Spring Skin

Does your pet suffer from irritating skin during these warm Spring days? Nadia Crighton chats with Specialist Veterinary Dermatologist Dr Linda Vogelnest, from the Small Animal and Specialist Hospital to discover why our pets suffer skin conditions around this time of year, and what pet owners can do to help.

It’s not uncommon around this time of year to hear of pet owners struggling with their pets’ coat condition. From flaky dryness issues, to full-blown hot spots and hair-loss.

“Spring is a time of increased pollen levels, so some dogs and many cats with atopic dermatitis have flares of allergy signs at this time of year,” Specialist Veterinary Dermatologist Dr Linda Vogelnest says. “Seasonally recurrent flares (e.g. spring every year) are very suggestive of atopic dermatitis, and flares will typically get worse every year.”

If you are noticing that your pet is suffering from the same types of worsening symptoms every spring it may be time to finally get to the root of the problem. This can be done through specific allergy testing that may lead to a more in-depth treatment options and even a possible desensitizing treatment plan that can have long term and even permanent results.

“Desensitizing is a good option to try and limit the need for life-long medications, and is a consideration for all dogs and cats with seasonally recurrent allergy signs,” Dr Vogelnest suggests.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Spring Skin

• Consistent itching
• Rashes and skin discoloration
• Bacterial infections
• Yeast infections
• Hot moist spots on the skin
• Open wounds from constant licking
• Hair loss
• Ear flapping and scratching
• Chewing the feet
• Dull lifeless and flaky coat

“Itch is the most common signs of allergies flaring in spring, but some dogs and cats also get severe rashes due to secondary bacterial and/or yeast infections that occur due to the allergic inflammation,” Dr Vogelnest says. “Ear infections and irritation are also common, and some dogs get ‘hot spot’ lesions as a sign of their allergy.”

Top TIPS to Beat Allergies

• Regular flea control
• Salt water swimming
• Lots of outdoor exposure as pups
• Bath with gentle shampoos and conditioners
• Never use human grade shampoo
• Avoid exposure to allergen
• Seek professional help
• Allergy testing
• Desensitization programs

“Keeping up regular flea control is also important – although spring isn’t a high-risk time of fleas, it soon will be in summer and autumn, especially when there are storms and rain about to increase the humidity, and many dogs and cats easily become allergic to fleas, in addition to any other allergies they have,” Dr Voglenest says.

“So, regular flea control (all year round), lots of outdoor exposure from a young age, salt water swimming, and bathing (with gentle shampoos and using conditioners) once weekly to fortnightly if there are allergy signs.”

Dr Voglenest also suggest limiting the places you visit around this time of year if you notice consistent flare-ups, such as grassy parklands.

Does your pet suffer from allergy problems in spring? Had any success with treatments you would like to share? We’d love to hear about your story in the comments of this post.

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