Spring is a gorgeous and deeply welcome time here in North Bay, Ontario, where winter is often a brutally cold and seemingly endless affair. 

But the season of new growth and warmth isn’t without its own risks. If you’re a caregiver for North Bay, ON pets, you might notice that your pet starts showing signs of discomfort. Itchiness. Sneezing. Watery eyes. 

Could it be seasonal allergies? Dogs and cats do get allergies, and here’s what the team at Parkside Animal Hospital wants you to know about them.

What You Should Know About Allergies

Your pet can develop allergies at any time of her life. So even if she’s never struggled with allergies before, that can change this spring. Landscapes change and environments shift. Veterinary research even shows that some allergic conditions, like atopic dermatitis, can have a delayed onset. 

In other words, dogs and cats might develop signs of dermatitis months, or even years, after they’re first exposed to allergens like dust mites, pollen, or mold. 

Allergies are more than just a nuisance, too. Ongoing inflammation associated with your pet’s allergies can increase her risk of bacterial or yeast infections. Chronic itching and discomfort can also affect your pawsome pal’s sleep, behavior, and overall wellbeing. 

Common Signs of Spring Allergies in Pets

Allergies often show up the most prominently in your pet’s skin and ears. You might notice that your dog spends a lot of time scratching, chewing, or licking a specific spot on her tail, belly, paw, or head. Or, she might develop red, bald patches—hotspots—after repeated chewing and scratching. 

Your kitty might spend an excessive amount of time grooming or licking herself. She might vocalize more due to discomfort, or scratch areas of her head, paws, or belly. 

If you notice any of these signs of discomfort, a visit to the vet is in order. 

Seasonal Allergy Care You Can Start at Home

While you wait for a scheduled vet visit, take these steps to reduce your pet’s exposure to allergens at home: 

• Wipe down paws and coat after time outside. Rinse your pet’s paws off and wipe her coat down after she goes outside to remove irritants like pollen or mites. 
• Use veterinarian-recommended allergy-treating shampoos. These formulas contain ingredients that can help remove allergens and soothe inflamed skin. 
• Stay on top of parasite prevention. To avoid an allergy-plus-parasites combo, make sure you stay up-to-date with all flea, tick, and heartworm preventives.
• Wash all bedding and keep the house clean. Regularly vacuum your home and clean your pet’s bedding in the washer to help keep allergens and parasites from flourishing indoors. 

If you need a North Bay, Ontario vet that understands the ins and outs of local allergens and parasites, the caring team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here to help. Call us at (705) 223-3404 to schedule a spring wellness visit today.