Rumor has it Spring has sprung, which means warmer, drier weather, and potential allergies for pet and human alike. As a person whose enjoyed the companionship of many pets over the years, I’ve also dealt with numerous health issues, including pet allergies. Unlike a bladder stone or a broken bone which have a clear course of treatment and outcome, allergies can be one of the most frustrating issues to deal with. Pet food allergies are a bit more straightforward – avoid what your pet is allergic to once it’s been identified. But, environmental and skin allergies are tough nuts to crack.

My cat, Ace, is a long-haired Ginger cat who was constantly licking at herself. In fact anytime I touched her, she’d begin licking furiously. After numerous trips to a veterinary dermatologist and many tests that were inclusive, we accepted that this might be an issue that would never be fixed. However, we noticed that Ace acted up more in the warm weather and tended not to groom as much. One year, we had a groomer shave her down and she was in 7th Heaven. We could check her skin for scabs and rashes and treat accordingly, and she could actually enjoy being scratched. Now every late Spring, we have Ace shaved.  It’s not quite the resolution we were looking for, but sometimes you have to accept small victories where you can!

One natural remedy that is completely safe and that has offered Ace some relief over the years is a catnip bath. Catnip, which is a member of the mint family, may be brewed as a tea, cooled down, and sponged onto your pet’s skin. While it doesn’t rid your pet of their allergies, it can offer some relief from itchy skin and no, it won’t make your cat go crazy. Catnip is 100% natural and non-toxic for pets, so try it out on your itchy dog, too.

As with any health issue, you should always consult with your veterinarian to rule out more serious issues and to ensure that your pet receives the very best treatment possible.

Happy Spring!
Cynthia