Most springtime allergies are caused by environmental conditions, like the increased level of pollen in the air when flowers bloom, and grass, weeds and trees flourish.
Sean McCormack, Head Vet at dog nutrician experts tails.com has shared the signs of seasonal allergies in dogs, as well as the steps you can take to protect your dog from any discomfort during spring.
He explained: “Seasonal allergies, like other types, develop when your dog’s immune system overreacts to something living in the environment, which could be in the home, garden and other places you visit with your canine companion.
“Common triggers for allergic reactions that your dog may face include dust, pollen, mould spores, plants or animal fibres. These allergens are inhaled or absorbed into the skin when your dog comes into contact with them.”
Here are the symptoms and what you can do to avoid them.
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5. Hair loss
If you notice that your dog is losing more hair than usual, this may also be a sign of seasonal allergies affecting them through the spring period. Allergies are a common trigger for hair loss in dogs, as they often lead to skin irritation. Hair loss can appear in a single spot, in patches or all over the body. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Head shaking
Dogs instinctively shake their heads to relieve discomfort, itchiness or irritation in or around the ears. If your dog shakes their head once or twice, then it's usually nothing to be concerned about, but if they are excessively shaking and vigorously, it's worth a trip to the vet. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Red, irritated skin
Red and irritated skin can be a red flag for an allergic reaction, caused by either your dog’s diet, their surrounding environment or by parasites. It can be painful, itchy and uncomfortable, which will often prompt dogs to scratch, lick and chew themselves. If your dog has inflamed, red skin contact your vet. They will identify and treat the skin rash. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Red, swollen eyes
In most cases, if your dog’s eyes are red or swollen, chances are they have been exposed to an irritating allergen. To treat any sort of eye swelling or irritation in dogs, you need to take your pet to the vet, so that they can recommend the correct treatment method. Photo: Canva/Getty Images