Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month: What Pet Owners Should Know | Express Vets Oakwood
Every year, May is recognized as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding about respiratory health and allergic conditions—not just in humans, but in pets as well. At Express Vets Oakwood, we know how often pet owners overlook the signs of allergies or asthma in their furry companions, often mistaking them for minor issues or seasonal quirks. However, dogs and cats can suffer just like people do, and learning to recognize these signs is the first step toward relief and better health.
Allergies in pets are more common than most people realize. Dogs and cats can be allergic to environmental triggers like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and grass. They may also react to food ingredients or flea bites. When a pet has allergies, their immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, leading to symptoms that range from skin irritation to respiratory distress. In dogs, allergies often present as itchy skin, ear infections, or excessive licking and scratching. Cats may develop rashes, sneeze more frequently, or experience wheezing.
Asthma, more commonly diagnosed in cats but also present in some dogs, is a chronic condition that affects the airways and makes breathing difficult. Asthma attacks in pets can be mild or severe, and they are often triggered by allergens, stress, or even cold air. A cat with asthma may have a persistent cough, breathe with an open mouth, or exhibit rapid breathing and wheezing. These symptoms can worsen quickly and become life-threatening if left untreated.
What makes allergies and asthma especially tricky in pets is that the symptoms often mimic other conditions. Coughing could be mistaken for hairballs. Scratching may be assumed to be a behavioral issue. But understanding when these signs point to a deeper health concern is crucial. Pet owners should be on alert during springtime and other high-pollen months, when environmental allergens are most likely to cause flare-ups.
Veterinary care is essential for diagnosing and managing asthma and allergies in pets. At Express Vets Oakwood, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your pet’s symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. For allergies, we may recommend allergy testing, diet trials, or flea prevention strategies. In some cases, prescription antihistamines, anti-inflammatory medications, or topical treatments may be needed to bring your pet relief. For pets with asthma, treatment often involves medications like corticosteroids or bronchodilators, sometimes delivered through a pet-specific inhaler device.
Managing the home environment can also make a big difference. Using air purifiers, regularly washing pet bedding, and avoiding scented cleaning products are small steps that can reduce airborne irritants. Switching to hypoallergenic food or using a consistent flea control routine can help limit reactions triggered by diet or pests.
The good news is that with the right care and management, most pets with asthma or allergies can live full, comfortable lives. What’s most important is early intervention. The longer these issues go undiagnosed, the more they can affect your pet’s quality of life. That’s why Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is the perfect time to schedule a wellness check or discuss new symptoms with your veterinarian.
At Express Vets Oakwood, we’re here to support your pet’s health every step of the way—from itchy skin to wheezy breathing. You know your pet better than anyone, so if something feels off, trust your instincts and let us help.
Is your pet showing signs of allergies or asthma? Don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Express Vets Oakwood today at (678) 989-4747 or visit us at 3715 Mundy Mill Rd. Suite HOakwood, GA 30566 and let our team provide the relief and care your furry friend needs.
