Ten per cent of pet owners believe their cat or dog has been suffering from hay fever, with this year’s high pollen count bringing irritation and discomfort for many pets as well as humans.
However, a survey by Pets at Home and Petplan® insurance has revealed that nearly half of pet owners admit they would not feel confident in recognising if their pet has pollen allergies, as the symptoms can be different to those of people.
Pollen allergies in pets are common, although the condition is known as Atopic Dermatitis rather than the typical respiratory symptoms you see in people with hay fever. Common symptoms for dogs and cats include licking or biting paws, excessive scratching, redness of skin, shaking their head and being more tired than usual. Weepy eyes and sneezing can also be seen in pets, but it is fairly rare.
39 per cent of pet owners said their pet has had an upset stomach over the summer, and 17 per cent have been stung by a bee. One in five (19 per cent) say their pet has suffered from overheating during the warmer months, although the majority of owners (84 per cent) are confident in recognising if their pet was too hot.
Pets at Home and Petplan® insurance are warning pet owners to be vigilant whilst enjoying the heatwave with their pet, particularly with the variety of different environments pets may be exposed to.
To help protect pets during the summer, ensure they have access to fresh water, try to avoid taking them on walks during the hottest times of the day, never leave them in a hot car and ensure they have somewhere cool to shade themselves should they need it. Also, make sure you have pet insurance to help cover the cost of treating any unexpected conditions that occur as a result of the warmer weather.
More than a quarter of owners said their pet will be joining them in a pub or beer garden this summer, with 43 per cent going to the beach and 21 per cent attending a summer BBQ. In 2017, Petplan® saw a higher number of accident claims in July which may be due to the variety of outdoor environments pets were exposed to during the summer months.
Jonny Armstrong, Head of Insurance for Pets at Home, said: “Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy trips out and outdoor time with your pet, but whether you’re hitting the beach or the beer garden it’s worth bearing in mind that pets can be affected by things just like humans – such as allergies, insect stings and over exposure to the sun.
“The symptoms for some of these aren’t always immediately obvious, so keep a close eye on your four-legged friend for any changes in their behaviour. If you suspect your pet has an injury or is showing effects of the summer months then visit your vet immediately.”
The top 10 summer complaints/conditions for pets are:
- Upset stomach
- Overheating
- Bee sting
- Eaten a cooked meat bone from a BBQ
- Dehydration
- Drinking sea water
- Pollen allergies
- Burnt paws
- Sunburn
- Reaction to a plant/flower
