05 Oct Fall Allergies Can Make Your Pets Miserable, Too

Many of us know that living in East Tennessee comes with a cost—allergies. Allergies are a fact of life here, but did you realize your pet can also suffer from seasonal allergies? We’ve heard from several clients recently who were wondering if their pets have allergies, and if this fall is worse than others so far.

It could be. WBIR’s Chief Meteorologist Todd Howell reported that the recent hurricane activity has likely transported a lot of mold and pollen spores, especially ragweed, into our region. But even without that contribution, East Tennessee is a hotbed for fall allergies. Last year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked Knoxville at #10 out of the top 100 most challenging places to live with fall allergies.

So, what does this mean for our pets? Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop allergies because of the environment they live in, which includes grasses, trees, weeds, mold, and dust pollens. They can also have allergic reactions to the food they eat or to flea and tick bites, so it’s important to narrow down the cause of a pet’s discomfort.

Here are the most common symptoms of allergies in pets:

• Scratching or itching
• Licking or chewing at paws
• Sneezing or coughing
• Runny eyes
• Red bumps, hair loss, or hot spots
• Frequent head shaking

If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms above, consult your veterinarian or bring them into PetWellClinic® for an evaluation. Sometimes a physical examination is all that’s required to pinpoint the source of the symptoms. Skin, blood, or urine tests may also be recommended to rule out bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections or a systemic disease.

If the allergies are minor, treatment may be as easy as wiping your pet’s face and paws after they’ve been outdoors. If symptoms are more severe, medication may be recommended.

The veterinarians at PetWellClinic® are experienced with diagnosing and treating allergies, and we encourage you to bring your pet in for an evaluation. Our wellness walk-in clinics in Knoxville and Alcoa are dedicated to helping dog and cat owners treat conditions like allergies, whether they are seasonal or chronic.

By operating convenient hours for non-surgical care, PetWellClinic® is able to offer substantially discounted prices for wellness exams as well as parasite preventative products, vaccinations, and treatment of minor conditions like allergies. Our staff can also help you manage your pet’s chronic conditions, and monitor lab work in a quick and affordable manner. We operate as a “minute clinic” for your pet—no appointment necessary, with convenient evening and weekend hours and quick in-and-out service.

PetWellClinic® has three locations: 10549 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922; 7329 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; and 228 S. Calderwood Street, Alcoa, TN 37701. Learn more about how PetWellClinic® can exceed your expectations for affordable, top quality pet care by visiting our website at www.petwellclinic.com.