While you may think that seasonal allergies are exclusive to humans, your canine companions can also experience allergic reactions to pollen, mold, fleas, and dust mites. Their symptoms may worsen during spring and fall, requiring a trip to a pet health professional. Below is more information that your dog is experiencing these issues.

What Are Common Indications of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?

1. Skin Inflammation 

When your dogs ingest allergenic particles, their bodies release histamines that increase blood flow to the skin. This occurs so that the immune system can fight the allergens and push them out of the body. As a result, your pup’s skin may become red, inflamed, and itchy. While they may experience generalized inflammation over the whole body, redness and puffiness can also affect specific areas, such as the stomach and ears.

You may also notice your dog licking their paws often. As histamines move through the body to attack allergens, they push out through the paws, causing itching and discomfort. Dogs attempt to soothe this sensation by licking the area. 

2. Excessive Scratching

When your canine companion is experiencing an allergic reaction, they may scratch and bite at their skin. Typically this happens due to flea bites, which happen around the groin, hind legs, and lower back.

Additionally, they might scoot their bottom against the carpet to scratch at bug bites or rashes. Excessive scratching and biting may break the skin and allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing infections. 

3. Shedding & Balding

While dogs tend to shed in the fall and prepare their coat for cold weather, excessive scratching due to seasonal allergies may cause them to lose more hair than usual. Eventually, you might notice bald patches on their body, revealing a rough, red patch of skin. This area will also be flaky and swollen due to the immune system’s response. However, you can soothe your dog’s discomfort with medication from a pet health professional.

When your pups need relief from seasonal allergies, contact Parker Animal Clinic. These pet health professionals provide checkups and examinations to treat allergic reactions and infections in canines throughout Clarksville, AR. Call (479) 754-5656 to book an appointment for pet diagnostics or flea treatment. Visit the website to learn more about emergency pet health services. For discounts on special medications and dog food, visit their online store.