How Does Climate Change Affect Your Pets?

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Causes of pet allergies

Higher temperatures both in the summer and in general means more allergens and a longer allergy season. According to this PNAS study on climate change, humans have a higher chance of suffering from asthma and allergies because of the increase in airborne pollen. Why is there more pollen? The warmer temperatures make plants bloom for longer periods of time, which leads to more pollen in the air. Also, when there’s higher humidity, there’s a lot more mold. And here’s how it all links back to your fur baby – both pollen and mold are major allergens for both humans and pets.

Signs your pet may be suffering from allergies

Yep, that’s right. Allergies don’t just happen to us! Your dog or cat may suffer from seasonal allergies too. Here are some of the signs to look out for:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Skin irritation and itching
• Increased licking
• Head shaking
• Excessive ear scratching

It’s a pest party out there

When it’s a hot day, the pests come to play. The warmer it gets, the more ticks, fleas, mosquitos, and ringworm thrive. Here’s a breakdown of these summer-loving pests and what you can do to treat the nasty stuff they cause.

Ringworm

Contrary to its name, ringworm is not a worm, but rather a fungus. This fungal infection loves sticky, moist environments. Ringworm is contagious, so if one of your pets has it, they can easily spread it through direct contact to other pets – or you, for that matter. Since ringworm spores can stay alive on surfaces for a distressing amount of time, it’s important to wash all your pet’s toys, bedding, collars, and leashes regularly. You can treat your pet with a medicated shampoo from your vet to lower their chances of spreading it or getting it again themselves, but severe cases may require systemic antifungals.

Fleas

They’re always around, but fleas love a 75-degree day as much as we do. The best way to prevent fleas from hopping onto your pup is to administer regular topical or oral veterinary-approved flea prevention. If your pet gets fleas, make sure to clean their bedding and vacuum your carpets to avoid reinfestation. A bath with a flea shampoo can help kill and remove these pests as well.

Ticks

When it’s tick season, your pets can easily pick ticks up by brushing against a bush or tree, or running through tall grass. As tick season gets longer, you might find more of them on your furry friend. The best way to prevent ticks from attaching to your dog is to administer regular topical or oral tick prevention. Ticks can carry and transmit disease, so prevention is essential. If you find a tick on your pet, use tweezers to squeeze and pull the tick right at the surface of the skin to ensure the head is removed with the body, otherwise it might stay attached while the rest of the body snaps off. Yeah, we know – eww.

Mosquitoes

Actually, the itchy bug bite isn’t the big issue here. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworms, which can cause irreversible damage to the cardiovascular system. While there are topical products available that aim to repel mosquitoes, all pets should be on year-round heartworm prevention as this is the only way to avoid this devastating disease. If your pet gets bit, try and prevent them from scratching it to avoid worsening the skin irritation. 

Ways to support your pet when temperatures spike

Regular grooming

Bathing your pet is important to getting allergens off their fur and allows the opportunity to spot pests early. 

Track allergy season

Pay attention to the pollen count and to when allergy season is high in your area. Plan certain outdoor activities accordingly for allergic pets.

Clean your home

Make sure your home is free from mold and that the areas your pets spend the most time in are kept clean. 

Immune boost

A stronger immune system means your pet will be less likely to be affected by allergens. A healthy diet and omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help strengthen their skin barrier as well.

Work with your vet

Whether you notice your pet scratching or you want to get ahead of the problem, consider consulting with your regular veterinarian. 

As pet parents, it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves on pet allergies and the associated symptoms, but even the most prepared people can run into issues from time to time. If and when you do, you want to make sure your pet gets the best treatment, rather than just the one you can afford. That’s where Animalia Pet Insurance for dogs and cats steps in. With our coverage, summer will be nothing more than fun in the sun with the financial stress of vet bills off your back.

Jannah Berkley

Jannah is a traveling writer and journalist, originally from NYC. She’s always loved animals, even though she has to take allergy pills to cuddle them. When she was young, she used to volunteer at animal shelters and help at a wild animal rescue organization. Since becoming a digital nomad, she’s traversed all across the world as a dog and cat sitter.

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Reviewd by

Dr. Amanda Chambers