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.
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:
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.
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:
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: