Approximately 7.3 million people living in the USA alone are vegetarian and the popularity of a plant-based diet and lifestyle is increasing – understandably, this means some people want to feed their pets a vegetarian or vegan diet, too. People decide to eat a vegetarian diet for a multitude of reasons based on their religious beliefs, cultural background, to protect the environment, try to improve their health and political ideals. Including their pets in this decision can sometimes seem like the logical thing to do, and it can definitely be done for some pets.   Many animals, like cats, some reptiles and some marine mammals, are obligate carnivores. This means they must eat a diet of meat to survive. Only meat from an animal has the complete range of vitamins and amino acids cats need to thrive, so plant-based proteins such as soy simply aren't nutritious enough to keep your cat happy and healthy. Cats can't digest carbohydrates from grains, fruits and vegetables in the same way omnivorous animals can, so meat protein is their main source of energy and nourishment. Make sure your feline friend is provided with high-quality, high-quantity moist meaty food – stay away from anything containing grains and dangerous additives and preservatives.   It is absolutely possible for dogs to eat a vegetarian or even vegan diet, but it's worth checking in with your veterinarian first to make sure your pooch is at peak levels of healthiness. Dogs, unlike cats, can make some of the vitamins and amino acids on their own, but they can still lack other essential nutrients such as iron and taurine that are found in higher concentrations in omnivorous diets. When cutting out meat from a diet, you're also cutting out most of the protein but it can be easily replaced with vegetable and soy protein. Both tasty pre-prepared canned and dry vegetarian and vegan dog foods, as well as home-made dog food recipes, are widely available online. Your dog will never know the difference!   In addition to all cats, puppies should not be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet. When you bring them home, they'll likely have been fed an omnivorous diet and a change in food on top of a change in location will only make them more stressed, upset and unhappy. Only make the change when your vet says your new friend is old enough and healthy enough to move from puppy food to adult dog food.   It is impossible for all animals to thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet, just as it is impossible for all people. Pre-existing medical conditions and fussy eating habits might restrict your pet from getting as much nutrition or energy from plants as they could from food containing animal products. If necessary, or if a little extra boost is needed, supplements are readily available. Whatever you decide however, it is your pet's health and happiness that is the most important thing.

A silent pet may sound like an apartment dweller’s dream, but in a reality, when dogs don’t bark, it can be a major cause for concern. Before rushing Fido to the vet, however, bear in mind that some dogs are naturally quieter than others or have been conditioned not to bark by a previous owner.   If your dog suddenly falls silent, the first thing you should do is determine whether it’s because he’s not trying to speak, or if he’s making an effort to bark, but cannot. If the latter is true, chances are there is a medical problem and you should seek your veterinarian’s help. While barking too much can cause a dog to lose his voice, more serious medical conditions such as respiratory infections, metabolic disorders, tumors or growths, or lesions in the throat can also cause your dog to lose his voice.   Once you’ve established your pet’s silence is not due to a medical problem, you can relax. Not all dogs are equally vocal and certain breeds, such as bulldogs and greyhounds, are less apt to vocalize their concerns. Some dogs may prefer to whimper, whine or bay over barking. If you’ve recently adopted a shelter dog, his silence may be a symptom of the “honeymoon effect,” during which a new pet holds back his bad behaviors while he adjusts to a new home. Or, your dog’s previous owner may trained have him not to bark using a bark collar or, in worse case scenarios, physical abuse. If this is the case, some patience and gentle bond building can eventually help your dog to find his voice. Some shelter dogs, however, have been debarked, meaning a medical procedure was used to remove their vocal cords and permanently lower the volume of their voices.   Though silence is often a non-issue, problems can arise if your dog refuses to bark when he needs to go outside or be let back in. Fortunately, there are other ways for Fido to let you know he needs help. Many pet owners have had success hanging a wind chime or jingle bells by the door at dog height, allowing their pets to page them without using their voice. If your dog scratches at the door, hang the bells over the spot where he scratches. Take him to the door on a leash, help him ring the bells while using a verbal command, and reward him with a treat before going outside. With some practice, your dog should learn to ring you for assistance without ever needing to raise his voice.

Who doesn't love the 4th of July? From the food to the fireworks, Independence Day is fun for the whole family - at least the human family. To pets, the 4th of July can be confusing and terrifying. While humans associate fireworks with spectacle and celebrations, cats and dogs see and hear them as nothing more than sudden loud noises. Holidays for humans can involve inviting new friends and family members into their homes; to a pet, this might feel like an invasion of privacy. A few adjustments to your holiday celebrations can make sure that the day is fun for both pets and their owners.   For most household companions, cat and canine alike, fireworks pose the biggest source of fear on the 4th of July. Humans like the spectacle of bright colours and lights, anticipating the bang as they explode high up in the air, but to a dog or a cat, it can be very sudden and frightening. Some pets completely ignore fireworks, but others find them extremely distressing. Fortunately for both you and your furry friends, there are lots of simple ways to reduce your pet's stress levels during firework season.   1) Keep your pet inside. If your cat is normally an outdoor cat, make sure the outside doors and cat-flaps are closed and that they have access to an indoor litter box. Take your dog for a walk long before the fireworks are due to start. If guests are going in and out of the house frequently, make sure doors are shut firmly to make sure your pet can't escape, and ensure your pet is microchipped and tagged in the event that they do escape.   2) Make sure there is a safe space for your pet. Dogs might seek out a place to hide under a piece of furniture - if you know where that may be, put comforting objects like their favourite toys or a piece of clothing that smells like you there ahead of time. A cat might find their own safe space, but if you know of a favourite place they like to hide ensure that it's not blocked off when the fireworks start so they can hide as soon as they need to. Don't try to coax them out - it will only make them more anxious.   3) Close the curtains and turn on the television or radio. This will help to block out the sound and lights from the fireworks. Your pet will still hear the loud noises from outside but they'll be muffled by a noise they're very used to - human voice.   4) Let your pet move around if they want to. Pacing and circling is a common stress behaviour in dogs - they might be restless or looking for a place to hide. Restricting this movement will only make them more afraid.   5) Act natural. Try to show your pet that you aren't reacting fearfully to the fireworks, so neither should they.   Another thoroughly enjoyable part of celebrating Independence Day for human beings and animals alike is the food. It's hard to resist the temptation to sneak a treat from the table to feed your pooch when they hit you with the puppy eyes. Unfortunately for both dogs and cats, there are quite a few foods that you might be preparing around the 4th of July that can be harmful to them. Grapes, raisins, onions, avocados and chocolate are some foods to both dogs and cats. If your celebrations involve alcohol, keep it far away from pets as all kinds of alcoholic drinks can cause serious inebriation due to their comparatively smaller size and lack of tolerance to alcohol.   To prevent your pets accidentally eating something they shouldn't be, keep the food away from the pets and the pets away from the food. Make sure plates and bowls of food remain out of reach on a worksurface or table and keep a close eye on inquisitive cats. Shut your pets indoors if you're barbecuing or in a room separate from where the food is being prepared and served, far away from anything they could accidentally eat that could do them harm.   As nice as the idea might be to include your pets in celebrating the birthday of America, their safety comes first. Keeping them calm and healthy is your best bet for ensuring everyone, human and animal alike, has a enjoyable day.

Many have heard of acupuncture for humans, but far fewer know that the process has been around nearly as long for our canine companions. While acupuncture can be an effective tool for managing pain, allergies, arthritis and other disorders in dogs, it’s important to consult a veterinarian trained in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) before deciding whether to pursue an acupuncture program for your four-legged friend.   Acupuncture’s goal is to promote the body to heal itself, which is done using fine needles to redirect energy along certain pathways. Treatments have been shown to increase blood circulation, stimulate the nervous system and promote the release of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory hormones, making acupuncture a good compliment to other, traditional veterinary treatments. It is often used to relieve arthritis pain in older dogs or relieve pain after surgery, for example, but acupuncture has also been used to treat problems from slipped disks to digestive issues, epilepsy, paralysis, respiratory problems, allergy dermatitis, nausea, diarrhea and a weakened immune system.   If you do decide to pursue acupuncture for your pet, expect the first session to begin with a physical examination. This will be followed by a set of questions about your dog’s medical history and lifestyle before the treatment begins. Generally, acupuncture involves inserting short, thin needles into your dog’s skin while he is awake— but don’t worry, this shouldn’t cause your pet any pain when executed by a skilled practitioner. In fact, many animals become relaxed during acupuncture treatments. Most dogs are not “cured” after a single session, so be prepared for up to eight weeks of bi-weekly treatments, with gradual improvement over time. Once your pet’s problem is under control, the number and frequency of sessions should drop off, so acupuncture is not a lifelong commitment. Each session costs around $25 to $120, varying on the practitioner and treatment.   While there is evidence that acupuncture works—medical researchers have observed changes in electrical activity, blood circulation and the release of endorphins during treatments, for example—most experts agree that acupuncture is best used in conjunction with other, traditional veterinary practices. It is not a replacement for surgery or medication, for example, but can be used to make your dog’s life more comfortable. Likewise, changes in diet can compliment acupuncture treatments. In the end, it is your decision whether your pup’s problems warrant a trip to the acupuncturist. Consult a veterinarian trained in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine before making your decision and discuss surgery, medications, changes in diet and other options to help manage your pet’s specific problems.

As dogs age, they can encounter joint problems just like their human owners. Arthritis, a catch-all term for abnormal joint change, is common in older dogs but can occur in dogs of all ages when there are complications in bone and joint growth, congenital defects and infection. While not life-threatening, arthritis might cause your canine companion discomfort that ranges from mild to debilitating. If your pooch is limping, obviously stiff, less keen to exercise, has trouble getting up from sitting or lying down or seems to be in pain when moving, he or she might be suffering from some kind of joint problem, the most common being arthritis. Other symptoms might include increased pain or stiffness during bouts of cold or damp weather, or gentle licking at painful joints. These symptoms might not be obvious at first, but it is important to look out for them in order to treat arthritis in its early stages to avoid it worsening so your dog can still enjoy pain-free walks, playtime, and naps. Joint disease in dogs has many potential causes: 1) Fractures that affect or involve the joint in question 2) Congenital, metabolic and developmental disorders 3) Dietary and hormonal disorders 4) Degenerative and inflammatory disease Fortunately for your furry friend, there are lots of options when it comes to treating joint disease. Weight management, exercise and providing warm, soft sleeping areas are all effective ways of reducing your pooch’s pain, but there are many effective oral treatments to treat joint disease. These treatments are used in treating both human and canine arthritis - they might have different names, but they work the same way! The active ingredients promote cartilage regeneration in damaged areas and prevent enzymes from unnecessarily dissolving cartilage, alleviating pain and promoting smoother joint movement in order to reduce the effects of arthritis.   Fortunately, pet bucket now stocks a variety of excellent supplements for doggy joint pain and stiffness, from major leading brands. Click here to see our stock from your trusted supplier

Bringing a new kitty home is, without any doubt, an exciting moment for every pet lover. So, it should come as no surprise that some people get carried away by the thrill of it and completely forget about an essential step: prepping your home for the new family member. If you want your cat to enjoy his new home, you need to make sure it’s a safe environment for him to explore. With that in mind, here are the things you need to consider before bringing your new cat home: Ask Yourself the Important Questions The first thing you need to ask yourself is if you are truly prepared to take care of a pet. Do you have the time and energy your new furry friend will need? Can you commit to having your house „transformed” into a cat-friendly area? Are you ok with the furry trails they might leave behind – on your clothes, your plates, and your bed? Make sure you consider all the ways in which living with a kitty might impact your life.  Prepare Your Family You need to prepare all the residents of your household to welcome the new family member. If not everyone is excited about this, make them at least aware of the changes the new kitty will bring along. Make sure you share with them a short yet concise list of what it means to take care of a cat. You can even start dividing cat related chores such as changing the litter or taking the cat to the vet. You don’t want to bring your new cat home only to discover that you’re the only one excited about this. Check this infographic below and share it with your family to ensure everyone knows what it means to get a cat: Stock up and Get Your Basic Cat Kit Another crucial thing you need to get out of the way before bringing a new cat home is making sure that you have what you need to take proper care of your cat. Start with the basics, such as an open litter box and litter tools like a scoop and a receptacle, food and water bowls, and of course, a stock of kitty food and litter substrate. A scratching post might prove to be life-saving for your sofa, so take that into consideration too. Other essential items you should purchase also include a cat nail trimmer, brush, a cat carrier, a cat collar and an identification tag.  Prep Your Home While cats are pretty much independent and can look after themselves, you do want to make your home a safe environment for your new pet. Take into account the entire space your little ball of fur will be able to explore and cat-proof it. That might mean putting small items out of reach to keep them from being swallowed by your kitty, as well as chemicals, medicine and cleaning products. Research about the plants you have and make sure none of them is toxic for cats. Also, make sure no wires or strings might tempt your kitty – and yes, that includes dental floss. Last but not least, keep your cat away from warm but dangerous places, such as the garage or the washing machine. Make Your House Fun If you care about your cat’s well-being (and you probably do), then you should enrich your home with fun and supportive kitty features. You don’t need to spend too much on expensive toys. A fishing pole, a laser pointer, or even a cardboard box will do the trick. There’s a reason cat are such great companions: they are loving, fun, and will comfort us when we are in emotional distress. But, before you bring your new furry friend home, make sure you are up to the task.

Introducing a new pet to your household can be exciting, but for resident animals, adding a new face to the mix can increase stress and anxiety. This is especially true when introducing a dog and cat for the first time. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize stress whether your new addition will be a canine or feline companion. Before ever bringing your new pet home, there are several things to consider. The first is what type of pet you’ll choose. Puppies pose less of a threat to adult cats and kittens are less likely to shy away from large dogs, meaning a younger pet may be your best option. If you do decide to bring home an adult dog, ask about his past to ensure he doesn’t have a history of aggression toward other animals. Likewise, before bringing home an adult cat, ask if he has been socialized around dogs or has had any traumatic experiences with canines in the past. You should consider making changes to your home in anticipation of your new pet’s arrival, too. Move your cat’s litter box to a dog-free zone to ease introductions or try limiting Fido’s mobility with baby gates. Making these changes before bringing your new dog or cat home can help ease your current companion’s adjustment to the changes. Once your new animal arrives, keep an eye on interactions between him and your existing pet. In dog-cat introductions, dogs are more likely to be the aggressors, so watch your canine especially closely. If your cat gets frightened and runs, Fido’s predator instincts may kick in, causing him to chase the moving target. Exercise your dog before introducing him to a new cat and keep him on a leash during the initial introduction. You can also create a safe space for Kitty by installing baby gates to block off dog-free sections of the house. Place your cat’s litter box and food bowl in these “safe zones” to help him feel more secure in the new situation. Your cat will also feel safer with plenty of perches where he can watch the dog from above, so provide plenty of climbing space inaccessible to his canine peer. Introducing a dog and cat for the first time can be stressful for both you and your pets, but the meeting doesn’t have to be a disaster. The most important thing to remember is to let your pets meet at their own pace and never force an interaction, which can encourage your cat to scratch Fido in the face and causes your dog to fear his feline friend. By providing cats with safe spaces, your dog and cat can learn to coexist peacefully in their shared home.

We’ve seen dogs with fleas covering their entire bodies and cats that suffer from tapeworms caused by flea bites. Not only will these tiny pests torment your pets, they will also spread around your home and affect other family members too. Armed with the ability to multiply rapidly (up to 50 eggs per day!), you’ll have a hard time getting rid of them. While some pet owners are ill-equipped to deal with flea infestations, others simply don’t understand the urgency. Some of the common questions we get from our customers are: what do fleas look like? what problems or diseases will they cause? do they pose a problem to affect humans? how to check for fleas on my dogs and cats? where do they hide around my home? what are the best flea treatments? how to prevent another flea outbreak in the future? According to a pet health report done by Banfield Pet Hospital, fleas are the most common form of external parasites (even more than ticks). Since 2006, there has been an increase in flea infestation cases and they are concentrated in the south-eastern states. Besides potentially causing allergic reactions in the furry hosts, these nasty bugs can also pass on harmful diseases with zoonotic risk. Imagine how much you will have to pay for medical bills (vet & hospital) and pest control! That’s why we have gathered some of the best free resources around the web to answer your questions, and keep your pets (and yourself!) safe from flea infestations. Introducing The Ultimate Flea Prevention Guide This ultimate guide is a curated collection of blog posts, articles, and reports for any pet parents. You’ll learn what fleas are, problems they cause, how to identify them (in various places), how to remove and prevent them. Just click on the chapter you are interested in reading and the page will scroll to that section.   Contents Part 1: Fleas Essentials Chapter 1: Fleas and Their Life Cycle Chapter 2: The Danger Lurking Inside Fleas Part 2: How to Check for Fleas Chapter 3: Recognize the Symptoms on Your Family Members Chapter 4: The 411 on Fleas and Your Canine Companion Chapter 5: How to Spot Fleas on Cats Chapter 6: Where Do Fleas Hide in Your Home Part 3: Treating and preventing fleas Chapter 7: Treating Your Family Members Chapter 8: Flea Treatment and Prevention for Dogs Chapter 9: Flea Treatment and Prevention for Cats Chapter 10: Indoor, Outdoor, and Car   Part 1: Fleas Essentials Image Credit Chapter 1: Fleas and Their Life Cycle Do you know only 5% of fleas live in the environment as adults? The rest are in various stages of their life cycle. To avoid a relapse of infestation, you’ll need to understand their life cycles: What do fleas look like? | Orkin What’s the difference between fleas and ticks? | Pet Guide Types of Fleas | Ehrlich The life cycle of a flea | R.I.P Fleas The flea life cycle and how it guides effective flea control and prevention | Pet Informed Chapter 2: The Danger Lurking Inside Fleas Although flea itself is not lethal, its ability to host diseases is. Throughout history, fleas have been the main catalyst for major plagues, such as the infamous Black Death which devastated Europe during the 13th century: Dog flea diseases | Pet Basics from Bayer The Dangers of Fleas in Dogs | Pet Place Flea-associated illnesses in cats | DVM360 Fleas: A source of torment for your cat | Cornell University Diseases transmitted by fleas | Ehrlich What are the dangers of flea infestations to an infant? | Livestrong Plague: Ecology and Transmission | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Part 2: How to Check for Fleas Image Credit Chapter 3: Your Family Members Aren’t Safe Either Just as your pets are vulnerable to flea bites, so are your family members. Although humans are typically not flea’s natural host, they’re more than happy to feed on us. Keep an eye out for the symptoms: Can people get fleas from their pets? | The Bug Squad Can fleas live on people? | ThoughtCo Flea bite symptoms | Fleabites What does a flea bite look like on human | Fleas Be Gone Chapter 4: The 411 on Fleas and Your Canine Companion Dogs are one of the most common victims of fleas. Your canine companion may encounter them in the yard, on walks, at the groomer, or even in the house. It’s important to know how to check your dog and his environment for signs of infestation: How do dogs get fleas? | Animal Friends 5 ways to check your dog for fleas | PetBucket 3 simple ways to check your dog for fleas at home | Puppy Leaks What is flea dirt and what does it look like? | Petsho Chapter 5: How to Spot Fleas on Cats When people think of flea infestation on pets, they usually think about dogs only. Well, as the name suggests, the cat flea loves to feed on kitty cats just as much as they love to snack on dogs. This section will teach you how to check for fleas on your felines: How did my indoor cat get fleas? | Petcha How to tell if your cat has fleas | PetBucket Physical signs and symptoms of flea infestation on cats | Delightibles How to check cats for fleas: 13 steps (with pictures) | wikiHow Chapter 6: Where Do Fleas Hide in Your Home Fortunately, fleas leave behind a trail of evidence in their wake. From bites to flea dirt, there are many signs to look out for around your home: Where do fleas hide? | Long Time No Flea Do fleas live in grass? | Flea Science How can you detect a flea infestation? | Beaphar Flea inspection guide | DoMyOwn Part 3: Treating and preventing fleas Image Credit Chapter 7: Treating Your Family Members If you know what you’re looking for/at, it’s easy to spot flea bites on yourself or your family member. Take a close look at some pictures and detailed profiles of symptoms to ensure that you’ll be ready to remove and prevent fleas: Flea bites on humans: Symptoms and treatment | Den Garden Pictures of flea bites on humans: Symptoms and treatments | Get Rid Pests Flea bites on babies: Symptoms, causes, and home remedies | Flea Bites Info Chapter 8: Flea Treatment and Prevention for Dogs When it comes to prevention, we stock some great flea treatments (from popular brands) that can help keep your dog safe. We also included some natural preventive methods below as an alternative. A word of warning, you should always speak to a veterinarian before giving any treatments to your dog: Flea treatments for dogs | PetBucket Fleas: detection, treatment, & prevention | Cesar's Way Puppy flea treatment – Best practices | My Sweet Puppy Flea and tick medicine for puppies | American Kennel Club 6 ways to naturally prevent and get rid of fleas on dogs | Everyday Roots Chapter 9: Flea Treatment and Prevention for Cats We offer a wide range of flea treatments for feline too! Just as the case is with canines, there are alternative methods available for treating fleas on your cat. Again, always speak with a vet before making any final decisions: Flea treatments for cats | PetBucket Fleas on your cat? Here's how to handle the problem | The Spruce Pets Fleas and flea control in cats | International Cat Care How to safely remove fleas from kittens | Petful 5 natural ways to prevent & get rid of fleas on cats | Everyday Roots Chapter 10: Indoor, Outdoor, and Car Not sure how to go about getting rid of fleas in problematic areas outside of the house? We’ve got you covered. From the car to the dog bed, and back out into the yard, we’ve found you a comprehensive list of resource information on how to spot, remove, and prevent fleas in and around your home: Best ways of getting rid of fleas: A complete guide of effective flea control | Stop Pest Info How to de-flea your home | PetBucket Controlling fleas and ticks around your home | Environmental Protection Agency How to kill fleas in a home: 13 steps (with pictures) | wikiHow Your backyard wildlife habitat: Begin in spring to control fleas | Patch How to control fleas and ticks outside | WebMD Outside flea removal: In 4 easy steps | Fleas B Gone How to kill fleas in a car | Advantage Pest Control We hope our guide to flea prevention for your home. What did you think of the guide? Or maybe you still have an unanswered question. Feel free to let us know by leaving a quick comment below right now. Feature image credit

We all love our pets, but millions of owners suffer from allergies caused by their companions. While pet allergies are best treated through avoidance, modern medicine, plus a little hard work, can make living a comfortable life with your pet possible if you have mild to moderate symptoms.   Most people blame dog or cat hair for their allergies, but animal hair is not an allergen on its own. Rather, the proteins found in pets’ dander, saliva or urine trigger allergic reactions when people come into contact with them. To make matters worse, pets’ coats can collect pollen, mold and other allergens that affect millions of people. Symptoms often include a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and constricted breathing, but these can be signs of an allergic reaction to something other than to your pet. The first step towards treating a pet allergy, then, is establishing that you are, in fact, allergic to your pet. This can be done through allergy testing, during which a professional allergist injects a small amount of test allergens into your skin to identify the specific substances triggering symptoms. If Fluffy or Fido is the source of your allergy, there are several ways to manage symptoms without saying “goodbye" to your companion:   1. Re-organize your home to include designated “pet-free” zones where allergen levels are reduced. Keeping your pet away from your bedroom, home office and other spaces where you spend a lot of time can greatly reduce symptoms, as can teaching him to stay off the furniture.   2. Invest in hypoallergenic bedding and an air purifier that reduces airborne allergens.   3. Bathe your pet about twice a week help reduce dust, pollen and other allergens caught in your his coat.   4. Clean your home regularly: Change air filters, vacuum and wash bedding—including your pet’s bedding—more often.   5. Given the option, choose hardwood or tile floors over allergen-catching carpets. Choose furniture that is less prone to collecting allergens.   After making changes to the environment around you, you can turn to modern medicine for more help managing pet allergies. Over-the-counter medications such as Claritin, Benadryl or Zyrtec can relieve mild allergies symptoms such as itchy eyes or congestion, and prescription medicine can also help. Unfortunately, these medications won’t alleviate asthma-related symptoms: Only environmental factors can help. Some animal lovers also take allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, to get long-term relief from their symptoms. This involves injecting a very small dose of a known allergen into the body, gradually increasing a person’s tolerance to that allergen. Immunotherapy has been shown to provide effective and long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms in some cases, but requires patience: It may take almost a year of weekly injections before you can switch to a monthly maintenance dose, and several years after that before you can stop the shots altogether.   Living with an animal when you have pet allergies requires extra work, but it’s often possible to maintain a comfortable life without giving up your pet’s company.

Spring is the season for new growth and with it comes runny noses, itchy eyes and a host of other symptoms of seasonal allergies. Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer seasonally, however: Many of our pets are also allergic to pollen, mold and other common allergens. What many animal lovers don't realize is that dogs and cats have different reactions to the same things we’re allergic to. There are four main types of allergens that affect our pets. Depending on what type of allergy your pet has, he will display different symptoms. While some dogs and cats have watery eyes and sneezing fits, the most common reaction to allergies is itching in our furry friends. Incessant scratching can lead to open sores, hair loss and infected wounds if the underlying cause is not addressed— meaning knowing the signs of allergies and finding the right cure crucial to your pet’s wellbeing. Environmental allergens that pets inhale or cause problems when they come into contact with the skin are known as atopy and include pollen, mold spores and dust mites. Another common seasonal ailment is flea allergy dermatitis, a reaction some animals have to the saliva in fleabites. Though pets can also experience food allergies and contact allergies caused by plastics, carpet fibers and other substances, these are less common and less seasonal. Atopy symptoms range from gnawing at the feet to constant licking of the side and groin; incessant face rubbing; inflamed ears or chronic ear infections; lesions, hotspots or scabbing; and asthma-like wheezing and other respiratory problems. Red or inflamed skin and hair loss caused by itching, scratching, biting and chewing are telltale signs your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies. Because fleas are out in force during the warmer months of the year, flea allergy dermatitis can be a seasonal problem, too, indicated by itchy spots and red bumps. If your dog or cat shows any of these symptoms and you suspect he is suffering from seasonal allergies, visit your veterinarian. Based on the type of allergy and severity of systems, your vet will suggest different treatments for your pet. Some animals respond to antihistamines, which you should only give with your veterinarian’s guidance. Pets suffering from extreme itching and discomfort may need steroids to provide fast relief. If your dog or cat has a secondary skin infection, he may also require antibiotics. An intradermal skin test, which injects a small amount of test allergens into your pet’s skin, can help pinpoint the problem of moderate to severe allergies and may allow your vet to create a specialized serum or immunotherapy shot for your companion. At home, try avoiding known allergens, or wiping your pet down or bathing him regularly of you cannot avoid the offending substances.