Are you thinking about adding a furry family member to your home? Adopting a shelter pet can be a rewarding experience for both you and your new companion. In this post, we’ll explore the many benefits of adopting a shelter pet, from improved health to increased happiness.

Companionship

One of the most obvious benefits of adopting a shelter pet is the companionship they provide. Whether you’re looking for a loyal dog to take on long walks or a cuddly cat to curl up with on the couch, there’s a shelter pet out there waiting for you. The bond a pet can provide also helps reduce feelings of loneliness and provides a sense routine in your daily life.

Improved Health

Adopting a shelter pet can even have positive effects on your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and reduced stress levels. Pets can also encourage physical activity, whether it’s playing with a frisky kitten or taking a dog for a walk and playing fetch. Additionally, pets can provide emotional support during difficult times, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.

Happiness

It’s no secret that pets can bring joy into our lives. Adopting a pet can increase happiness and satisfaction in both you and your new friend. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a wagging tail or a purring cat on your lap to brighten your day. Adopting a pet can also give you a sense of fulfillment knowing that you’ve given an animal in need a loving home. Pets can bring a sense of purpose and responsibility to a family.

Adoption Benefits

When you adopt a shelter pet, you’re not only gaining a companion, but you’re also helping to save a life. Many shelters are overcrowded and underfunded, which means that animals are at risk of being euthanized if they are not adopted. By adopting a shelter pet, you’re providing a loving home to an animal in need, and helping to reduce the number of homeless pets in your community.

Adopting a pet from the shelter can bring countless benefits to your life, including companionship, improved health, and increased happiness with an added sense of purpose. It’s also a rewarding experience to know that you’re giving an animal in need a second chance at life. If you’ve discussed with your family and have decided you are ready for the responsibility of a new pet, adoption is one option to consider when adding a new furry family member!

As the weather changes and seasons shift, many pet owners begin to notice changes in their furry friends’ behavior and health. Unfortunately, just like humans, pets can also suffer from seasonal allergies. Identifying the signs and symptoms of allergies in your canine companion is important, as it can help you determine when it’s time to seek veterinary care and how to treat your pet’s allergies.

What are Pet Seasonal Allergies?

Similar to people, pets develop allergic conditions when their immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold. When your pet comes into contact with these allergens, their immune system produces an allergic response that triggers their symptoms.

Where pets and people differ with allergies is the symptoms they produce. While people get runny noses, itchy eyes and respiratory signs, pets typically have the following common symptoms:

  • Itchy skin
  • Scratching or rubbing at ears
  • Licking or chewing at paws or skin

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it’s important to take them to the vet for an examination. Allergies are not the only think that can cause itching in dogs! Your vet will likely run diagnostic tests to determine if there are infections, parasites, or other causes of itch as these will require different treatments.

Treatment for Pet Seasonal Allergies

There are a variety of treatment options available for allergies in dogs and cats, depending on the severity of your pet’s symptoms. Your vet will be in the best position to recommend which ones are best for your situation. They may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

  • Apoquel – medications that are used to treat allergic skin conditions in dogs. It works by inhibiting the production of certain molecules involved in the inflammatory response, which helps to reduce itching and other symptoms of allergic skin conditions.
  • Immunotherapy – this medication works by targeting a molecule called interleukin-31 (IL-31), which is involved in the inflammatory response that causes itching and other symptoms of allergic skin conditions
  • Antihistamines – while less effective in the treatment of pet allergies, these can sometimes help by blocking the release of histamines, which are chemicals that cause allergic reactions
  • Corticosteroids – these can reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system’s response to allergens
  • Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy – this involves exposing your pet to small doses of the allergen over time, in effort to build up their immunity to it
  • Topical treatments – these can include medicated shampoos, creams, or sprays that can be used to help relieve itching and soothe irritated skin

Prevention of Pet Seasonal Allergies

While you may not be able to completely prevent your pet from developing seasonal allergies, there are some steps you can take to minimize their exposure to allergens. Some of these include:

  • Keep your pet indoors on days with a high allergen counts
  • Bathe and groom your pet regularly to remove pollen and other allergens from their fur
  • Work with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is on a quality parasite preventative plan as fleas and insect bites can cause allergic flares
  • Vacuum and dust regularly to help keep your home clean and free from dust and to reduce the amount of allergens in your pets environment