Bounding through verdant meadows, tumbling on blossom-adorned hills, and frolicking in the crisp spring breeze might appear to be a fantasy for your furry friend, particularly after the harshness of winter. Yet, the new season brings with it more than just the splendor that winter’s chill has taken away; it also ushers in a time of allergies — and irritation — that could cause your pets to favor the comforts of home.

Dr. Christina Gentry, a clinical assistant professor with the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, equips pet owners with knowledge regarding the signs and essential treatments for upcoming seasonal allergies.

What The Breeze Delivered

As the warming climate beckons pet owners and their companions outdoors for strolls, it’s crucial to bear in mind that their spring adventures expose pets to a surge of allergens that can impact their wellbeing.

“Generally, a minimum of 10% of the canine population is recognized to experience the challenges of allergy season,” Gentry stated. “This period typically aligns with spring, as trees begin dispersing pollen around Valentine’s Day each year.”

Some of the environmental allergens your pet might face outside include tree, grass, and weed pollens as well as molds found in the outdoor environment. While many individuals associate environmental allergens primarily with the outside world, they can also thrive within your house in forms such as dust mites and storage mites, which are prevalent throughout the year; the influence of various allergen sources can sometimes intensify seasonal allergies for pets.

Moreover, while seasonal allergies usually peak during plant blooming, allergic responses may linger even after flowering has ceased due to allergens maintaining a presence on grass surfaces and in indoor settings, according to Gentry.

The duration of allergy season can also be prolonged due to the extensive travel range of allergens carried by the wind.

“Allergens have the capability to traverse many miles,” Gentry remarked. “We commonly envision pollen circulating within a specific area, but records indicate that red cedar allergens — responsible for winter-cedar fever — can migrate from north Texas/Oklahoma all the way to Canada when wind conditions favor it.”

Unending Discomfort

While humans frequently exhibit upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes as a response to allergies, such reactions are rarely seen in dogs, according to Gentry.

Instead, pets suffering from seasonal allergies often display signs like:

• Scratching
• Itching
• Licking their skin
• Biting and gnawing at their skin
• Rubbing/rolling across grass, floors, and furniture
• Scooting their rear end

“It’s vital to note that dogs’ immune systems primarily interact with allergens through their skin, with the respiratory system contributing to a lesser extent,” Gentry explained. “This explains why we observe skin and ear indications in allergic dogs much more frequently than respiratory symptoms.”

Seeking Relief

Diagnosing allergies in companion animals can be quite challenging; thus, veterinarians typically begin by eliminating all other potential causes for the itch, such as parasites or food sensitivities.

If such allergens have been excluded or are being concurrently addressed, a veterinary dermatologist like Gentry will proceed with allergy assessment through methods such as blood tests for serum analysis or intradermal (within the skin) tests following sedation of the dog.

“This process enables veterinarians to formulate immunotherapy injections or recommend oral immunotherapy to effectively mitigate the allergy effects,” she stated. “Alternative online tests utilizing hair or saliva lack accuracy and are not advisable with regard to pet allergies.”

Mark Your Schedule

Avoiding allergens is nearly unattainable, as common offenders can be found both indoors and outdoors, making the initial step in managing seasonal allergies to be vigilant for clinical symptoms.

“Based on a pet’s history, an owner may already recognize that their dog suffers from allergies every spring/summer, and they should devise a proactive plan with their veterinarian to lessen the severity of the clinical symptoms,” Gentry recommended.

Gentry also suggests washing affected pets once or twice a week with a veterinary-recommended shampoo to minimize allergen build-up on the fur.

“Pet owners should reach out to their veterinarian if they notice any clinical signs related to allergies, especially in cases of hair loss, odors, or skin redness, as these may signal a skin infection triggered by allergic skin irritation,” Gentry advised.

By keeping up with baths and any prescribed treatments, pet owners can help ensure that their furry friends enjoy a spring that is as comfortable — and itch-free — as possible.

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