For many people, spring is a time full of sneezing, scratching, and sniffling due to seasonal allergies. However, this common health issue affects more than just people. As Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia explains, pets are also known to develop spring allergies. Since the problem can develop differently in animals—and require different treatment—this veterinarian in Maryland highlights a few important things to know about pet allergies.

What Are the Signs My Pet Has Spring Allergies?

When cats and dogs are exposed to allergens, it’s not common for them to develop serious respiratory problems and runny noses as humans might. Instead, they typically develop a skin reaction known as atopic dermatitis. This symptom can be identified if your cat or dog is scratching more than usual, or if their skin looks visibly red, dry, or inflamed.

What Causes Allergies in Animals?

If your four-legged friend has allergic reactions only in the spring, they are most likely sensitive to pollen, mold, or ragweed that they inhale. When exposed to these allergens, an animal’s immune system will incorrectly identify it as a threat and release a natural protein known as histamine. Histamine is designed to fight infections, but it can also cause skin inflammation, redness, and other reactions.

How Can You Help a Pet With Allergies?

The best way to minimize your pet’s symptoms is to limit their exposure to the outdoors, particularly during the spring. Regularly bathing, brushing, and moisturizing your animal may also help soothe irritated, itchy skin. If you want to reduce the allergens inside your home, consider installing an air filtration system that uses HEPA filters to remove contaminants.

How Can Veterinarians Help Ease Symptoms?

While the above steps can help, it’s possible that your companion still has uncomfortable allergy symptoms. In these instances, it is best to visit a pet clinic. In addition to diagnosing the condition, veterinarians can prescribe antihistamine tablets to reduce symptoms or topical medications to stop itching. 

If your furry friend is scratching up a storm this spring, turn to the specialists at Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia. Serving the animals of Maryland for more than 30 years, this veterinarian has the expertise necessary to accurately diagnose skin problems—including those caused by allergies, fleas, and infections. Placing a priority on client comfort, this pet clinic will develop a treatment plan to ease symptoms and improve your cat or dog’s quality of life. For more information on these pet care services, visit this animal hospital online. To schedule an appointment, call a friendly team member at (410) 995-6880.