TAMPA, Fla. — It's allergy season for many in the Tampa Bay Area, which also means it's allergy season for many pets as well.
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ABC Action Weather meteorologist Greg Dee says tree pollen in the area is extremely prevalent right now, and that means pets are sneezing and itching.
Itching dogs can sometimes lead to skin irritation which can lead to bigger problems, such as rashes, raw ears, weepy sores and more, according to veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, who was the resident veterinary contributor on “Good Morning America” for 17 years, and a nationally recognized expert and author.
Becker tells Good Morning America that the most common cause of allergies in dogs and cats is from flea bites that leave allergens behind in the bite — but pets also are allergic to more common allergens like seasonal pollens, house dust, molds and animal dander.
When they're allergic, pets will show some symptoms like humans, such as sneezing, but their skin is also affected, says Becker.
"You'll notice your pet scratching, licking their skin, rubbing their faces, causing a lot of collateral damage," Becker said.
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What can you do?
The easiest and cheapest thing you can do is just wipe your dog down.
If your dog is susceptible to allergies, wipe their face, underside and paws with unscented baby wipes after she goes for a walk, especially if the dog spends a lot of time sniffing the grass or brush, says a veterinarian experts at BluePearl pet hospitals in the Tampa Bay Area.
That can help remove allergens.
If your dog is susceptible to allergies, wipe her face, underside and paws with unscented baby wipes after she goes for a walk, especially if she spends a lot of time sniffing the grass or brush. That can help remove allergens.
BluePearl veterinarians use a range of diagnostic techniques to identify pet allergies, including allergy testing with the purpose of developing a vaccine to lessen the allergic response.
Other treatments can include vaccines, antihistamines, steroids, the use of air filters, bathing and avoidance of the allergens.
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