Preventing Pet Allergies: Tips for a Sneezin’-Free Season in Arlington, VA

Mold spores, pollen, and other allergens are hitting their stride in our neck of the woods, so if pet itching and sneezing are on the uptick in your household, you’ve come to the right place. In this Arlington pet owners guide for allergies, we’ll share our team’s tips for preventing allergies and finding the right treatment options to keep your pets comfortable this fall and all year long.

Pet Allergies in Virginia

Some of the triggers of pet allergies in Virginia impact our animal friends in the spring, while others peak in the fall, particularly the following: 

• Mold spores (mainly from decomposing leaves and other plant matter)
• Ragweed
• Dust mites
• Dander from other animals
• Flea saliva
• Household chemicals like air fresheners

Symptoms of Pet Allergies

While people tend to tote around tissues during allergy season, pet allergies typically manifest as skin conditions, although you may still witness the occasional bouts of sneezing!

If you notice an increase in pet itching and scratching, your pet is trying to tell you that pet allergies may be afoot. Watch for these signs of pet allergies in Virginia:

• Bouts of pet itching
• Red, inflamed skin
• Swollen paws
• Chewing at their paws and feet
• Bald spots, especially around the muzzle
• Chronic ear infections
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes

Treatments for Pet Allergies in Virginia

No Arlington pet owners guide for allergies would be complete without treatment options, and advancements in this area of veterinary medicine are always being made for our animal friends. First, a proper diagnosis is needed to identify the allergen, so seek medical attention if you think your pet has allergies. 

A variety of treatment options are available, including: 

• Oral medications 
• Immunotherapy injections 
• Topical creams, sprays, and shampoos
• Antihistamines
• Specialized diets (for food allergies)

Preventing Pet Allergies

Avoidance of the allergen is the best way to keep your pets comfortable, but sometimes that simply isn’t possible or practical. As a complement to veterinarian-recommended treatments, there are things you can do at home to help control your pet’s symptoms, including:

• Routine grooming with shampoos and other products made to soothe your pet’s skin is beneficial.
• Apply year-round flea and tick prevention.
• Clean off your pet’s paws and fur using a damp towel or grooming wipe after they’ve been outdoors. 

• Curb your pet’s outdoor playtime on days when pollen counts are high.  
• Give your pet’s skin and coat a healthy head start with high-quality omega-3 supplements.

• Vacuum floors and carpets often.
• Wash pet bedding frequently.
• Avoid using airborne fragrances, including air fresheners, oil diffusers, or scented candles.
• Use pet-friendly cleaning products.

Don’t Ignore Pet Itching

Contact us if you think pet allergies are impacting your cat or dog, or if it’s time for your pet’s checkup. Our team at Arlington Animal Hospital is here to help keep your pet healthy all year long.