Summer is a fabulous time of the year where you can relax in the pool or simply just kick your soccer ball around. How can you possibly look forward to it when all you can think about is the incoming bout of hay fever?
Hay fever is a common problem in South Africa. It’s an allergic reaction to pollen in the air. Tracking down the type of pollen a person is allergic to can be tricky. You can narrow it down with the time of year and the circumstances. For example:
- August to February is the time for grass pollens
- July to September is the time for tree pollens
The best way to fix the problem is to avoid grassed areas – get someone else to mow and never lie down on a lawn. They also suggest using the water sprinkler to dampen down the pollen before you sit in the garden. Another interesting tip is to dampen down the fur of any pets who have been playing on the grass. (As they may well have picked up pollen in their coats).
There’s another option – skip the tablets and the mowing, and beat hay fever by choosing artificial grass. In South Africa we always like to think it will be a good summer with cool evenings. Where you can sit outside, enjoy the fresh air, and a braai with friends and family. With artificial grass in your garden, anyone with a grass allergy should be more than happy to come to the party!
What about my pets?
Did you know that even your animals can suffer from allergies?
It can be hard to tell whether your pet is being affected by the heat or the pollen.
Have you ever noticed weeping or inflamed/red eyes or overzealous grooming and scratching?
These are just a few of the symptoms of hay fever in pets:
If your pet is prone to allergies you have a few options. Most dogs won’t mind being hosed down (although it’s best to avoid wetting your cat). You can wipe your pet’s paws and coat with grooming wipes, or use a specialist brush. Make sure you groom them very regularly and keep long haired pets trimmed for their comfort. Make sure to sweep outside runs and wash bedding. Finally, you can consult your vet for allergy tablets.
You can also minimise your pets’ suffering with an artificial grass. Our artificial grass is pet friendly and perfect for every season.
With offices in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, give us a call on 021 212 9898 (Cape Town) or 010 442 0400 (Johannesburg)