SPRING ALLERGIES IN DOGS

Spring allergies can affect both dogs and people, although the symptoms may differ.

Spring allergies are considered seasonal allergies, and they cause symptoms during the spring months as plants begin to bloom and flea populations develop.

In dogs, spring allergies can be classified into two categories: atopic allergies and flea allergies. A topic allergies are allergies that cause a skin reaction from an inhaled allergen, such as pollen or house dust. Flea allergies are caused by the dog’s body having a reaction to a protein in flea saliva, and it only takes a single flea bite to set off a reaction in a sensitive dog. Both are among the most common canine allergies.

Canine spring allergy symptoms can include itching, scratching, and biting or chewing on the legs and paws. In more extreme cases, hair loss and hot spots may develop as your dog continues to scratch at his skin. Your dog may also sneeze, cough or have watery eyes, although skin symptoms are more likely to occur than these typical human allergy symptoms.

A combination of skin and blood tests may be used to diagnose your dog’s spring allergies. These tests are designed to cause an allergic reaction between an allergen and a sample of your dog’s blood or his skin. When an allergic reaction is created, your veterinarian can then formulate a treatment plan for your pet because he or she will know which allergens are causing the problem.