Your DOG can get seasonal allergies too - here's how to tell if your pup is affected and how to help them

If your dog is scratching themselves more this spring, it might not be fleas. 

Seasonal allergies like 'hay fever' hit our canine companions differently, according to veterinarians who have seen an uptick in cases in recent years — and your pet's symptoms might be manifesting as persistent itching, rashes and trouble sleeping.

Vets have recommended keeping your dog's preventative flea medication up to date, for starters, to reduce the chances of confusing symptoms this time of year.

Here are the warning signs of canine spring allergies and the treatments you can put into action to alleviate your pet's suffering.

'Dogs don't get asthma or hay fever,' according to veterinary professor Douglas DeBoer from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 'Dogs manifest [allergies] by having itchy, inflamed skin.' 

Professor DeBoer, who specializes in dermatology at the college's School of Veterinary Medicine, noted that you might not ever know that your dog has mild seasonal allergies given that they tend to lightly scratch themselves all the time. 

'Whether or not an owner recognizes [these] kinds of seasonal allergies is mostly a reflection of how severe it is,' he noted.

Nevertheless, pet owners have become more concerned about the issue. 

One report, conducted by dog-friendly cottage rental firm Canine Cottages, found online searches for 'signs of allergies in dogs' have rocketed 5,000 percent since April.

Professor DeBoer advises any concerned dog owners that, if your pooch starts scratching themselves so much that they it starts bleeding — or that it interferes with their ability to sleep — then it's time to take them to the vet for an allergy check.

According to Professor DeBoer, these types of allergies typically emerge within the first three years of a dog's life, if they happen at all.

And some breeds are more susceptible to canine 'hay fever' too, just like allergies in humans are often linked to genetics and heredity. So, owners of retrievers, terriers, and French bulldogs may want to be especially alert, he told Inverse.

But, in the near-term before that vet visit, Professor DeBoer said that even some over-the-counter medications meant for humans, like hydrocortisone cream, are safe and very effective for dogs struggling with an allergic itch on their paws or hairless belly.

'The problem in dogs is you have this big, hairy body,' Professor DeBoer said. 

'Creams or lotions would theoretically work on a dog, but they're not practical to use [all over].' 

Over-the-counter fixes will only take you so, of course, dog behaviorist Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, a researcher at the University of Surrey in the UK, agreed.

'It is always worth checking with your veterinarian if you're unsure or if symptoms persist,' Dr Scales-Theobald told National World.

But Dr Scales-Theobald noted that there are other clues your dog might have season allergies, beyond scratching, if you're willing to do a little detective work.

If your pooch is acting up and scratching more after a long trip or vacation in the countryside this time of year, it might be one sign of a seasonal allergy.

Traditionally, the term 'hay fever' is a nontechnical term for allergies that are most commonly triggered by pollen from blooming plants — so local air quality forecasts that list pollen levels could also help you give your pet a preliminary diagnosis.

In extreme cases, according to Dr Scales-Theobald, a dog will show signs of 'hay fever' more common in humans: symptoms like itchy eyes, a runny nose or sneezing.

'Excessive licking, particularly around their ears and paws, sneezing, puffy and watery eyes, red and inflamed skin, hives, hot spots, head shaking and/or rubbing their face, and even hair loss and breathing issues', are all symptoms to look out for with your dog, she said. 

The PhD dog behaviorist noted that, beyond medication prescribed by a vet, there are several good habits you can employ to help treat your dog's seasonal allergies.

Because polled levels are typically lower in the late afternoon and early evening, for example, you may want to save walks for those times of day, and avoid high-pollen areas of your neighborhoods and parks.

Wiping down your pup's paws after walks and giving them regular baths could also reduce their exposure to the pollen that's triggering their allergic reaction.

'You could also consider incorporating anti-inflammatory treats and/or supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, into your dog's daily routine when you know peak season is approaching,' Dr Scales-Theobald said. 

'These take time to build up in their systems, so will need to be taken in advance to help reduce the intensity of flare-ups and reduce itching,' she added.

But, not all allergies are seasonal, Dr Scales-Theobald noted, so dog owners should also be mindful of other clues that might indicate a food allergy or an allergic response to your home environmental.  

Dairy, wheat, and chicken are all food that can produce digestive issues in some pets, the vet noted. 

And homebound issues like dust mites, mold and fabric conditioners, or your dog's grooming products, could all turn out to be the actual source of the allergic response, she said.