Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/seasonal-allergies-dogs/

When the weather starts to turn warmer and the flowers start to bloom, some people consider it a beautiful time of year, but others prepare for more sniffling and sneezing.

Seasonal allergies are a reality for many people, but did you know they can also be a reality for your dog?

According to The Mint Hill Times, a veterinarian in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Susan Bonilla, says that seasonal allergies occur because of factors that exist at a specific time of the year. This can include anything from mold to dust mites, pollen, and fresh grass.

She goes on to say: “While humans will typically experience sneezing plus a runny nose and eyes due to seasonal allergies, dogs more often have itching and red skin — though they can have symptoms similar to humans as well.”

The American Kennel Club says that your dog may experience red skin and itching around the face or on the paws. Those are the most likely places, although each dog can experience allergies in their own way.

Your dog may also have other signs of allergies, including biting at their skin, rubbing their face, or licking. Bonilla said to watch for your dog acting in such a way, rubbing on the furniture or carpet or licking themselves more frequently, and if you see it, check with your veterinarian.

More serious issues can arise if the problem is not corrected. She says: “If they continue such behavior, it can lead to raw patches, which can then potentially lead to painful infections requiring additional treatment.”

Dogs and humans experience allergies for the same general reasons. A dog can be exposed to the allergen as it is absorbed through the skin or inhaled, according to a veterinarian specializing in allergies, Dr. Leigh Burkett, as reported by PetMD.

If you have allergies, you may be familiar with some of the allergy testing methods, such as blood testing or skin testing. Burket said it is also possible to do this on a dog, and it can help to determine what is behind the symptoms.

According to the outlet, she spoke about the skin testing that can be done with dogs, saying:

“Skin testing is the most accurate type of allergy test … The fur is clipped in a small area, and a series of very small amounts of allergens are injected into your dog’s skin. The degree of the allergic reaction to each allergen determines whether your dog is allergic to it.”

Although there may be some things that can be done to treat the allergy symptoms, avoiding what is leading to the allergies is usually the best option.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog