If you’ve ever suffered from seasonal allergies, you know how uncomfortable a change in weather can be. Humans often suffer from watery eyes, stuffy noses, and head congestion that makes it hard to focus on even the simplest tasks. Your dog may be just as prone to suffering from these pesky seasonal allergies as you are. Keep reading to learn more about how seasonal allergies present in dogs and how you can help them find relief:
What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?
Allergies occur when the immune system sees an allergen as an intruder and elicits an attack to try to defend against it. Just like in humans, there are many allergens that could lead to an uncomfortable season for your pupper. Some of the most common offenders are:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust
- Weeds
- Grass
- Fungi
- Flea Saliva
Seasonal allergies are relatively common in dogs, but they can be hard to diagnose. If you notice frequent issues for your dog with the aforementioned symptoms, try to pay attention to them when they arise. You might start to see a seasonal pattern that could alert you that an environmental allergen is affecting your dog.
Signs of Seasonal Allergies
Many dogs who suffer from seasonal allergies will suffer from skin issues. This might cause your dog to experience itchiness around the paws, the ears, the wrists, the ankles, the underarms, or the groin area. If your dog is scratching more than normal, it might be a sign they are allergic to something outside.
Other dogs who have seasonal allergies might experience symptoms similar to those in humans, like:
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing or a runny nose
- Congestion when breathing
- Patches of hair loss
- Frequent ear infections
- Excessive licking of the paws
Diagnosis
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. The veterinarian can perform a series of tests to try to find the allergen (some dogs have food allergies or environmental allergies which can present with similar symptoms). The vet can also give you tips on helping your pup find relief from these symptoms.
Modern Allergy Problems
There is evidence that seasonal allergies are becoming more problematic in modern times. Many scientists attribute this to ecological changes as a result of global warming. According to Yale Medicine, we are seeing more pollen each year and longer allergy seasons. This can be problematic for both dogs and humans, and makes it much harder to find some reprieve from symptoms. It can help to wipe your dog’s paws thoroughly when they enter the house and to give them frequent baths so they don’t have as much pollen on their coat.
From seasonal allergy help to pet dental care, Westarbor Animal Hospital is here to help you keep your pets healthy and happy throughout the year. Our team of dedicated animal lovers wants to partner with you to ensure your pet has the best quality of life. Call (734) 769-5391 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
