Allergy signs are all-too common when April and May roll around and the flowers bloom in full-force. Itchy eyes, excess sneezing, runny nose, and congestion are just as annoying and even more persistent than the common cold. But did you know that dogs and cats can also suffer from seasonal allergies? The symptoms are similar to those in humans, but the treatment is a little different. Here's what you can do to make sure your furry friends are comfortable during this transitional weather.
If you have a dog, you're in luck. Daily Paws reported that "respiratory allergies are much less common in dogs than in humans and cats," though they're still possible. They're triggered in pets by inhaling an allergen like pollen or mold spores. Dogs react similarly to the way we do. One whiff of an allergen and they start to huff, sneeze, rub their eyes, scratch their ears, lick their paws, and feel overall itchy and irritated.
Whether you have a cat or a dog, the easiest way to avoid these reactions is to wipe your pet down with an unscented dryer sheet after walks or time spent outdoors to help get rid of any pollen that may have landed on their coat. If you have a pet who doesn't mind this, you can gently vacuum them off with a special pet attachment. Weekly baths are the more thorough route to take, but pets typically don't love that. If these options don't work, you should consider consulting your vet.