Animals with hay fever regularly pass by in the practice, says veterinarian Kristel de Munnik of AniCura Ermelo. “It happens a lot, but people don’t think about it that quickly,” she says to Editie NL. “They also tell it a bit jokingly when they come by: ‘It looks like he has hay fever.’ That often turns out to be the case.”
Although people tell it somewhat jokingly, De Munnik calls it ‘very annoying’ for the animals. “The complaints are comparable to those of humans. Animals also suffer from it.”
Same kind of immune system
It may seem strange that pets can also get hay fever, but it is actually not. “The immune system of all mammals is somewhat similar,” says veterinarian Marnix Lamberts of EDZ Amsterdam. And we humans are, of course, mammals, just like cats and dogs.
Adds Lamberts, “Any creature that has a respiratory system like ours can get hay fever.”
Dogs screwed up
But especially dogs are the losers, says De Munnik. They can therefore have the same complaints as humans, such as red tear eyes and a runny nose. “But they also often suffer from itching.”
According to De Munnik, these are complaints that quickly become noticeable. It is best to call the vet to make an appointment as soon as possible. “The treatment depends on what the complaints are and how bad they are,” explains De Munnik. “Sometimes eye drops are enough, sometimes anti-itch medications are needed.”
Occasionally, if the complaints return, the vet may also decide to start a longer process. “Then medication can be tailored.” In very serious cases, the anti-inflammatory drug prednisone is even prescribed, but that does not happen often. “Fortunately, there are new drugs on the market that do not have such severe side effects.”
Relieve complaints
If you suspect that your dog has hay fever and would you like to alleviate the complaints while waiting for an appointment at the vet? Then there are a few things you can do. “They often walk outside, so it helps to rinse the legs after the walk.” This way you rinse off the pollen and the dog doesn’t rub it in his face.
Finally: “You can give your dog a nice cool bath or use an anti-itch shampoo for the itch, but don’t use it more than twice a week.”
2023-06-06 13:53:13
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