When spring finally emerges, many pet owners get excited to take their pets outside more often for walks and playtime in the yard or in parks. What pet owners may be surprised to discover, though, is that their furry friends may be allergic to seasonal pollen.

Both dogs and cats can suffer from springtime allergies the same way humans do. Spring is one of the most popular times for pet owners to bring their animals to the vet because of newly-discovered skin irritations, respiratory issues and more. Allergic reactions to ragweed, grasses, pollens, molds and trees might manifest themselves in a number of ways, so it is important you pay close attention to your pet to identify the most common signs and symptoms of springtime allergies.

Watch For These Pet Allergy Symptoms

If your pet was happy and healthy all winter but is now beginning to act strange after exposure to the outdoors, see if they have any of these six symptoms and take them to a vet as soon as possible to be tested:

1. Intense scratching: One of the most obvious signs of seasonal allergies in both cats and dogs is very intense scratching. Allergic reactions can cause extreme itchiness all over your pet’s body that they will continue to scratch in order to seek relief. Pets might even start biting or scratching themselves to alleviate the itchiness.
2. Inflamed or dry skin: Because of the excessive itchiness, a pet that has allergies will likely develop inflamed, red skin in patches. Allergies may cause dermatitis, or inflamed skin, on places the allergen has touched directly—such as the stomach and paws—or cause itchiness all over. Dry skin is also a common issue in pets with seasonal allergies, which can cause excess dandruff from dry skin flaking as well as an increase in shedding and hair loss.
3. Hot spots: If your furry friend has been itching, scratching and biting too much, they may draw blood and harm their skin, causing lesions, scabs, open sores and skin infections that only make the condition worse. Hot spots, which are common in dogs, are red, inflamed patches of skin that occur when a dog’s natural bacteria overwhelm the area.
4. Paw licking and rubbing: Paw licking, also very common in dogs, can also be a sign your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies, particularly because the paws may be what came in contact with the allergen. Both cats and dogs will also continually rub their faces on things like furniture or carpet to stop the itchiness. While some of this behavior is normal, you should recognize when it shifts from everyday grooming and scratching to obsessive behavior.
5. Ear infections: Dogs, in particular, are prone to problems with their ears when reacting to some springtime allergens. Their ear canals might become itchy and inflamed and they may develop chronic ear infections that are extremely uncomfortable to your dog. Look for excessive head shaking, pawing at the ears and ears that are red and waxy-looking.
6. Respiratory symptoms: Similar to how humans respond to seasonal allergies, your pets can also develop respiratory responses to allergens, particularly those they inhale. Cats are mostly prone to these symptoms, including coughing, sneezing and wheezing. They also might have a running nose or watery eyes. Respiratory issues might lead to trouble breathing and should be checked out by a vet immediately since it could lead to much more serious health problems.

Diagnosis and Treatments

If you notice your cat or dog exuding any of the above-mentioned symptoms of allergies, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Not only do allergies make your pets extremely uncomfortable, but it may turn out that the allergen is not seasonal at all—your pet may have food allergies or fleas, instead.

To rule out fleas and food allergies, the vet might run a few tests to determine the ultimate source of the allergy, then recommend a treatment plan to help your furry friend avoid allergic reactions in the future.

Some medications may help prevent allergic reactions, but you can monitor the allergy at home by giving your dog or cat regular baths and foot soaks to remove the allergens and soothe any irritated skin. Keeping your home clean and free of air-born allergens through the use of an air filter may also keep the symptoms to a minimum until the spring season passes.

When your dog or cat appears to be in distress from itchy and inflamed skin, don’t delay in taking action. By paying close attention to your pet’s symptoms and mitigating them when possible, you can keep your pet happy and healthy all season long.casual sex app freeлучшие производители ноутбуков