Spring Allergies in Pets: Symptoms & Relief – Fox 5 San Diego

As spring arrived this week, veterinarians are noting a rise in allergy symptoms not just in people, but in their pets as well. The increase coincides with rising temperatures and a corresponding surge in pollen released by trees, grasses, and flowering plants.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pet owners should be vigilant for signs of seasonal allergies in their animals. These can include excessive licking or scratching, recurrent ear infections, skin redness, hair loss, and frequent head shaking. More unusual symptoms can also occur, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a distinctive “reverse sneezing” – a repeated snorting or honking sound.

While environmental allergens are a primary cause, the AVMA emphasizes that pet allergies aren’t always linked to outdoor factors. Fleas and specific ingredients within a pet’s food can also trigger allergic reactions.

The organization recommends allergy testing to identify specific allergens affecting a pet, allowing owners to minimize exposure. Maintaining a clean home environment is also crucial, including controlling mold growth, using hypoallergenic bedding, and wiping down a pet’s fur and paws after outdoor excursions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 25% of adults and nearly 21% of children in the United States experience seasonal allergies. The CDC further notes that climate change is impacting both the length and severity of allergy seasons. Research from Climate Central indicates that climate change contributes to earlier, longer, and more intense allergy seasons for millions of Americans, including roughly one in five children.

Climate research indicates that 87% of 198 U.S. Cities analyzed since 1970 have experienced an increase in freeze-free days annually, providing plants with an extended period for growth and pollen release. Dr. William Reisacher, an otolaryngic allergist with Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, previously stated that pollinating seasons are becoming longer and pollen levels are increasing.

Experts recommend proactive preparation for allergy season, starting at least two weeks before symptoms typically appear. This includes consulting with a veterinarian or allergist and regularly checking pollen counts.