Managing Spring Allergies in Pets: Guidance for Owners

As spring arrives, pet owners may notice their animals itching more than usual, often due to seasonal allergies. The Dermatology Team at LSU Vet Med’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital includes three board-certified dermatologists who are ready to collaborate with local veterinarians to enhance your pet's comfort and quality of life.

Allergies typically increase in spring when tree, grass, and weed pollen levels rise, and mold spores become more prevalent due to humidity and rain. Pets can also bring allergens indoors on their fur and paws.

Common signs that pets may be suffering from allergies include excessive scratching, licking, or chewing—particularly of their paws; red or irritated skin; ear infections and frequent head shaking; watery eyes and nasal discharge; hair loss or hot spots; and scooting or licking their rear, which can indicate skin irritation.

The areas most commonly affected by allergies are the paws (especially between the toes), belly and groin, ears, and the face around the eyes.

To help alleviate their pets' allergy symptoms, owners should consider the following recommendations:

- Wipe your pet's paws and coat after outdoor activities.

- Bathe pets regularly using shampoos recommended by a veterinarian.

- Frequently wash pet bedding.

- Keep grass trimmed and limit outdoor exposure during high pollen periods.

- Employ year-round flea prevention, as flea allergies can aggravate symptoms.

Veterinary care should be sought if symptoms persist or worsen; if there are signs of skin infections such as odor, discharge, or sores; or if the pet is showing discomfort or sleep disturbances.

Treatment options provided by veterinarians may include prescription allergy medications, antihistamines, medicated shampoos, topical treatments, allergy testing, immunotherapy (such as allergy shots or drops), treatments for secondary infections, and specialty diets.

Pet owners are advised not to administer human allergy medications without the guidance of a veterinarian. While allergies can often be managed and are not typically curable, early intervention can greatly improve a pet's comfort and overall quality of life.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana, committed to enhancing the lives of animals and people through education, research, and compassionate care.