Did you know your dog or cat can suffer from seasonal allergies just as you do? Now is the time of year when environmental allergies are at their peak. Some of the common causes of seasonal allergies include dust, dust mites, pollen, grass and flea bites.
Unlike humans whose allergy symptoms usually involve the respiratory tract, dog allergies and cat allergies more often take the form of skin irritation or inflammation – a condition called allergic dermatitis.
Here are a few signs that your pet may have seasonal allergies:
Itching
Is your pet constantly scratching themselves? This is a tell-tale sign of allergies. This is especially true if it gets worse when they have been outside.
Red, Irritated Skin
Like humans, dogs can break out in rashes and hives when they encounter something they are allergic to. Parts of their body that usually show these signs are on their belly, feet (particularly between the toes), and their ears.
Obsessive Licking
If your pet is constantly licking (pay close attention to belly and paws), this may be a sign that they are allergic to something in their environment.
Hair Loss
If the allergy has been left untreated and your pet continues to be exposed to the allergen, they can suffer hair loss.
Itchy, Irritated Ears
This is especially true with dogs, allergies often cause problems with their ears. Some signs that they’re having problems include scratching, head shaking and hair loss around the ears. If an infection is present there will often be odor and a discharge from the ears.
Hot Spots
When continuously exposed to the allergen without treatment, your pet can also can develop hot spots. The skin becomes inflamed and gets very red and may even bleed. They will also be hair loss.
Redness of Skin
Allergies cause red skin near their mouth, chin and paws.
Puffy Eyes
Just like humans, pets with allergies often get puffy, red eyes.
There are a few ways that seasonal allergies can be diagnosed and treated, most of which depend on the allergen itself. Overall, getting to the root of your dog’s allergy can take a bit of educated detective work.
The next question is, how do you help a pet with seasonal allergies? Two essential steps in managing their condition are regular foot soaks and baths during the warmer months when all those triggers are in bloom. The most important thing, however, is to seek help from your vet and work with them on a plan of treatment for your pet. Contact any Animal Health Center clinic with questions or make an appointment today.
