If your pet has mild symptoms that come and go with the seasons, they might have spring allergies, most likely caused by pollen. In the spring, flowering trees, weeds, and other plants release pollen into the air to reproduce with nearby plants.
Airborne pollen can enter your dog or cat's system anytime they go outside, hang out by an open window, or even when pollen is carried in on your clothes and shoes. Proteins and lipids in pollen can cause immune system overreaction in sensitive pets. As many as every 1 in 10 dogs suffer from seasonal, and while cats don't spend much time outside, they are affected by allergies too.
Learn the signs of spring allergies to look out for, which non-specific symptoms can be mistaken for other health issues, and what to do to relieve your pet's spring allergy symptoms.

5 Signs of Spring Allergies in Dogs and Cats

1 Itching and scratching. Every dog ​​and cat has to scratch an itch every now and then, but if your pet is scratching more than usual, they might be experiencing an allergic reaction. Atopic dermatitis or allergic itch can be localized (on one part of the body) or generalized (all over.) Your pet might have an itchy face and paws if they walk and sniff through grass that's covered in pollen. flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)Or, in pets with , they will typically experience itching that affects their hind end, where they have been bitten by fleas. Generalized itching can happen with food sensitivities as well as environmental spring allergies.

2 Red, watery eyes. Just like humans, dogs and cats can experience red, itchy, irritated eyes when they're exposed to pollen outdoors. Clear, watery tearing is the eye's way of washing away allergens, but if you notice a thick, goopy, yellowish or greenish discharge, they likely have conjunctivitis, an eye infection that requires veterinary care.

3 Sneezing. Like eye-watering, sneezing is the body's way of expelling allergens from the respiratory system. Frequent sneezing accompanied by clear droplets is likely caused by an environmental allergy, but if you notice yellowish or greenish mucus, your pet may have an upper respiratory infection. Also look out for fever, poor appetite, or lethargy, which can point to an infection that requires immediate treatment.

4 Excessive paw licking. While it's normal for both dogs and cats to occasionally lick their paws as part of their daily grooming, excessive licking can indicate pain or itch. In pets with light colored fur, you might notice rust-colored discoloration caused by saliva. Itchy paws can be a result of contact allergies, or yeast overgrowth caused by a food insensitivity. Sometimes paw licking is associated with numbness, pain, and tingling in pets with neck or nerve injuries. Paw licking should clear up if you avoid contact with allergens and wipe your pet's paws when they come indoors, but if it persists, contact your veterinarian.

5 Red, itchy ears. Seasonal allergies can affect the outer ear, causing redness and itching, and the ear may overproduce wax to try to expel the allergen, causing an oily feel. As your pet has itches and scratches, the delicate skin of the ear canal becomes more susceptible to infection. Odor, excessive and discolored discharge may indicate an ear infection that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage and hearing loss.

Relieve Symptoms of Spring Allergies in Pets

If you suspect your pet has spring allergies, see your vet as soon as possible to rule out other issues, including food sensitivities. Your vet may recommend diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which you can give only under your vet's guidance to ensure your pet gets a safe and effective dosage. Or, your pet may need a prescription allergy medication or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to keep their symptoms under control.

Try these steps to reduce your pet's exposure to allergens:

If your pet's symptoms don't improve, see your veterinarian. Spring allergy symptoms in pets can be more than just a nuisance, they can also make your pet more vulnerable to secondary infections. With your pet's symptoms under control, they can enjoy a happy, healthy, itch-free spring season.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.