With spring right around the corner, many people are facing their yearly struggle with seasonal allergies. Did you know animals can also suffer from allergies? Both dogs and cats can have an annual struggle when plants start to bloom. However, just as common are food and environmental allergies. It can be quite difficult to identify what is causing our pets distress, not just because they cannot tell us what they’re feeling, but because the symptoms of seasonal, environmental, and food allergies can cause similar symptoms.

Just like with people, nearly anything can cause an allergic reaction in animals. Some of the more common allergens are pollen, chemicals in household products, fleas, and foods like chicken, dairy, beef, eggs, corn, and soy. The symptoms of an allergic reaction may include sneezing, coughing, excessive scratching, extreme paw licking, hair loss, scabs, vomiting, diarrhea or varying levels of physical discomfort, including ear infections. If you notice any of these symptoms, the first stop should always be your veterinarian.

There are many ways to treat pet allergies, the easiest of which may simply be avoidance. If your dog is displaying seasonal allergy symptoms, simply moving his or her daily walk to a different time of day may alleviate the symptoms. Additionally, hypoallergenic wipes used at the end of each walk can remove pollen and dusts from fur and paws. Ensure your household air filters are cleaned regularly, as well as your rugs, curtains, cushions, and other soft surfaces which can trap allergens. Regular baths with sensitive skin shampoo can help ensure allergens do not build up and can relieve dry and itchy skin symptoms. In the case of food allergies, experimenting with an elimination diet, or buying specialized food may solve the problem. Finally, since flea allergies are so common, using a reliable flea repellent may avoid the problem in the first place. If the allergies are severe enough, your vet may need to prescribe medication.

Allergies can be miserable for both human and animal alike. Fortunately, there are many ways to help yourself and your furry friends. Remember to keep an eye open for symptoms which might indicate an allergic reaction and take the necessary steps if you see some. As with so many other problems, our pets cannot tell us when they are sick or uncomfortable, so it is our responsibility to look out for them and get the help they cannot ask for.