Spring is in the air and so are pesky allergens that can cause allergies in every family member including your four-legged friends! Like humans, cats and dogs can have chronic allergies any time of year. They can also have seasonal allergies that arrive with the warm weather as nature comes out of hibernation and pollen fills the air.

Sources of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Dogs can have allergic reactions to a variety of common environmental and household substances, but can be especially prone to the extra pollen in the grass and air. Other common environmental causes of pet allergies include:

• Dust
• Dust mites
• Grass
• Ragweed
• Mold
• Dander
• Feathers
• Flea bites

Certain breeds are also predisposed to developing seasonal allergies in the spring. Allergies are more common in Terriers, Retrievers, Setters, and dogs with short snouts including Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.

Seasonal Springtime Allergies in Cats

Cats can also develop seasonal allergies, especially those that spend time outdoors. Like dogs, cats can have allergic reactions to pollen and other allergens that are more active in the spring.

Seasonal Cat Allergy Symptoms

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms that may indicate your pet has an allergy:

• Itching (including excessive scratching, hair loss, red skin or skin irritation)
• Red, watery eyes
• Excessive paw licking
• Ear infections (watch for excessive head shaking or scratching of ears)
• Sneezing (and “reverse sneezing” in dogs, and rarely in cats, when air is inhaled rapidly through the nose)

If your pet is showing any of these five common signs of allergies you should consult your veterinarian.

Tips for Reducing Seasonal Allergies in Pets

You can help reduce spring allergy symptoms for your dog or cat by keeping them indoors, particularly on dry, windy days. Also, keep them inside after mowing the lawn, weed pulling, or gardening. Using the air conditioning instead of fans will also reduce the pollen in the air indoors, as well as dusting and vacuuming frequently.

Treating Your Pet's Allergies

Sometimes symptoms for seasonal allergies will overlap with food allergies or other environmental allergies so diagnosis may be difficult and is best managed by a veterinarian who can prescribe medication if necessary. Diet can help treat allergies such as feeding your dog Omega 3 fatty acids, and yucca for cats and dogs.

To treat itching or skin conditions due to allergies, make sure to wipe your pet’s paws after walking outside and use shampoos that contain pet friendly moisturizers or soothing emollients. Antihistamines are readily available as over-the-counter medication and can be helpful for treating skin allergies in certain pets, however, research has shown that most antihistamines offer little relief to pets for skin allergies.¹ Regardless, you should consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog or cat. Enjoy the spring with healthy pets, not sneezing pets.

Seasonal allergies might come and go over the course of the year, however, they can still be costly to treat. Pets Best pet insurance can help reimburse pet parents for their pet's allergy treatments provided the allergy isn't pre-existing. Every Pets Best policy also includes access to a 24/7 Pet Helpline so you can speak to a veterinary professional about your pet's allergies day or night.

*Terms and conditions apply. See policy for details.

References

¹ Gilbert, S. (n.d.). Why Antihistamines Fail to Control Itch in Dogs. Retrieved from Zoetis: https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/why-antihistamines-fail-control-itch-dog#:~:text=Antihistamines%2C%20like%20Benadryl%C2%AE%2C%20have,dogs%5B1%2C3%5D.