean more fun in the great outdoors, the team at Petinsurance.ie is reminding owners to watch out for common warning signs of hay fever as plant pollen is released into the environment.
If a pet is displaying symptoms like sneezing, scratching, rubbing inflamed eyes, chewing their paws, or has inflamed or flaky skin, a visit to the vet will help to determine if an allergy is the cause. Treatments can range from topical treatments such as shampoos or eye drops, through to tablets or injections, in extreme cases.
Apart from hay fever or allergies, Head of Pet at Petinsurance.ie Andrew Simpson says there are other springtime concerns we should keep an eye out for in the weeks ahead:
Parasites: Fleas, ticks and worms are more active as the weather improves, so make sure you keep up with regular preventative measures against all three.
Problem Plants: They may look beautiful in full bloom but plenty of plants and flowers are hazardous to pets. Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats and can also be a problem for dogs. If you’re working in the garden, make sure flower bulbs are planted and stored away from pets as they can be highly toxic.
Chemical Concerns: If you’re inspired to do a deep clean on parts of your house, take extreme care that products are either pet-friendly or that your pet is kept away while they’re in use. The chemicals in detergents or cleaning solutions can be highly dangerous for animals and any suspected ingestion or other injury should be brought to a vet’s attention straight away.
Time for a glow-up: Pets will often begin to shed their winter coat as spring takes hold so a regular and thorough brushing can make them more comfortable. They might also enjoy a trip to the groomer to get their spring style on.
Andrew Simpson says “These longer evenings will put us all in the mood to spend more time outdoors with our dogs and cats. These tips make up a simple checklist that help ensure we get the most out of the warmer weather.
“Many pet owners share concerns about allergies and keeping their pets safe throughout the seasons. At Petinsurance.ie, all our policyholders have unlimited access to our 24/7 Pet Careline, so you can get seasonal advice and support whenever you need it. Our Careline also provides support to find the nearest vet if your pet needs medical attention”
Source
* Scottish SPCA article 'Can Dogs Get Hay Fever'