Is your pet struggling with allergies? We asked soon-to-be vet Tshego Selomo to give us some tips to survive the allergy season. We also asked about home remedies (because we knew you’d want to know).

Tshego is a 5th year Veterinary Science student at the University of Pretoria doing clinical rotations. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, giving back to the community, and doling out helpful tips to fellow animal lovers.

Watch his best advice on how to deal with pet allergies:

The answer to what inspired him to become a Vet:

Health and Food Security! He wants to use his veterinary expertise to ensure South Africa is food secure. “I want to play my part to ensure that a good relationship exists between the environment, humans, and animals because they are all interconnected”, he said.

How to get your pet through allergy season?

“As we are nearing spring, we are also nearing the start of the allergy season, which means your pets will need some extra TLC! Your pet can be allergic to anything in the environment, including pollen and grass, fleas, dust mites and mould spores. If you know what your animal is allergic to, you can manage it and have a happy pet.” According to our soon-to-be vet, identifying what your pet is allergic to is the first step towards helping your pet get through allergy season.

Types of pet allergies and how to treat them.

  • Inhaled (e.g., pollen, dust mites, mould).
  • Contact (e.g., grass, detergents, dog collar).
  • Food (e.g., beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk).
  • External parasites (e.g., fleas).

“Allergies are treated on an individual basis. Many of the factors such as pet needs, the environment and specific symptoms must be taken into consideration. The underlying problem needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Once the source of the allergy is diagnosed, treatment can be implemented, and symptoms will diminish.

Your veterinarian might recommend anti-inflammatories or antihistamines as a short-term relief for itching. In the long run, the best treatment option is to eliminate the allergen.”

 What are the warning signs and symptoms?

  • Inhaled: Licking paws, rubbing the face, eye discharge and sneezing.
  • Contact: Itching, hair loss and redness of the skin in the area contacting the substance.
  • Food: Itching all over the body (mostly ears and feet) and occasional vomiting and diarrhoea.
  • External parasites: Itching, hair loss and biting of the skin.

 

The big one: Can pet allergies be treated at home?

“Home treatment can only be effectively implemented if the underlying cause is known.

  • Avoid long grass in the yard to reduce pollen or contact allergies due to grass.
  • Vacuum and mop regularly to combat dust mites.
  • Limit exposure to substances causing irritation such as certain floor detergents where the dog usually lies down.
  • Regular flea and tick treatments to reduce the flea and tick bites causing skin irritation.”

 

His last word was for all aspiring veterinary surgeons and people thinking about pursuing the veterinary sciences. Our soon-to-be-vet says, “Go for it!” He qualified this by saying, “I am a testament to the fact that your environment doesn’t define or limit you. I have experienced many challenges throughout my years of studying, but my why kept me going. With hard work and determination, you will make it!”

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should in no way be regarded as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.